sikkerhedsbuffer

Sikkerhedsbuffer, or safety buffer, is a cushion of time, materials, money, or capacity reserved to absorb uncertainty and variation in planning, design, or operation. It helps protect objectives from unexpected events, such as delays, demand spikes, or component failures.

Common applications include project scheduling (padding on critical paths), inventory management (safety stock to cover variability in demand and lead time), finance (cash reserves aka liquidity buffers), and information technology or systems design (headroom to accommodate peak loads or unforeseen inputs).

Determining the size of a sikkerhedsbuffer depends on risk tolerance, historical variability, and service level requirements. Approaches include estimating the probability of delay or shortage and setting a buffer accordingly, using lead-time demand variability to determine safety stock, or allocating a percentage of total resources as contingency. In project management, methods such as three-point estimates or probabilistic planning can help quantify the buffer.

Trade-offs include reduced risk of disruption versus increased carrying costs or reduced efficiency. Buffers should be reviewed regularly and adjusted in light of new data, changing conditions, or after project completion. Transparent criteria for when to tighten or release buffers improve planning and resilience.