Pull system

Concept

A way of controlling production in which work is started only when the next step signals demand, instead of being pushed forward by a forecast or schedule. Kanban is its best-known tool.

Title graphic: Pull system (Concept)

Descrizione

In a pull system, an order or signal from the customer or the next process step starts the work. Nothing is made just because capacity is free. This is the opposite of a push system, where a plan or forecast releases work to the floor whether the next step is ready or not.

Pull limits work in progress, because a step stops when the buffer ahead of it is full. That makes queues short and delays visible. Typical tools are kanban cards, supermarkets of parts and fixed limits on work in progress. Pull fits repeating products with fairly steady demand. For very varied or one-off products, many plants mix both: pull where flow is stable, scheduled push where it is not.

Tipo	Concept
Noto anche come	Pull principle, Pull production, Pull-Prinzip, Pull-System

Articles about Pull system (1)

Just-in-Time Manufacturing: Benefits, Risks and Prerequisites
2026-11-11 · Mirko Peters
Just in time manufacturing makes only what is needed, when it is needed. See the benefits, the supply risks and what must be in place before you cut stock.

Relationship map of Pull system: linked topics

Related to

iFAKT GmbH · Organization
Just-in-time production · Concept
Kanban · Concept
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Lean management · Concept
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Glossario

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Esperti e aziende per questo argomento

Mirko Peters · Microsoft MVP

Sources

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Articles on this topic: 1

Maintained by Mirko Peters (Microsoft MVP) · Last updated: 2026-11-11