A Pull System is a control-oriented system that operates by receiving signals that more production is needed. A pull system is contrasted with a typical push system that is common with mass production.
Use: In a pull system, the requirement to produce more occurs as a ‘signal’ from one process to the previous process. This is counter to the way a lot of processes operate. Conventional wisdom has been that efficient processes need to have large batches. The problem with large batches is that inventory tends to stack up between the steps in the process. This is not only inefficient having material just sitting idle; it also is costly. If a mistake or defect is found in the large batch, the whole batch has to be scrapped. And, because of the in-process inventory, extra floor space has to be allocated. With a pull system, there is little or no in-process inventory. There is no “ready-or-not-here-it-comes” mentality. You only produce if you receive a signal to produce. That creates continuous flow and reduces waste. A pull system and just-in-time manufacturing are synonymous.
