Everyone in the business should feel customer need.  We call it “tensioning the customer demand signal” through the operation.  Pull Systems accomplish this by visually cascading the customer demand signal through the value stream.

A PUSH system schedules the release of work base on demand forecast, resources and inventory on hand.  Variability in demand and supply quickly renders these schedules obsolete.  This results in excess inventory, long process flow times and confusion.  The team loses touch with customer needs and expectations.

A PULL system authorizes the release of work based on system status – the downstream customer signals the upstream supplier when products or services are needed.  The entire flow path is more in tune and linked to the needs of their customer.  Everyone pulls in the same direction!