Leanpush

Leanpush is a term used in discussions of lean management to describe a hybrid approach that blends push-based planning with pull-based execution while adhering to lean principles. It is not a universally standardized concept, and its exact meaning can vary by industry and organization. In general, leanpush aims to move work through a value stream in small, predictable increments, balancing scheduled work with the goal of eliminating waste.

Origins and scope of use vary, with references found in both manufacturing and software development contexts. Proponents describe leanpush as a way to provide regular, planned output without eliminating the responsiveness and continuous feedback that characterize pull systems. Critics warn that the term can blur the distinction between push and pull, making it essential to clarify signals, cadence, and WIP limits.

Core principles commonly associated with leanpush include maintaining small batch sizes, enforcing work-in-progress limits, and using cadence or takt-driven planning to stabilize flow. It emphasizes rapid feedback, quality at the source, and continuous improvement, often supported by visual management tools such as kanban boards. Leveling of work, or heijunka, is frequently cited as a technique to smooth throughput within a leanpush framework.

Practices typical of leanpush environments include scheduled releases or iterations aligned with downstream demand, continuous integration and deployment in software, and tight coordination across teams to prevent overproduction. The approach seeks to improve predictability and throughput while preserving lean practices like waste reduction and value-focused delivery.

See also: lean manufacturing, pull system, push system, kanban, just-in-time, continuous delivery.