Pulljärjestelmä

Pulljärjestelmä, often translated as "pull system," is a production and inventory management strategy where downstream activities trigger the movement of materials or the production of goods in upstream activities. This contrasts with a push system, where production is based on forecasts and goods are pushed to the next stage regardless of immediate demand. In a pull system, production or movement only occurs when there is a signal from the next step in the process indicating that more resources are needed.

The core principle of a pull system is to produce only what is needed, when it is needed, and in the quantity needed. This minimizes excess inventory, reduces waste, and improves responsiveness to actual customer demand. Common tools used in pull systems include Kanban cards, which act as visual signals to authorize the production or movement of items. When a Kanban card is received at an upstream station, it signals that more items are needed.

Implementing a pull system can lead to significant benefits such as reduced lead times, improved quality through faster feedback loops, and increased operational flexibility. It is a fundamental concept in Lean manufacturing and other efficiency-focused methodologies. However, it requires a well-established and reliable production process, as disruptions can quickly halt the entire chain. Careful planning and robust communication between different stages of the production process are essential for its successful operation.