pulljärjestelmien

Pulljärjestelmä, often translated as "pull system" or "pull production," is a manufacturing and inventory management strategy. It contrasts with traditional "push systems," where goods are produced based on forecasted demand and pushed through the production process. In a pull system, production is triggered by actual customer demand or the needs of the next stage in the production line. This means that work only moves to the next station when that station has the capacity to process it and signals that it is needed.

The core principle of a pull system is to avoid overproduction and reduce work-in-progress inventory. When a downstream process requires more components or finished goods, it sends a signal upstream to the preceding process. This signal, often a kanban card or an electronic signal, authorizes the upstream process to produce a specific quantity of the item. This ensures that production levels are aligned with consumption, minimizing waste associated with excess inventory, storage costs, and potential obsolescence.

Implementing a pull system often requires significant changes in workflow, communication, and employee training. It is closely associated with Lean manufacturing principles and aims to create a more responsive and efficient production environment. The goal is to produce only what is needed, when it is needed, and in the quantity needed, thereby improving overall productivity and customer satisfaction.