Pull Production

Pull production is a production control method where downstream operations signal upstream operations what part or material is needed, in what quantity, and when and where it is needed. The upstream process does not produce until it receives that signal, which is often a kanban card. It aims to eliminate overproduction and is a component of a just-in-time production system.

Source checked1/1 values · 2026-10-25Methodology

Specification

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Kind	methodology

Study notes

Three basic pull production systems are supermarket pull (a-type), sequential pull (b-type), and mixed supermarket and sequential pull (c-type).
In a supermarket pull system, each process produces to replenish what is withdrawn from its supermarket.
A sequential pull system is used when there are too many part numbers to hold inventory of each in a supermarket; production instructions may be placed in a heijunka box.
In a mixed system, supermarket and sequential pull may run side-by-side throughout a value stream or be used for a given part number at different locations along its value stream.
A sequential system requires strong management, and a mixed system requires discipline to balance work and identify abnormal conditions.