Definition
The process of centralizing the reception of discharge signals in the lean value stream, which pulls upstream and moves downstream to FIFO, is often the closest step to the client.
In detail
The pacemaker process is the process in a lean value stream that receives customer order signals and controls production pace, typically located downstream near the customer. It sends pull signals to upstream processes and flows to downstream via FIFO, ensuring production is synchronized with demand. In the system, it is the core of the pull system, connecting customer demand with internal production. It is often the process with the longest cycle time in the value stream, so it may coincide with the bottleneck process, but the two look at different things: the bottleneck process is about the ceiling on output, while the pacemaker process is about where the scheduling signal enters the value stream. Its outputs typically include production plans and kanban signals.
Example in practice
In the value stream of a furniture factory, the final assembly line is set as the Pacemaker. Customer orders are passed directly to the assembly line, which produces to takt and sends kanban replenishment signals to upstream component processes. In this way, upstream produces only the components that are consumed, inventory is reduced, and delivery is more on time.