Definition
The mechanism is produced only after the customer (downstream) sends a demand signal and the product is not manufactured in advance before it is "pulled".
In detail
A pull system is a mechanism where production occurs only after a customer (downstream) sends a demand signal; products are not made in advance until "pulled." It addresses the problems of overproduction and inventory buildup, synchronizing production with demand. Unlike push systems (MRP), pull is triggered by actual consumption. Typical outputs include kanban systems, supermarkets, and pull signals.
Example in practice
An assembly factory originally produced based on forecasts, leading to large amounts of semi-finished goods inventory. After switching to a pull system, assembly only began when customer orders were placed, with kanban signaling upstream for replenishment. As a result, work-in-process inventory significantly decreased, production lead time shortened, and response to demand changes became faster.