- 1. What Is Kanban? The Ultimate Guide to Kanban Methodology
- 2. The Core Kanban Principles and Practices
- 3. What Is a Kanban Board? Examples and Usage Guide
- 4. Everything You Need to Know About Kanban Cards
- 5. Ultimate List of Kanban Tools and Software
- 6. Practical Kanban Templates and Examples
- 7. The Complete Guide to Personal Kanban
- 8. Kanban WIP - Work In Progress Limits Explained
- 9. What Is a Kanban Retrospective Meeting?
- 10. Kanban vs. Scrum Comparison Guide
- 11. Glossary of Kanban Project Management Terms
- 12. FAQs
- 1. What Is Kanban? The Ultimate Guide to Kanban Methodology
- 2. The Core Kanban Principles and Practices
- 3. What Is a Kanban Board? Examples and Usage Guide
- 4. Everything You Need to Know About Kanban Cards
- 5. Ultimate List of Kanban Tools and Software
- 6. Practical Kanban Templates and Examples
- 7. The Complete Guide to Personal Kanban
- 8. Kanban WIP - Work In Progress Limits Explained
- 9. What Is a Kanban Retrospective Meeting?
- 10. Kanban vs. Scrum Comparison Guide
- 11. Glossary of Kanban Project Management Terms
- 12. FAQs
What Is The Kanban Push and Pull System?
The Kanban pull system is a Lean manufacturing technique that aims to eliminate raw material wastage by supplying only what is needed when it is required. The Kanban pull system gets the name “pull” because supplies are pulled into the production process when customers make requests.
The Kanban pull system doesn’t work based on assumptions of what the customer may want. Only when the customer makes a request can production of said product or task begin. Companies use Kanban signals to move information around the company, which could be to replenish a dwindling supply or any other.
What is the difference between the push and pull system?
The difference between push and pull is enough to make your production process a win or loss. Push is also called “make to stock,” wherein products are delivered based on assumptions of what the customer might want.
Pull, on the other hand, is also called “make to demand,” where production is based on customer demand.
So, in a push system, the products are made, stocked, and marketed to possible consumers. This system may work for some but not all manufacturing companies.
What are the advantages of the Kanban pull system?
When you use the Kanban pull system, it creates more flexibility for your team. With pull, no one does unnecessary work or makes assumptions about customer demand. The system also allows teams to adapt to customer changes that could occur during a production process. Kanban pull system also minimizes the wastage of company supplies which reduces production costs.
Alex Zhezherau
Alex is Wrike’s Product Director, with over 10 years of expertise in product management and business development. Known for his hands-on approach and strategic vision, he is well versed in various project management methodologies — including Agile, Scrum, and Kanban — and how Wrike’s features complement them. Alex is passionate about entrepreneurship and turning complex challenges into opportunities.