Pull system

From CEOpedia | Management online

The pull system (including Kanban and just-in-time) is a production management system called suction (PULL). This means that production planning takes place on the basis of orders formulated at each stage of production, with the starting point being actually updated on an ongoing basis the volume of orders placed by customers of final products (S. Singh, 2017, p. 492). The planning procedure begins with the determination of the planning values ensuring the execution of the last stage of production. No one at the top of the stream should produce a part or service until someone at the bottom of the stream asks for it (S. Singh, 2017, p. 492).

The Pull System reduces work in progress inventory by producing in smaller lots and controlled stocks (fixed minimum and maximum stocks). The production plan is delivered for the last process in the value stream (in this case the final assembly), while the production for the previous processes takes place on a supermarket replenishment basis, i.e. on the basis of the following principle: the production of the last process in the value stream (in this case the final assembly), the production for the previous processes takes place on the basis of the replenishment of the supermarket, i.e. the production of the last process in the value stream (in this case the final assembly) (S. Singh, 2017, p. 492-495). The production of the part number that has been extracted by the process is based on the principle of supermarket replenishment, i.e. the production of the part number that has been extracted by the process. higher. The size of the supermarket after each stage of production is determined individually and depends on the specificity of the process (size of the assortment, the number and time of conversions, the length of the production cycle, etc.) (S. Singh, 2017, p. 492-495).

Basic rules

Pull system means nothing less than the collection/pick-up/pick-up/pick-up of products or parts during the day at least once an hour. However, people are tempted to pick up their goods once or twice a day at most, so as not to overburden logistics by accident. By doing so, they are destroying the pulling effect on the line, hardly improving much and, in fact, completely discrediting the idea of the pulling system, which is beginning to appear to people as another corporate program of the month (M. Baudin, 2004, p. 5-6).

An essential element of successful implementation of the Pull system is the creation of a simple manual for operators and effective training. The basic principles that an operator must follow are (M. Baudin, 2004, p. 5-6):

  • there is no signal - no PULL card - do not produce,
  • don't pass a faulty play on to a client,
  • each container/bogie has an identification (PULL card),
  • there is always a standard number of pieces in the package/on the trolley,
  • after the last piece has been removed from the container/buggy PULL/ card take the trolley/container to a designated place,
  • maintenance of the system is the responsibility of both processes and all operators.

When using the PULL system in an organization, each employee should have basic knowledge of the subject. The found PULL card should in any case be returned to the appropriate process (A. Puchkov, 2016, p. 66).

The pull system requirements

The PULL system requires regular audits. Change in demand, frequency of card withdrawals requires recalculation. An issue that is often a point of contention is the situation when one of the processes is stopped e.g. due to failure - what should the next process do?

Theoretically, the answer is simple - there is no signal/no card/empty trolley - we do not produce (A. Puchkov, 2016, p. 66-71). On the other hand, we know that shipping is important and we will have to make up for it at the weekend by setting the overtime work. In many such cases, unfortunately, the decision is to continue production. This causes confusion among workers and is the first a step towards failure in the implementation/maintenance of the PULL system (A. Puchkov, 2016, p. 66-71).

To sum up, the success of PULL implementation requires (A. Puchkov, 2016, p. 66-71):

  • continuous flow of materials in the production process;
  • standardisation - reducing the structural diversity of products;
  • observance of the rule - I buy as many raw materials as is required at a given moment;
  • produce according to the demand for a product;
  • high quality raw materials;
  • deliveries on time;
  • increased production flexibility - possibility of quick changeovers (SMED);
  • increased machine availability (OEE over 85%, efficient TPM system;
  • perfect information flow and communication.

The Pull system is never simple because it always questions the status quo. On the other hand, it makes all employees work to the rhythm of the clock time, which makes the process begin to function smoothly (Balle).

Benefits and risks

The PULL system allows to (M. Baudin, 2004, p. 5-6):

  • establishment of one simple standard method of controlling and balancing the flow of resources;
  • control of quantities for production and transport of materials;
  • transition from large to small production batches;
  • visual management of information flow in the production area;
  • minimizing the number of stages required in the process;
  • elimination of 7 losses (overproduction, waiting, overprocessing, unnecessary transport, repair, supplies, shortages);
  • producing only what has been used up;
  • producing and dispatching only what is required;
  • promoting continuous improvement.

In the process of PULL system implementation many difficulties are encountered. Organizations that implement this system often give up on the first slip - reducing the delivery rate on time. The deterioration of this ratio results from the fact that the PULL system shows all the imperfections.

The risk factors are as follows (A. Puchkov, 2016, p. 75-76):

  • material - the greatest difficulty is to deliver materials for production on time, especially in very complicated processes and with a large number of different components;
  • machine - low OEE resulting from machine failure or long a change of armor;
  • man - one of the critical elements of the efficient operation of the PULL system are people. The most frequently occurring event is a high turnover of employees in positions, lack of proper training and discipline;
  • method - observing the production/assembly processes one can see many situations where the operator does not work repetitively due to difficult installation, unclear instructions for use or lack of ergonomics on the machine standpoint.

The PULL system brings many benefits for the organization, provided that it is implemented correctly, the conditions are right for it and it is systematically checked (S. Singh, 2017, p. 495). Training and awareness of not only managers but also employees play an important role here. The PULL system also requires regular reviews, calculations, inventory volumes and appropriate number of cards. Effective functioning of this system depends on many other methods/tools such as TPM, SMED, standardization.

Examples of Pull system

  1. Kanban: Kanban is a type of pull system used to control the flow of materials and information within a manufacturing system. It is based on a visual cue (the Kanban card) that tells the workers when to produce a certain part or service. The Kanban card is a signal that tells the workers how much of a particular item or service they need to produce. This system helps to reduce inventory levels and lead times, while at the same time improving customer service.
  2. Just-in-Time (JIT): Just-in-time is a production system that is used to reduce inventories and lead times by bringing together the demand for a product or service with the supply of a product or service. In JIT, production is based on customer orders, meaning that each order is filled in the exact quantity and timing that the customer needs. This helps to reduce inventory levels and improve customer service.
  3. Toyota Production System (TPS): The Toyota Production System (TPS) is a production system that is based on the principles of just-in-time (JIT) and pull system. It is a system that is designed to eliminate waste, reduce lead times and improve customer service. The TPS utilizes a visual cue (the kanban card) to signal when a product or service should be produced. This helps to ensure that the right amount of a product or service is produced at the right time.

Limitations of Pull system

One of the limitations of the Pull system includes:

  • Difficulty in adapting to changes in demand: The pull system is based on the principle of meeting demand. Therefore, when demand suddenly changes, it can be difficult to adjust the production process to meet the new demands.
  • High cost of inventory: The pull system requires that all parts and materials be available when needed, which can require a large inventory and costly storage solutions.
  • Difficulty in forecasting: The pull system relies on accurate forecasting of customer demand, which can be difficult and costly to achieve.
  • High labor costs: Operating a pull system requires more labor than a traditional production system, which can lead to higher labor costs.

Other approaches related to Pull system

  • The push system is the opposite of the pull system, where production is planned and initiated at the top of the stream. This system is based on forecasts and assumptions of future customer demand, which can lead to inefficient use of resources, high inventory levels, and delivery delays (S. Singh, 2017, p. 492).
  • The hybrid system combines elements of both the push and pull systems, where demand signals from downstream customers help drive production planning for upstream processes. This system brings together the best of both worlds, reducing lead times, minimizing inventory and ensuring that customer demand is met (S. Singh, 2017, p. 493).
  • The modular pull system is a variation of the pull system, where different parts of the production process are managed separately. This allows for faster response times and shorter lead times, while still ensuring that production is based on actual customer demand (S. Singh, 2017, p. 493).

In conclusion, the pull system is a production management system that utilizes customer demand signals to drive production planning and ensure that resources are used efficiently. Other approaches related to the pull system include the push system, the hybrid system and the modular pull system, each of which offers its own advantages and disadvantages.


Pull system — recommended articles
Just in time — ABC method — Order point — Line balancing — Single minute exchange of die — Serial production — Material flow execution function — Inventory record — ABC analysis

References

Author: Sara Pilch

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