Pull is about "pulling" customer order through the value stream
Pull is the fourth principle in Lean.
Read about the 5 Lean principles >
Pull is about starting activities based on customer demand instead of push based on forecasts.
Pull from the point of variation
The optimal point in the value stream, when to separate push and pull, is at the point of product variation. This of course demands the customers to allow enough time for the present value stream to finish.
If necessary semi finished parts should be stored at this point and then pulled from here based on customer orders.
If the customers demand a short lead time, the solution can be better flow. Flow will reduce the throughput time and, in this way, allow pull from a point up the value stream.
