Which system emphasizes producing items as they are needed?

The pull system is centered around producing items only as they are needed, aligning closely with customer demand and minimizing waste. This approach helps to reduce excess inventory and overproduction, which can lead to unnecessary costs and inefficiencies in operations. In a pull system, production is triggered by actual consumption rather than forecasts or predictions, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and therefore reducing the risk of holding unsold goods.

This system is particularly effective in environments where customer preferences can change, allowing businesses to remain agile and responsive. It contrasts with the push system, where products are manufactured based on demand forecasts and pushed to the market, often leading to surplus inventory. The batching system focuses on producing items in groups or batches, which is less flexible than responding to immediate demand. The kanban system, while also promoting efficient inventory management and responsive production, functions as a scheduling system within the broader context of a pull system, helping to control the flow of materials. Thus, the pull system is fundamental in adopting lean manufacturing principles and ensuring a streamlined operation.