Push vs. Pull - Perception Versus Reality

2007 from the Wight Line - “Push and Pull are terms that have become synonymous with specific supply chain designs. In recent years, these words also have come to characterize the “quality” of said supply chains. The preconceived impression is that “Push” is inappropriate, while “Pull” is the preferable or acceptable methodology. In addition, Push and Pull have been relegated to certain inappropriately pre-assigned techniques. As an illustration, Push is typically aligned with Material Requirements Planning (MRP), while Pull is placed alongside Kanban. This, by extension, transfers these techniques (practices) to the corresponding level of appropriateness.

In the market, we see many professionals and organizations making decisions on which techniques to use and how to structure the management of their supply chains influenced only by those preconceived judgments. Few, however, actually base their decisions on a sound analysis of their business practices and requirements. This paper explains why Push and Pull cannot be automatically associated to one or another technique and describes other factors that have a critical influence on how to configure the supply chain…”

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