What is the main feature of a pull system in a JIT environment?

In a Just-In-Time (JIT) environment, the main feature of a pull system is that it is driven by actual customer demand rather than forecasts. This means that products are produced only when there is a specific request or order from a customer, which helps to minimize excess inventory and reduce waste.

The pull system responds to demand in real-time, ensuring that production aligns closely with what customers want, when they want it. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also improves customer satisfaction because it allows companies to be more responsive to changes in demand and preferences.

In contrast to a pull system, a push system would initiate production based on forecasts of demand, which can lead to overproduction and the holding of unnecessary inventory. Continuous production regardless of demand can result in surplus stock, which is not in line with JIT principles. Similarly, producing based on supply availability does not take into account actual customer needs and might lead to issues with aligning production processes with market demands. Thus, the focus of a pull system on reactive production based on customer demand is fundamental to its effectiveness in a JIT context.