Pull supply chain model
A pull supply chain model triggers relevant production or replenishment from actual demand signals rather than relying solely on forecasts. The signal may be a customer order or consumption at a downstream stage. Pull can reduce unwanted stock, but lead times, capacity, supplier reliability and buffer requirements still matter.
Worked example
An assembly line requests another component container when one is consumed. This is a pull replenishment signal even though the final product is not individually made to a named customer’s order.
Common mistake
Defining pull solely as making an entire product after a customer order, or claiming it always eliminates inventory and forecasting.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | SBL | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |