Push or Pull, Revisited

About 5 years ago I published a podcast explaining the difference between push and pull scheduling and inventory management systems. Since then, several have argued that I didn’t give ERP and its push scheduling methodology its due. They insist that modern additions have included “electronic Kanban,” something they describe as a “pull” system, and that the software packages are much more responsive than before.

Tightly wrapping the teets of a cow and calling it a bull doesn’t make it so.

Electronic Kanban eliminates the critical visual element of a true Kanban system. If you are ever frustrated by the cashier’s inability to calculate your change without using the electronic system, you have lived at least one of the downsides of this thinking.

 Whether push or pull, or something else, the goal is to have the right stuff in the right quantity at the right place at the right time.

AND TO SEE AND ADDRESS PROBLEMS THAT KEEP THAT FROM HAPPENING EXACTLY THAT WAY.

You don’t have to quit using your ERP system for scheduling to strategically manage inventory and make important process improvements to better support your customer. But it helps.