What are Push Production Systems?

In a push production system a schedule pushes work on to machines which is then passed through to the next work centre. 

At each production stage a buffer stock is kept to ensure that if any production stage fails then the subsequent production stage will not be starved of material. 

The higher the buffer stocks kept at each stage of the line, the more disruption can occur without the production line being halted lack of material.

What is a Pull Production System?

In a pull system the process starts an order for the finished product at the end of the production line. 

This then triggers an order for components of that item which in turn triggers an order for further sub-components. 

The process repeats until the initial stage of production and the material lows through the system as in the push approach.

Note: Kansan is a commonly employed pull system.