Definition
A Pull system is an agile approach where work is initiated only when there is demand from the next stage in the process. Instead of pushing work forward regardless of capacity, tasks are pulled through the workflow as downstream activities become available. This prevents overburdening teams and reduces work in progress, leading to smoother flow and faster delivery. For instance, in a software development context, a developer pulls a task from the backlog only when they have capacity and the preceding task is complete. This contrasts with a Push system, where work is assigned to individuals or teams whether they are ready or not. Understanding Pull systems is crucial for optimizing agile workflows and is frequently tested on the PMI-ACP and PMP certifications.