What is a kanban system primarily associated with?

A kanban system is primarily associated with the pull concept in production. This approach focuses on producing items only as they are needed in the production process, rather than producing large quantities upfront and pushing them through the system. The essence of the kanban system lies in its ability to signal when new materials or products are needed, thereby reducing waste and ensuring that resources are used more efficiently.

In a pull-based system, each step in the production process is initiated by the demand from the next step. This contrasts with a push system where production is driven by predictions or forecasts, which can lead to overproduction and excess inventory. By implementing a kanban system, businesses can respond more dynamically to actual demand, improving efficiency and flexibility in their operations.