# Replenish from a real downstream signal

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## Replenish from a real downstream signal

ID: MHC-D-RESEARCH-0172 · Version: 0.1.0 · Kind: principle
Source: https://vedokrok.com/knowledge/replenish-from-a-real-downstream-signal

A busy supplier can still create an idle mountain.

### Use when

- One step keeps producing output that the next step cannot yet use.

### Avoid when

- Some work has long lead times or required reserves. Pull does not mean refusing all advance preparation or keeping no buffer.

### Explanation

Agree what the next step needs, how much, and when it can accept it. Use that request and its available capacity to authorize new work; upstream free time alone is not a demand signal.

### Example

A reviewer has two free slots but needs no new draft this week. Spare capacity alone does not authorize the writing team to create two more.

### Check

Can you identify the signal that justifies producing this next item now?

### Limits

- Some work has long lead times or required reserves. Pull does not mean refusing all advance preparation or keeping no buffer.

### Evidence and sources

- supports: Pull production authorizes upstream replenishment in response to downstream need rather than producing solely to keep a resource busy. — lei-pull-production. Claim basis: professional_convention. Claim limit: The office example is an adaptation; demand, capacity and buffer design still matter.
Source access: selected_html_passages; accessed on: 2026-09-17; inspected sections: ["Definition and replenishment signal"].
Agent scope review, 2026-10-11: LEI pull-production definition supports downstream need as the authorization signal. The office example and available-capacity check are an explicit adaptation; buffers remain possible. (Definition)
- lei-pull-production: Pull Production — https://www.lean.org/lexicon-terms/pull-production/

Review: agent · Agent editorial and scoped evidence review · 2026-10-11T18:12:50Z
Published: 2026-10-11T18:15:00Z
Related (useful_with): https://vedokrok.com/knowledge/make-queue-overtaking-an-explicit-exception