A push system is a production system that operates based on forecasts and schedules, rather than actual customer demand. A push system pushes products to the market regardless of the current demand, and often results in excess inventory and waste. A push system does not consider the capacity constraints of the work centers, and therefore may send work orders to them even if they are not able to process them. This can create bottlenecks, delays, and inefficiencies in the production process12.

The other options are not correct because:

•B. Work centers are scheduled using finite capacity planning. This is not a characteristic of a push system, but rather a pull system. Finite capacity planning is a method of scheduling that takes into account the actual capacity of the work centers, and only releases work orders when there is enough capacity to process them. This reduces the risk of overloading the work centers and improves the flow of production3.

•C. Work centers operate using decentralized control. This is not a characteristic of a push system, but rather a pull system. Decentralized control is a method of management that gives more autonomy and decision-making power to the work centers, and allows them to adjust their production according to the actual demand and capacity. This increases the flexibility and responsiveness of the production system4.

•D. Work centers signal previous work centers when they are ready for more work. This is not a characteristic of a push system, but rather a pull system. This is a common practice in a pull system that uses kanban cards as visual signals to trigger the production or replenishment of a product. The work centers only request more work when they have enough capacity and demand for it, and avoid overproduction and waste5.

References := 1 Push System vs. Pull System: Adopting A Hybrid Approach To MRP1 2 Push Systems vs. Pull System: Definitions and Differences4 3 Finite Capacity Planning - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics 4 Centralized vs. Decentralized Manufacturing | IndustryWeek 5 Kanban - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics