Case spotlight: Sienci Labs: Managing Production (Push or Pull?)

Case spotlight: Sienci Labs: Managing Production (Push or Pull?)
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This case was featured in the May 2025 issue of Connect.

Who – the protagonist

Kye Allen, Inventory and Logistics Manager at Sienci Labs (SL) (at the time of writing the case).

What?

SL was a privately-owned company that produced computer numerical control (CNC) machines for the hobbyist market.

Early in the 20th century, CNC technology was primarily used in industrial settings, inaccessible to hobbyists and small businesses.

SL emerged from research and testing to create low-cost mechanical systems for rapid prototyping tools like CNC machines, 3D printers, and laser cutters.

As a result of such research, the CNC machines, which for decades had only been used in factories due to their high investment costs, became available to hobbyists or small business owners starting in the 2010s, creating a new growing market for such products.

Sienci Labs: Managing Production

Why?

SL had been struggling with supply disruptions that caused lengthy delays in product shipments.

A new material requirements planning (MRP) system allowed Kye to control the assembly operations on the shop floor and have a firm grip on the supply of raw materials and parts. Most MRP systems, by design, assume a make-to-stock environment and tend to push production flow through work orders issued to shop floor employees.

However, in the first weekly meeting of the research project, Kye was asked to explore the feasibility of moving to a visual make-to-order production management system based on pull principles instead of using work orders.

When?

It was in May 2022 when Kye was first introduced to the idea of switching to a visual pull production system.

Where?

SL is headquartered in Waterloo, ON, Canada.

What next?

While it would require a radical shift in his plans, a pull system had several advantages. Kye was in favour of the pull system but wasn’t sure if it was the right time to switch to a make-to-order approach when the company was in the middle of a MRP implementation. Even if his analysis indicated that it was the right time, would he be able to convince Andy Lee, Chief Executive Officer of SL, to move to the pull system?

AUTHOR PERSPECTIVE 

On reasons for writing the case…

Fatih said: “What triggered this case study was a consultation with a former student, who contacted me regarding some challenges he encountered during an MRP implementation project at their company. A subsequent on-site visit revealed the complexities of the situation, which led to a funded applied research project in collaboration with my colleague, Stephen Thomson. This research project focused on guiding the company in selecting the most appropriate production management approach to support its future growth. The inherent dilemma of choosing between push and pull production systems provided an ideal foundation for a compelling teaching case study."

On the case writing highlights…

Fatih continued: “The collaborative nature of this project was a distinct highlight, as it allowed me to work alongside both a former student and a current student (in a co-op placement). Sienci Labs fostered an exceptionally supportive environment, granting us access to conduct interviews with key stakeholders (video excerpts of which are included in the case study) and permission to capture and publish photographs of their facilities.

“Furthermore, the co-authorship of the co-op student (Josh Hunchak) was a rewarding experience. The expertise and industry experience contributed by my co-author, Stephen, was also instrumental to the development of this case study, which was honoured with the Best Case Award at the 2023 Administrative Sciences Association of Canada (ASAC) Conference in Toronto."

On teaching the case…

He added: “The concepts of lean and pull production can often be challenging for business degree students to fully comprehend. This case study facilitates a deeper understanding of these concepts by situating them within a real-world context, enhanced by instructor-led discussions.”

wooden dice with push and pull

On how the students react to the case…

He commented: "My students generally find the case highly relatable, particularly because the company is local and the protagonist, an alumnus of the same programme, represents a potential career trajectory for them."

On case writing tips…

Fatih explained: "For me, the most engaging case writing occurs when I can fully immerse myself in the narrative. I strive to empathise with the protagonists by considering their perspectives and circumstances. Securing robust company support is also essential for a successful case study. Therefore, it is crucial for authors to ensure, from the outset, that they will receive the necessary information and cooperation from the protagonist and the company throughout the writing and publication process."

Final word…

Fatih concluded: "I would like to express my gratitude to The Case Centre for this opportunity. The Case Centre is my primary resource when seeking case studies for my classes, and it is a great honour to have our work highlighted by them."

THE CASE 

The case

Who – the protagonist

Kye Allen, Inventory and Logistics Manager at Sienci Labs (SL) (at the time of writing the case).

What?

SL was a privately-owned company that produced computer numerical control (CNC) machines for the hobbyist market.

Early in the 20th century, CNC technology was primarily used in industrial settings, inaccessible to hobbyists and small businesses.

SL emerged from research and testing to create low-cost mechanical systems for rapid prototyping tools like CNC machines, 3D printers, and laser cutters.

As a result of such research, the CNC machines, which for decades had only been used in factories due to their high investment costs, became available to hobbyists or small business owners starting in the 2010s, creating a new growing market for such products.

Sienci Labs: Managing Production

Why?

SL had been struggling with supply disruptions that caused lengthy delays in product shipments.

A new material requirements planning (MRP) system allowed Kye to control the assembly operations on the shop floor and have a firm grip on the supply of raw materials and parts. Most MRP systems, by design, assume a make-to-stock environment and tend to push production flow through work orders issued to shop floor employees.

However, in the first weekly meeting of the research project, Kye was asked to explore the feasibility of moving to a visual make-to-order production management system based on pull principles instead of using work orders.

When?

It was in May 2022 when Kye was first introduced to the idea of switching to a visual pull production system.

Where?

SL is headquartered in Waterloo, ON, Canada.

What next?

While it would require a radical shift in his plans, a pull system had several advantages. Kye was in favour of the pull system but wasn’t sure if it was the right time to switch to a make-to-order approach when the company was in the middle of a MRP implementation. Even if his analysis indicated that it was the right time, would he be able to convince Andy Lee, Chief Executive Officer of SL, to move to the pull system?

AUTHOR PERSPECTIVE 

Author perspective

On reasons for writing the case…

Fatih said: “What triggered this case study was a consultation with a former student, who contacted me regarding some challenges he encountered during an MRP implementation project at their company. A subsequent on-site visit revealed the complexities of the situation, which led to a funded applied research project in collaboration with my colleague, Stephen Thomson. This research project focused on guiding the company in selecting the most appropriate production management approach to support its future growth. The inherent dilemma of choosing between push and pull production systems provided an ideal foundation for a compelling teaching case study."

On the case writing highlights…

Fatih continued: “The collaborative nature of this project was a distinct highlight, as it allowed me to work alongside both a former student and a current student (in a co-op placement). Sienci Labs fostered an exceptionally supportive environment, granting us access to conduct interviews with key stakeholders (video excerpts of which are included in the case study) and permission to capture and publish photographs of their facilities.

“Furthermore, the co-authorship of the co-op student (Josh Hunchak) was a rewarding experience. The expertise and industry experience contributed by my co-author, Stephen, was also instrumental to the development of this case study, which was honoured with the Best Case Award at the 2023 Administrative Sciences Association of Canada (ASAC) Conference in Toronto."

On teaching the case…

He added: “The concepts of lean and pull production can often be challenging for business degree students to fully comprehend. This case study facilitates a deeper understanding of these concepts by situating them within a real-world context, enhanced by instructor-led discussions.”

wooden dice with push and pull

On how the students react to the case…

He commented: "My students generally find the case highly relatable, particularly because the company is local and the protagonist, an alumnus of the same programme, represents a potential career trajectory for them."

On case writing tips…

Fatih explained: "For me, the most engaging case writing occurs when I can fully immerse myself in the narrative. I strive to empathise with the protagonists by considering their perspectives and circumstances. Securing robust company support is also essential for a successful case study. Therefore, it is crucial for authors to ensure, from the outset, that they will receive the necessary information and cooperation from the protagonist and the company throughout the writing and publication process."

Final word…

Fatih concluded: "I would like to express my gratitude to The Case Centre for this opportunity. The Case Centre is my primary resource when seeking case studies for my classes, and it is a great honour to have our work highlighted by them."

THE CASE 

The protagonist

Kye Allen
Inventory and Logistics Manager
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CASE - Reference no. OATCJ-2226215
TEACHING NOTE - Reference no. OATCJ-2226215TN
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