Which of the following best describes a characteristic of push supply chains?

A push supply chain is primarily characterized by its reliance on forecasts and predictions regarding future demand. In this model, production and inventory decisions are based on anticipated demand rather than actual consumption patterns. Companies operating with a push system create goods ahead of time based on these forecasts and then push these products through the distribution channels to retailers and customers.

This approach can provide several benefits, including economies of scale in production and the ability to fill orders quickly if the predictions are accurate. However, it can also result in excess inventory if demand does not match forecasts. The reliance on predictive demand planning differentiates push supply chains from pull supply chains, which respond to actual customer orders and current market conditions.

The other choices, while they depict characteristics of supply chains, do not accurately capture the essence of a push model. Adapting to immediate customer demands emphasizes responsiveness typical of pull systems, while high flexibility and low-cost production are often attributes sought under lean manufacturing practices rather than a distinct feature of push supply chains. Relying heavily on real-time feedback is indicative of a pull strategy, where decisions are made based on current market data.