Kitting Overview In Fulfillment and Material Handling
Key Components of the Kitting Process
Kit Definition: The first step in kitting is defining the composition and contents of the kit. This includes determining which individual items or components need to be included in the kit based on customer requirements and product specifications. This may include a customer’s ability to build a custom kit based on their order.
Inventory Management: Once the kit composition is determined, the necessary individual items are gathered from inventory. This may involve picking items from different storage locations or areas within a warehouse or distribution center.
Assembly: After collecting all the required components, the items are brought together for assembly. This can involve various processes, such as manual assembly by workers or the use of automated systems, depending on the complexity and volume of the kits.
Quality Control: During the assembly process, quality control measures are implemented to ensure that all items are in proper condition, meet quality standards, and are correctly included in the kit. This may involve inspections, testing, or verification procedures.
Packaging: Once a kit is assembled and quality-checked, it gets packaged. The packaging may vary depending on the nature of the kit, such as boxes, bags, blister packs, or custom packaging designed for the specific kit.
Labeling and Documentation: The kit is labeled with appropriate identifiers, such as SKU numbers or barcodes, to ensure accurate tracking and inventory management. Documentation, such as packing slips or kit assembly instructions, may also be included to provide information to the recipient or end-user.
Distribution and Fulfillment: After the kitting process is complete, the kits are typically stored in inventory or shipped directly to customers or distribution centers. Kits may be sold as standalone products, used for promotional purposes, or utilized in assembly or manufacturing processes.
Benefits of Kitting
Kitting eliminates the need for customers or end-users to source and assemble individual components, reducing their time and effort. For many products, kitting is a necessary part of a complete product, which may require assembly by the customer upon receival. By preassembling kits, organizations streamline their internal processes, reduce assembly time and improve order fulfillment speed. Custom kitting allows for the creation of customized products tailored to specific customer requirements or preferences. Finally, kitting can help manage inventory more effectively by grouping components into kits, simplifying tracking and reducing the number of individual SKUs.
Kitting is commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, electronics, automotive, retail, e-commerce, and healthcare, where bundling products or components provides convenience, efficiency and value.