Kitting is used in manufacturing, supply chain management, and warehousing to streamline workflow, manage inventory, and add precision. The process of kitting involves grouping individual parts or components for an assembly or product into a single package, so all needed items are secured in one unit. The grouped items can be sold together as a set or distributed for later assembly. For example, all of the parts used in a hose assembly or all the screws and bolts for a product may be kitted.
Each kit is then packed with the corresponding product for shipment, or is used by workers during the manufacturing or assembly process for that product. Kits greatly reduce the risk of missing or incorrect items.
Outsourced kitting optimizes your warehouse space and staff time. With kitting, OEMs can ship all the items an assembly needs together to different distributors or manufacturing partners. Rather than spending valuable time gathering and sorting components from bins or different areas of the facility, kitted components let staff focus on the core job of assembling or packing products.
At MarVac Assemblies, we offer kitting solutions designed to improve your productivity and minimize lead times by outsourcing this vital but time-consuming preparation step.
Learn more about MarVac’s Custom Assembly Capabilities.
What Is Kitting?
In manufacturing, kitting in manufacturing refers to pre-assembling multiple products or parts that are assembled or used together into a single package with a unique SKU. Instead of receiving each part of an assembly separately, all related items are conveniently grouped together. This creates many advantages for buyers, including reduced handling time, fewer missing parts, and faster production.
For example, when an OEM receives kits for a product, all of the parts needed for each of that product unit are assembled and ready to be incorporated into it or packaged with it. This saves time over tediously locating each component separately. Compared to traditional assembly processes, kitting is more efficient, less labor-intensive, and less prone to errors.
Kitting vs. Traditional Assembly
Kitting vs. Traditional Assembly:
| Aspect | Traditional Assembly | Kitting Process |
|---|---|---|
| Component Picking | Individual part selection | Pre-assembled kits |
| Labor Efficiency | More handling, longer cycle time | Fewer touchpoints, streamlined workflow |
| Inventory Management | Higher risk of misplacement |
Controlled, organized parts tracking |
| Lead Times | Longer due to part-by-part assembly | Faster due to ready-to-use kits |
How Is Kitting Used in Manufacturing?
Any product that includes multiple parts or related items is suitable for kitting. Many industries rely on expert inventory kitting to optimize warehouse space, reduce shipping costs, and improve assembly workflows. Some of the most common ways kitting is used include:
- Defense. Pre-bundled components allow for rapid military production and distribution.
- Automotive and Commercial Vehicles. The automotive industry requires an extensive amount of wire harnesses and cables to connect dashboard components and other interior assemblies. Kitting makes wire harness assembly fast, easy, and accurate.
- Medical Device Manufacturing. Medical equipment and diagnostic devices contain a large number of small parts. Kitting ensures manufacturers have everything they need for effortless assembly.
- Industrial Equipment. Building large industrial equipment is a complex and time-consuming process. By pre-sorting hardware and electrical components into convenient kits, nothing gets misplaced, and handling time is greatly reduced.
Benefits of Kitting in Manufacturing
Kitting transforms the way assemblies are manufactured, delivering benefits that could never be obtained by handling parts individually. Some of the most impactful advantages include:
Increased Efficiency
Kitting eliminates the need for workers to locate individual parts. Grouping all necessary components into individual kits ahead of time speeds production and order fulfillment.
Lower Labor Costs
With kitting, your team can focus solely on assembly, rather than time-consuming part retrieval.
Improved Inventory Management
Closely track your component usage while preventing shortages and production delays.
Fewer Errors
With everything you need in one place, the likelihood of incorrect assembly or misplaced parts is minimized.
Faster Lead Times
With an experienced partner, kitting ensures the pre-grouped items you need make it to the production line in time.
Enhanced Quality Control
Every part is carefully inspected and verified prior to packaging, reducing the chance of defects.
Why Outsource Kitting to MarVac Assemblies?
MarVac has over 90 years of experience in OEM production and logistics. We deliver proven inventory management solutions that will help you reduce costs while enhancing your production capabilities.
MarVac’s Kitting Services Ensure:
- Cost Savings. Reduce labor costs, packaging expenses, and order fulfillment time.
- Supply Chain Efficiency. We provide just-in-time (JIT) delivery of fully assembled kits.
- Custom Kitting Solutions. Kits are tailored to the needs of the application for aerospace, electronics, defense, industrial, and other industries.
- Quality Assurance. All kitted components are subjected to stringent testing and inspection procedures.
- U.S.-based Manufacturing. Eliminate supply chain uncertainties. Our convenient Milwaukee, WI location ensures high-quality kitting and reliable shipping throughout the U.S.
MarVac’s Kitting Capabilities Include:
- Automated kitting and assembly integration.
- Batch tracking and inventory control.
- Custom labeling and barcoding.
- Just-in-time kitting solutions.
- Pre-assembled component packaging.
FAQs About Kitting in Manufacturing
What Industries Benefit the Most From Kitting?
Kitting benefits any industry that manufactures wire and cable assemblies, products with multiple components, or complex assemblies. It’s often used in electronics, aerospace, medical devices, and automotive applications to improve production and reduce costs.
How Does Kitting Improve Inventory Management?
Since kitting groups all parts of an assembly together, less warehouse space is required for storing individual components. With inventory streamlined into one package, there are fewer stock discrepancies and picking is faster.
What Is the Difference Between Kitting and Assembly?
Kitting is the initial process of grouping unassembled parts into one box or pack per product. Assembly is the process of putting those parts together to build the finished product.
Why Should Manufacturers Outsource Kitting?
Outsourcing the kitting process allows manufacturers to focus on other aspects of production while reducing lead times and optimizing their workflow.