What is Kitting and How Does It Work?

Kitting is the process of preparing components and parts for manufacture. The kit should be kitted in time for the production line to immediately start loading the machines and thereby minimising machine downtime.

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The procuring and kitting process is something like this:

• Purchasing starts to procure parts and components which the company doesn't have enough stock to complete the order.
• These parts are booked in and placed on a shelf in the warehouse.
• A pick list is produced and time is scheduled for the kit to be put together for the production line.
• A production operative starts kitting and follows their component pick list while walking through the warehouse. The parts are counted, lot control is scanned and then the parts are placed on the kitting trolley.
• This continues until the works order is completely kitted and ready for the production line.

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In-house component kitting and procurement is a heavy drain on resources while creating lots of admin throughout the organisation.

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Electronic component kitting in-house also takes up a lot of floor space in the warehouse, by keeping all the stock organised and easy to get to. Holding stock means it has to be managed, replaced and counted.

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It's quite inefficient, even before we consider late deliveries from suppliers, component shortages, and incorrect parts.

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This adds a whole ream of non-value added inefficient activities.

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What is outsourced kitting and how does component kitting improve production efficiency?

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Outsourcing component kitting is a highly efficient way to remove cost and create extra capacity, without disruption.

The process when outsourcing kitting is basically this:

• Sales load a sales order.
• The sales order triggers a production/works order.
• Demand shows up on the purchasing report.
• Purchasing uploads or emails the Bill of Materials to Colmworth Electronics.
• Colmworth Electronics returns a quotation.
• Purchasing raises a purchase order for the kit part number the customer has ordered.
• Goods in receive one box which contains all components needed for the production line and are prepared for the machines. No shortages, No incorrect parts.
• Production receives their one box kit, which is production line ready.

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If you think that kitting might benefit you, get in touch today or simply upload your BOM to our website and we will contact you.

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