In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, staying competitive requires not only technical expertise but also efficient processes. Optimizing your production process can be challenging as a manufacturer, as there are so many parts to consider, such as procurement, inventory management, warehousing, assembly, and overall production efficiency. In a process intensive industry like manufacturing, a well-organized workflow and supply chain minimizes interruptions and bottlenecks, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish. Kitting is a process offered by Integrated Manufacturing Solutions (IMS) that can help manufacturers streamline their supply chain processes. Here’s why IMS uses these processes and the benefits of kitting in the metal fabrication industry.
What is Kitting?
The term “kitting” originated from the practice of packaging items in a box known as a “kit.” Kitting involves grouping individual components or parts in a package or kit, typically serving a specific purpose. Its main objective is to simplify the assembly process and reduce the time required to locate and organize individual parts. Several industries use kitting to simplify inventory management and reduce assembly time.
Overview of Our 2 Process of Kitting
1
Pre-Assembly Kitting
In this type of kitting the components needed for a particular assembly or sub-assembly are grouped and packaged together before the assembly process begins.
Let’s say IMS fabricates 4 pieces for a company who sells some sort of enclosure, the 4 parts of the enclosure IMS produces are: Left, Right, Top and Bottom. IMS would fabricate all the “Left” pieces in a large batch, followed by the “Right”, “Top”, and “Bottom” pieces. Instead of just packaging all the “Left” pieces on a pallet and shipping that to the customer, IMS utilizes a custom kitting procedure based on the customers’ requirement.
In this process, all pieces are packaged together on a single pallet. When the customer is ready to assemble the enclosure at their assembly line, they only need to pull off 1 pallet to get all the parts needed for the final product. This eliminates the need to pull multiple pallets and walk from pallet to pallet to grab each individual piece for assembly.
2
Just-in-time (JIT) Kitting
JIT kitting is assembling and packaging components just in time for the assembly process.
Based on what’s being kitted, parts can be kitted together in an “assembled” fashion. Let’s say, from our previous example, we “assemble all 4 parts of the enclosure at IMS and then package that assembled unit as one. By doing it this way, the customer’s assembly team can pull off an already “assembled” product from the pallet.
The Benefits of Kitting in a Metal Fabrication Shop
Kitting is a game-changer for metal fabrication customers, providing a multitude of benefits that significantly impact efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. From time and cost savings to enhanced quality control and a streamlined workflow, kitting enables manufacturing customers to excel in a competitive industry.
Enhanced Efficiency
- The benefit of kitting is that it allows customers to buy everything they need in one go without having to source each component separately.
- By pre-assembling all the necessary materials and components, kitting eliminates the need for shop floor operators to search for and gather individual items for each project.
- By optimizing the workflow, kitting enables customers to complete projects more quickly, gaining a competitive edge in the market.
Improved Accuracy and Quality
Kitting decreases the risk of errors and mix-ups during assembly. Additionally, quality control is enhanced through systematic kitting procedures.
Kitting empowers metal fabrication customers to deliver high-quality products that meet or exceed client expectations consistently.
Flexibility
- Kitting allows for greater flexibility in the manufacturing process, enabling manufacturers to quickly and easily change the contents of a kit to meet changing customer needs or market demands.
Simplified Inventory Management
Kitting streamlines the inventory management process by providing better visibility and control over the materials and components required for each project. With pre-assembled kits, fabricators can accurately track inventory levels, monitor usage, and plan procurement more effectively.
By reducing excess stock and eliminating unnecessary purchases, kitting helps optimize inventory management, resulting in cost savings and increased profitability.
Furthermore, having organized kits simplifies the storage and retrieval of materials, minimizing the risk of damage or loss.
Cost Savings
Businesses that use kitting can reduce costs by reducing the time and labor required to assemble individual components.
Kitting is an essential process in warehouse operations because it allows for more efficient use of storage space. Standardizing inventory by combining items into kits saves time and money.
Reduced packaging expenses. Packaging products together in a custom-size box reduces the number of packages shipped and handled, resulting in lower handling costs and reduced chance of damage during transit.
Kitting also lowers shipping cost by grouping multiple items shipped to the same destination, ensuring that all items arrive together.
Why Choose Integrated Manufacturing Solutions (IMS) for your Kitting & Assembly Needs?
- Our supply chain management methods enable us to deliver finished sub-assemblies that are ready for installation at your facility, no matter the size or complexity of the project.
- From large and intricate assembly projects to small and delicate ones that require technical expertise, IMS has the experience and skill to handle it all.
- All employees are trained to assemble quality parts and materials in a timely fashion. Our team can quickly and efficiently put together the metal components to your specifications, creating a top-quality product.
- Our customers have saved thousands of dollars through custom kitting and assembly.
- We combine assembly and kitting services with top-notch personalized customer service to give you the unit-by-unit pre-assembled kits you want when you want them. We can even drop-ship them to the point of use at your direction!
- Our assembly and kitting services save you the time and expense of inventory management, staffing, storage, assembly, packaging, and logistics.
- We provide a wide range of services all in one facility to produce and support your business needs with an all-in-one solution.
Ready for a Free Quote?
We proudly serve the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. It only takes a minute! Select the service you’d like, upload your designs, and a member of our team will respond with a free quote as soon as possible. If you don’t have design mockups, or need some help figuring out a design, we’d love to help! Simply give us a call and a member of our team would be happy to answer any questions you have.
Lead Time
3 days
Parts Completed
22,000
Manufacturing Footprint
60,000 sq ft.
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