Electronic component kitting is a process used in manufacturing that refers to the physical act of assembling a production ready kit of parts and components to be delivered to a point of assembly for the making of an electronic device. Employing electronic component kitting allows the assembly line to move more efficiently and effectively. Having kits at hand is a cost effective solution that will simplify the many complexities of production. It can save time, help organize the work area, and open up production space.
Kitting Benefits & Advantages
As a system, kitting has grown in popularity with manufacturers because it allows ready access to a greater number of parts and components without the costly overhead. Implementing supply chain logistics reduces standing inventory and sources it when needed. The efficiency of kitting is in its consolidation of production, warehousing, and the administrative costs associated with it.
Inventory Control and Savings
Implementing electronic kitting can reduce the overhead for warehousing by reducing inventory. Rather than storing dozens of pieces and independent parts that need to be inventoried, tracked, and retrieved for fulfillment daily, kits can be stored as a single component ready to assemble. The time looking for certain parts for assembling can then be redistributed into production. In this way, utilizing kitting reduces the time, labor, and administrative costs necessary to track and retrieve multiple parts and components by piece from a warehouse to the assembly line. Finally, keeping a stocked warehouse means parts sourcing, coordinating delivery, tracking orders, quality checking parts on delivery, storing inventory, and invoicing from multiple suppliers. All time intensive administrative costs that can be outsourced with kitting.
Organization and Safety
Electronic component kits can greatly improve the organization and safety of the work area. Assemblers and operators accessing kits at their workstations will have only what parts are needed to make the electronic device. It frees the work space of unnecessary parts and material, and in general, keeps the area free of clutter. This aids in improving the organization of the warehouse and factory floor. Freeing up the work area of clutter will also reduce the chance of a work place accident and provide a safe work environment for employees.
Improving Production
Improving production is a challenge for many companies. A prime benefit of implementing an electronic component kitting system is it allows for more space at the point of assembly. Work areas are no longer crowded or boxed in by a wide range of parts and components that need to be compiled and sorted daily to fulfill orders. Instead, kits are prepped with each part necessary to complete a device and delivered to the point of assembly to fulfill production schedules only when needed. Building further efficiency into your operations improves production and lowers costs.
Electronic component kitting provides a reliable supply chain that can be easily sourced by companies. Kitting is a solution to the growing amount of variables in the market place such as greater customization for consumers, the demand for more complex electronic devices, and shorter product life cycles. It offers reduction in overhead and administrative costs, workplace safety, improves production, and allows companies the flexibility they must maintain to meet the ever changing tide of consumer demands.
