Industrial manufacturers are always on the lookout for ways to improve efficiencies and optimize processes to speed up manufacturing time and get their products to market faster. To meet these ends, manufacturers need to continually innovate, adopting techniques that will enhance productivity and help reduce operational costs.
Kitting and sequencing are two advanced solutions we use at Arrow Off-Road to help our customers meet their production goals. We also encourage our suppliers to utilize these techniques to help keep our production processes streamlined and cost-effective for our customers.
In this month’s blog, we explore kitting and sequencing, including their benefits and differences, so you can make an informed choice before you start manufacturing.
How Kitting Streamlines The Production Process
Kitting is exactly what it sounds like: grouping, prepping, and assembling “kits” of the required materials, components, and tools needed to complete a specific task or process during production. Once assembled, the kits are delivered to the fabrication team and ready for immediate use.
This solution saves the fabricators from having to search for the individual elements needed to create the product, significantly decreasing production delays and starting the work sooner. Having readily available preassembled kits reduces the chances of incorrect assemblies, enhances product quality control, and optimizes space on the production floor and in storage.
In theory, kitting sounds relatively straightforward. However, a lot of planning needs to go into the technique to streamline the fabrication process and prevent confusion between kitting teams. For example, manufacturers must understand their project’s production demand and lead times to determine optimal kit sizes and quantities for each task.
Additionally, kitting teams must adhere to a set of standard procedures when assembling the kits, such as conducting quality checks and following verification steps. Another critical aspect of successful kitting is properly labelling the kits and storing them in an organized fashion to allow for fast and easy retrieval, preventing mixups that waste time and slow production.
As a CNC machined components supplier, we also encourage our suppliers to create pre-determined kits they can use on their production lines, send directly to their customers, or provide to us for our customer projects. In other words, Arrow advocates kitting to improve the metalworking industry overall.
Sequencing’s Role In Facilitating Production Organization
Sequencing differs from kitting in that instead of compiling preassembled kits, the materials, components, and tools are arranged and delivered to the fabrication team in the exact order they are needed during production.
This technique utilizes the “just-in-time” delivery model, providing items to the assembly line at the exact time they’re needed, reducing inventory holding costs and optimizing storage space. Having each part available precisely when needed also minimizes disruptions to production and keeps the manufacturing process running smoothly.
Sequencing may help keep the production line organized, but the technique itself also requires organization and planning to be successful. A critical element in the process is accurately forecasting demand to support the timely delivery of the parts. It’s also essential for teams to exchange real-time data updates and production schedules to prevent work stoppages due to missing, late, or misdirected parts.
How the delivery teams get the parts to the production line is critical too. Transportation routes and methods must be planned and mapped out to ensure the safe, on-time delivery of parts without disrupting other workflows.
Kitting vs. Sequencing: Which Is Better For Your Project?
As with most fabrication process options, the choice depends on the application.
One consideration is that if there is a risk that assembly requirements might change, kitting may be a better option as it offers more flexibility than sequencing. Conversely, sequencing might be preferred if there is little inventory space available to store kits.
In some production environments, both kitting and sequencing might be utilized. For example, a project might benefit from using kitting to create individual parts that are then delivered “just in time” using the sequencing technique for the final assembly process.
If you’re unsure which process to utilize for your next project, the engineers at Arrow Off-Road can help.
Arrow Off-Road: Your Trusted Partner In High-Quality Off-Road Parts And Equipment
Our CNC manufacturing company follows a longstanding tradition of using innovative technology and advanced methods such as kitting and sequencing to support customer projects. These traditions, started by our forefathers 102 years ago, help us deliver solutions that optimize our customers’ manufacturing costs on products of unparalleled quality.
Thanks to their vision, Arrow is now a global leader in off-road machining, fabrication, and assembly solutions among OEMs who expect nothing less than precision, accuracy, and efficiency from their suppliers.
Read More: How New Advancements In CNC Machining Technology Enhance Machining And Fabrication Projects
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