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The Benefits of Kitting for Manufacturers

Kitting, a vital inventory management practice, plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of assembly within manufacturing processes. This practice is especially beneficial in assemblies where multiple small components are essential to complete specific parts of a product, such as with mechanical or electronic kit assembly. Additionally, kitting is indispensable for make-to-order products that demand high levels of customization tailored to the end consumer’s specific requirements.

Understanding Kitting in Manufacturing

Kitting, within the realm of manufacturing, involves the meticulous process of selecting and delivering all the necessary components required for the assembly of a specific product. This practice can occur within the manufacturing facility itself, often in a designated area away from the primary assembly line. Alternatively, businesses may choose to entrust the kitting process to a contract kitting and assembly partner.

When to Utilize Kitting in Manufacturing

Manufacturers, particularly those dealing with the production of products requiring numerous small parts, find kitting to be a highly beneficial practice. Additionally, for manufacturing businesses constrained by limited floor space for stacking necessary parts, kitting proves to be an efficient solution.

Kitting becomes particularly advantageous for manufacturing businesses engaged in the production of custom-made products, such as in the healthcare industry for patient care packs. For example, when creating a unique product that involves components with differing specifications or various colors, kitting becomes the ideal approach. The process ensures that, instead of wasting valuable time searching across the facility for individual products or sub-parts, workers have access to pre-assembled bundles ready for the production line.

The Value of Kitting in Customization

In instances where customization of the finished product is a priority and consumers demand different components, features, or colors, kitting becomes an invaluable asset. The practice streamlines the assembly process, ensuring that diverse components are readily available and facilitating a smoother and more efficient production line.

Kitting stands as a cornerstone in modern manufacturing, providing a strategic solution to the challenges posed by intricate assembly processes and the customization demands of consumers. By adopting kitting practices, manufacturers can optimize their operations, reduce time wastage, and enhance the overall efficiency of their production lines. As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, kitting remains a versatile and indispensable tool for businesses seeking to meet the dynamic demands of their consumers.

Understanding how kitting is seamlessly integrated into diverse manufacturing operations is crucial, but equally important is recognizing the substantial value it brings to businesses. The benefits of the kitting process extend far beyond the assembly line, impacting storage, production efficiency, profitability, and inventory management.

Key Benefits of Kitting in Manufacturing

Optimized Storage and Warehousing

Kitting proves invaluable for manufacturing businesses operating under lean production models. By outsourcing kitting to third-party logistics partners, companies can minimize waste by reducing the storage space required for individual items. Bundling parts not only streamlines storage but also decreases the need for excessive packaging, freeing up space for other storage needs.

Efficient Production Process

The kitting process enhances the speed and efficiency of production by providing operators with all the necessary parts directly at their workstations. This eliminates the need for workers to navigate the entire factory in search of individual components, allowing them to focus more time on the actual assembly process. The result is a streamlined production process with enhanced productivity.

Improved Business Profitability

For manufacturing businesses, higher production costs can significantly impact profit margins. Kitting contributes to cost reduction by optimizing storage and streamlining production, ultimately boosting business profitability. The efficient use of resources and reduction in waste translates into a healthier bottom line for manufacturers.

Better Inventory Management

Kitting simplifies inventory management, particularly for manufacturing operations dealing with multiple components. Instead of assigning unique identifiers to each individual component, kitting allows manufacturers to bundle elements together and assign a single SKU for the entire kit. This not only speeds up inventory searches but also ensures that manufacturers have the required parts readily available, avoiding delays caused by defective or insufficient components.

Kitting and Assembly Services for Manufacturers

Peoria Production Solutions stands as a reliable partner, offering kitting and assembly services to companies of all sizes. With a commitment to providing cost-efficient solutions, Peoria Production Solutions caters to a diverse range of industries, including Fortune 100 manufacturers, subscription service companies, healthcare, patient care packs, and food and beverage enterprises.

By leveraging the advantages of kitting, businesses can optimize their manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and enhance overall efficiency, ensuring they stay competitive in today’s dynamic market. Contact Peoria Production Solutions to experience the transformative impact of high-quality kitting, assembly, and packaging solutions on your manufacturing operations.

Kitting & Fulfillment Go Hand-in-Hand: Partner with Excellence

Kitting, a value-added service offered by many third-party logistics providers (3PL) and contract kitting companies, is an integral component of a comprehensive suite of fulfillment services. Essentially, kitting involves the meticulous organization of separate items, consolidating them into a unified grouping. Fulfillment, in contrast, encompasses the entire process of receiving, packaging, and shipping orders.

Discovering Kitting and Fulfillment in the World of Logistics

Embracing kitting fulfillment services within a tailored marketing strategy yields numerous advantages, such as the efficient organization of inventory and the optimization of packaging. This strategic approach ensures that the supply chain operates seamlessly at its full capacity.

In essence, kitting is the combination of individual items into a single unit for sale, such as subscription boxes containing an assortment of items. This practice proves invaluable in the realm of eCommerce merchandising, empowering e-retailers to maximize the utility of their inventory.

The Kitting Process Unveiled

At the initial receiving stage, individual Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) distinguish each item within the inventory. Anticipating customer orders, the kitting process strategically groups specified items together. A dedicated team then adeptly packages these items, assigning a single new SKU to the assembled grouping. This not only optimizes warehouse space but also expedites the retrieval and tracking of products, significantly reducing the time and effort required.

Kitting’s forward-thinking approach ensures that a substantial portion of the workload is completed in advance, guaranteeing that orders are prepared for shipment as soon as they are received.

The Advantages of Opting for Kitting Services

Effective and timely management of kitting and fulfillment necessitates the right infrastructure and equipment. Kitting provides many advantages for fulfillment orders such as:

• Speed – streamlines order management by having all necessary items together when needed for shipping
• Accuracy – minimizes human error during the crucial packaging stage. Centralized kitting acts as a safeguard against errors arising from disorganization, communication gaps, limited space, or inadequately trained personnel.
• Improved customer satisfaction – the net result of speed and accuracy is a reduction in incorrect or incomplete orders, contributing to heightened customer satisfaction.

Efficient and Quality Minded Kitting and Fulfillment Provider

A proficient kitting and packaging provider, much like any successful and competitive fulfillment center, thrives on cutting-edge technology and a skilled workforce. Peoria Production Solutions specializes in providing cost-efficient kitting and assembly services for a diverse range of products and components. Recognizing the significance of physical space, our state-of-the-art facility is meticulously designed for optimal inventory management, stringent quality control, and operational efficiency.

Hassle-Free Kitting and Fulfillment Solutions

Our kitting fulfillment services alleviate the burden of in-house operations for inventory management, product organization, and packaging. Outsourcing to our service-oriented and compliant fulfillment center not only frees up valuable space but also allows you to entrust your kitting needs to a reliable partner like PPS. Our company seamlessly accommodates requests, ensuring a hassle-free experience for your business.

Expert Kitting and Assembly Services

Catering to Fortune 100 manufacturers, subscription service companies, food and beverage entities, and more, we organize bulk-shipped components into the packaging materials of your choice following specified diagrams or templates. Our automated enterprise resource planning (ERP) system provides real-time inventory control and full accountability of all customer-supplied material. Our facility and technology, coupled with a skilled workforce, guarantee high-quality assembly and kitting services with meticulous attention to detail.

Cutting-Edge Facility and Quality Control

Housed within our state-of-the-art 130,000-square-foot facility, equipped with 17 shipping bays (9 for shipping and 8 for receiving), we ensure efficient and secure handling of all customer materials. Our modern facility offers ample storage in a clean, climate-controlled environment, emphasizing the safety and stability of your raw materials and finished products. Employing our ERP system, we achieve fully integrated inventory control with precise location and lot code traceability.

Lean Kitting Processes for Optimal Efficiency

Prioritizing a lean kitting process, we employ Value Stream Mapping (VSM) activities to eliminate downtime and bottlenecks throughout our operations. Upholding a strict quality policy based on our ISO9001:2015 registration, our commitment to excellence permeates every facet of our plant.

Your Trusted Partner in Kitting and Assembly

Peoria Production Solutions collaborates with you to deliver high-quality kitting, assembly, and packaging services tailored to meet all your order fulfillment needs.

PPS is a solutions provider across various industries; our cost-effective and quality-driven processes are poised to enhance your supply chain. Contact us today to discover how we can elevate your business with experienced, high-quality contract kitting and fulfillment services.

Guide to Subscription Box Fulfillment Services

The subscription box industry has emerged as a powerful trend, boasting a staggering worth of approximately $10 billion, according to Fuel. This thriving sector not only offers a lucrative market for established players but also presents golden opportunities for newcomers looking to stake their claim in this billion-dollar territory. Amid this rapidly growing landscape, the nuances of subscription box fulfillment play a pivotal role, setting this segment apart from traditional e-commerce practices.

Understanding Subscription Box Services

A subscription box service involves the regular delivery of curated assortments of products to customers, usually on a monthly, annual, or half-yearly basis. This innovative approach to product distribution is essentially a form of product kitting, where individual and related items are bundled together and shipped as a cohesive unit. Unlike traditional e-commerce, subscription box deliveries are recurring, creating a unique revenue stream for businesses and fostering customer loyalty through regular engagement.

Diverse Models of Subscription Box Services:

1. Curated Subscription Boxes: One prevalent model in e-commerce subscription services is the curated box. These boxes promise a monthly surprise for subscribers, offering a curated selection of items ranging from beauty products and books to clothing collections. The flexibility of this model allows e-commerce merchants to tailor their offerings based on price, availability, and thematic preferences, providing a delightful and personalized experience for customers.
2. Subscribe and Save: The ‘subscribe and save’ model involves customers paying a membership fee to access exclusive deals, discounts, and free standard shipping. Major players like Amazon have successfully implemented this model, enticing customers with recurring deliveries that not only offer product discounts but also enhance customer retention. By combining the allure of savings with the convenience of regular deliveries, businesses can foster long-term relationships with their customer base.
3. Replenishment Subscription: Also known as auto-ship, the replenishment subscription model caters to staples and consumable products such as pet supplies, dairy products, coffee, and snacks. This model benefits both customers and e-commerce businesses – customers enjoy the convenience of stocking up on essentials, while businesses secure repeat orders and reduce competition by establishing a reliable customer base.

Navigating Subscription Box Fulfillment Challenges with Contract Packaging Companies

The complexities of subscription box fulfillment can be overwhelming, leaving businesses grappling with labor management, inventory control, and operational efficiency. In such situations, third-party logistics (3PL) and contract packaging companies emerge as invaluable partners, equipped with the infrastructure and expertise to streamline and enhance subscription fulfillment operations. One such leader in the field is Peoria Production Solutions (PPS), boasting over 80 years of experience in contract kitting, assembly, and packaging.

Advantages of Outsourcing Fulfillment to a Contract Kitting and Packaging

Reliable Labor Force

Contract kitting companies like PPS offer a reliable and skilled workforce to tackle labor management challenges. With a dedicated team of employees exhibiting minimal turnover, PPS emphasizes continuous training and cross-training, ensuring a proficient and adaptable workforce. This commitment to quality processes throughout the organization translates to consistent and reliable subscription box fulfillment.

Tight Inventory Control with ERP System

PPS employs an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that provides real-time inventory control, complete with lot code traceability. This meticulous approach ensures full accountability of all customer-supplied materials, maintaining an organized flow throughout the material handling process. PPS excels in kitting, assembly, packing, and packaging services, all executed with stringent inventory control measures.

Capacity and Equipment

Operating from a spacious, modern facility with 17 shipping and receiving docks, PPS has the capacity to establish dedicated workstations for various kitting, assembly, and subscription box fulfillment services. This commitment to infrastructure ensures operational efficiency and flexibility to meet the diverse needs of clients.

Cost-Efficient Assembly and Kitting Services

As a not-for-profit organization motivated by a mission to be the premier employer of individuals with disabilities, PPS offers a unique advantage – a focus on jobs rather than profits. This commitment allows us to be competitive and responsive on multiple fronts. Investing in the personal and professional development of our staff in a safe environment, PPS leverages the unique talents of our employees to deliver high-quality goods and services with on-time delivery and cost-effectiveness.

Peoria Production Solutions stands as a trusted partner, collaborating with businesses to deliver high-quality kitting, assembly, and packaging services that meet the diverse needs of subscription box fulfillment. PPS provides cost-effective, quality-driven processes that benefit a wide range of industries, providing solutions that enhance supply chain efficiency.

PPS is the go-to choice for businesses seeking to navigate the challenges of subscription box fulfillment seamlessly. Partner with PPS to unlock unparalleled efficiency and excellence in your fulfillment processes. Contact Peoria Production Solutions today to explore how our experienced, high-quality contract kitting and assembly services can elevate your supply chain and ensure the success of your subscription box fulfillment operations.

Types of Secondary Packaging- Infographic

Secondary packaging acts as a bumper with protective layers that are distinctly different from the primary packaging materials. In the above example, secondary packaging would be the outer cardboard 12-pack of soda that displays the company name, logo and eye-catching design that prompts a consumer to pick it up and put it in their cart.

Nutraceuticals Labeling and Packaging Solutions

Nutraceuticals is a market that is rapidly expanding, which in turn creates an increase in demand for labeling and packaging of nutraceutical products.

What Are Nutraceuticals?

Nutraceuticals are classified as food supplements, products that are ingested to influence particular physiological body processes. Nutraceuticals solve a variety of nutritional deficiencies, and there is an increase in physicians prescribing them to meet the dietary and nutritional needs of consumers who are more willing to take them.

Dietary supplements, vitamins, and various foods and beverages are becoming a critical part of the health and wellness routines of many consumers. The Council For Responsible Nutrition, CRN, reports that 80% of American adults report using dietary supplements, which is the highest report issued to date.

Many factors contribute to this increase, such as an aging population and the rising costs of healthcare. Although the most prominent cause of the shift in lifestyle is attributed mainly to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staying healthy is at the forefront of consumers’ minds now more than ever.

What Do Nutraceuticals Do?

Nutraceutical supplements aim to provide and improve many functions, such as:

• Reduce the risk of degenerative diseases
• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
• Prevent chronic diseases
• Strengthen the immune system
• Support the body during and after physical activity
• Regularize and improve gastrointestinal functions
• Slow down the aging process
• Improve a variety of physical functions

Types of Nutraceuticals

Nutraceutical products are typically categorized according to their pathology, such as:

• Vitamin and mineral supplements
• Digestive and intestinal supplements
• Circulatory system
• Cough and respiratory system
• Reproductive system and urology
• Sleeping pills and sedatives
• Weight loss
• Other products

Nutraceutical Packaging Trends

Protection

Nutraceutical packaging often determines the safety and efficacy of functional foods, beverages, and dietary supplements. Valuable ingredients in nutraceuticals are vulnerable to contamination and breakdown without the proper packaging materials. Functional protection of products is a must for all nutraceutical types of packaging.

Sustainable packaging

Other emerging consumer trends with nutraceutical packaging include a desire or downright demand for recyclable and eco-friendly packaging. Sustainable packaging continues to increase in every market and is important when packaging nutraceuticals to meet consumer demands. A good majority of consumers are willing to pay more when packaging displays a company’s commitment to eco-friendly packaging.

Product safety and authentication

According to consumer studies, 79% of Americans have confidence in the nutraceuticals industry and trust the quality and safety of supplements. In spite of this, counterfeit products find their way into the industry. Unlike counterfeit clothing or jewelry, for example, fake nutraceuticals put the health and safety of consumers at risk. It is important for consumers to thoroughly read labels and examine the packaging for products that are ingested to ensure safety and legitimacy.

Leading brands today integrate tamper-evident features into their nutraceutical packaging or utilize labeling with easily identifiable brand recognition. Companies can help protect their products and consumers by using only reputable nutraceutical packaging companies and implementing ways to protect their brands from counterfeit schemes, such as using QR codes or digital watermarks.

Convenience

Consumer convenience is always trending, and packaging nutraceuticals with options like single-serve packages that can be consumed on the go is appealing to many consumers and a great way to boost brand awareness. Many consumers pay more for convenient packaging. This gives companies ways to get creative, like offering variety packs where they can incorporate slower-moving products with longtime favorites to move inventory and reduce waste.

Nutraceutical Packaging Solutions

Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, is a leading contract packaging company offering nutraceutical packaging solutions for a variety of products. With more than 80 years of experience, we offer packaging solutions for a wide range of food and beverage and dietary supplements. We offer safe and efficient packaging for a variety of products, such as powder, cosmetics, tablets, capsules, and various forms of dietary supplements.

We utilize a skilled and thoroughly trained staff and automated equipment to provide auto bagging, bag filling, shrink wrapping, and secondary packaging, including point-of-purchase (POP) displays, blister packs, and more.

PPS is a leading contract packaging provider offering bagging, packing, packaging, repackaging, kitting, assembly, and many other production solutions. We follow strict quality policies as an ISO9001:2015 registered packaging company and competitive pricing as a fully sustainable not-for-profit organization. Contact us to learn how to improve your nutraceutical packaging process with an experienced contract packaging company.