Overview
High-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments face constant pressure to keep production lines supplied with the correct components, especially when products share similar bills of materials (BOMs) with minor variations. To manage this complexity, many manufacturers rely on offline kitting to ensure the right parts reach the right jobs at the right time. However, without proper integration, kitting itself can become a major bottleneck.
One of the biggest challenges is the mismatch between kitting cycle times and actual production demand. When kits are completed too early, they can clutter production areas, become misplaced, or be cannibalized for higher-priority jobs. When kitting falls behind, production lines risk delays due to insufficient space, limited labor, or the sheer volume of components required per shift.
These inefficiencies impact throughput, inventory accuracy, and overall operational performance. This white paper explores how manufacturers can overcome common kitting and space constraints by leveraging an AS/RS-based buffer system, creating a more synchronized, scalable, and efficient material flow between kitting and production.
Download now to learn how automated buffering can eliminate kitting friction, improve inventory control, and support high-mix manufacturing at scale.
