Use Case

Validating kitting to prevent assembly rework


In manufacturing, picking the wrong component for an assembly kit leads to costly production delays and rework. Zebra's solution provides guided instructions and real-time validation to ensure workers get the right part, every time.

A detailed 3D isometric view of a smart factory or warehouse layout, illustrating an optimized workflow for sub-assembly manufacturing. The image showcases a designated "Kitting" station, multiple assembly lines with workstations, and extensive shelving for component storage. This visual represents a streamlined process from parts collection to final assembly, designed to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and throughput in a modern logistics or manufacturing environment.

The high cost of kitting errors

In a fast-paced production environment, manual processes for assembling kits are highly susceptible to error. A worker, focused on speed, may accidentally grab a component from the wrong bin like an incorrect seat belt buckle. Without immediate validation, this single mistake isn't caught until it's too late, disrupting the entire assembly line and compromising the quality of the final product.

The consequences of a single mis-pick ripple downstream, leading to significant financial and operational losses. Incorrect kits result in time-consuming rework, increased scrap, and costly production bottlenecks. These inefficiencies not only drive up operational costs but also threaten product quality and your ability to meet deadlines, impacting customer satisfaction and your bottom line.

The guided and validated kitting solution

Zebra’s integrated solution optimises your kitting process by combining guided software with advanced scanning and machine vision hardware. This powerful solution works together to direct your workers, validate every pick, and automatically verify the final kit, dramatically improving accuracy and throughput from start to finish.

Potential benefits

By shifting from a manual, error-prone process to a guided and validated workflow, Zebra's solution delivers tangible outcomes that directly address your biggest kitting challenges and boost your operational efficiency.

Improved accuracy in assembly 

is achieved through guided visual instructions and camera checks that guarantee the correct parts are picked

Reduced rework

is accomplished by spotting errors instantly to prevent incorrect parts from ever reaching the assembly line

Increased production throughput

is maintained as optimised routing and fewer bottlenecks keep operations moving rapidly

 

 

How the solution works

A detailed 3D isometric illustration of a worker at a designated kitting and sub-assembly station within a modern smart factory. The scene focuses on a worker managing components near an orange storage bin, representing the workflow stages of verifying kits and preparing them for the assembly line. This visual emphasizes hands-on task management, workflow efficiency, and logistics within an industrial manufacturing environment.

Follow guided work instructions

When a kitting order is received, Zebra rugged tablets provide optimised pick routing and step-by-step visual instructions to lead associates directly to the correct parts bin. The bright, durable touchscreens help provide clear navigation in warehouses, while industrial-grade housing protects against concrete drops and liquid ingress. By eliminating the fragility of consumer devices, Zebra tablets minimise repair-related downtime and deliver a lower total cost of ownership.

Verify final kits with machine vision

After all components have been picked, the completed kit undergoes a final check using an overhead NS42 Machine Vision camera. The system performs an automated final kit verification for part presence/absence, confirming that every required component is correctly included. This final quality gate ensures only 100% accurate kits are sent to the assembly line, providing complete traceability and peace of mind.

Turn kitting accuracy into profitability

An investment in Zebra's kitting solution delivers a strong return by minimising costly rework and production delays. By ensuring accuracy at the source, you improve overall quality and drive greater profitability.

Note:

Use case figures and savings estimates are illustrative only and may be derived from customer data, projections, or controlled testing. They do not represent guaranteed results, and actual outcomes will vary by application; customers should consult a Zebra sales representative to evaluate their specific environment.