Kitting versus line stocking: A compound framework and a descriptive model

In this paper, based on a number of site visits they performed, the authors present certain fundamental differences between kitting and line stocking (i.e. no kitting), and they develop definitions which are intended to serve as a framework to study most kitting operations. The authors also develop a descriptive model which can be used to quantify the trade-offs in material handling, space requirements, and work-in-progress between kitting and line stocking at an early decision stage. They present a numerical example to demonstrate the model and some of the insight that was gained. Lastly, the authors discuss new research directions to further explore kitting and its impact on the shop floor.