As product assortments expand and customer expectations increase, many companies are looking for ways to simplify fulfillment without slowing down operations. One solution that often comes up is kitting. But what exactly is it? And how do you know if it's the right fit for your business?
In logistics and packaging, kitting refers to the process of grouping multiple individual items into a single packaged unit that is picked, packed, and shipped as one. When executed correctly, kitting improves efficiency, reduces errors, and helps companies move products to market faster.
What Is Kitting in Packaging and Distribution?
In a packaging context, kitting involves assembling two or more components into a single, ready-to-ship package. These components may be separate SKUs, promotional items, instructions, or accessories that are consistently sold or distributed together.
Common examples of kitting include:
- Promotional bundles or limited-time offers
- Subscription boxes or starter kits
- Product and accessory combinations
- Retail-ready or shelf-ready packages
Rather than picking and packing each item individually at the time of order, kits are assembled in advance or on demand, then treated as one unit throughout the distribution process.
Why Companies Use Kitting Services
Kitting is often adopted to eliminate inefficiencies caused by complex order fulfillment. When orders include multiple items that must be picked separately, labor time increases and accuracy risks rise.
Well-designed kitting programs help companies:
- Reduce picking and packing time
- Improve order accuracy and consistency
- Simplify inventory management
- Support promotions and product launches
- Meet retailer and customer packaging requirements
For growing brands, kitting also provides flexibility, allowing new bundles or configurations without creating entirely new products or SKUs.
When Does Kitting Make Sense for Your Business?
Not every product requires kitting, but the service might be valuable if:
- Orders frequently include the same item combinations
- Promotions or seasonal bundles are common
- Fulfillment errors are increasing as volume grows
- Packaging is slowing down order processing
- Retail partners require specific pack configurations
In these scenarios, kitting transforms packaging from a bottleneck into a streamlined, repeatable process.
The Advantage of Outsourced Kitting
While kitting can be performed in-house, it often competes for space, labor, and attention with core operations. Outsourcing kitting allows companies to access trained teams, established workflows, and quality control systems without additional overhead.
Integrated kitting within a distribution environment offers even greater benefits. Inventory can be stored, kitted, and shipped from a single location, reducing handling, transportation costs, and turnaround time. This integration improves visibility and ensures kits are available exactly when needed.
Kitting as Part of a Smarter Packaging Strategy
Kitting isn't just about packaging. It's about designing workflows that support growth. When aligned with inventory planning and transportation, kitting improves speed to market and enhances customer experience.
At Woods Distribution, kitting is part of a broader contract packaging operation built to support high-volume programs, customized configurations, and changing demand. Our teams work directly alongside warehousing and transportation operations to ensure kits move efficiently from assembly to shipment.
