In this blog, we explain the role of kitting and fulfilment and how automating this process with our Storage, Kitting, Fulfilment and Associated Services agreement can benefit organisations.

Published 14 February 2023

Last updated 14 February 2023

In recent years, we have witnessed the collaborative efforts of suppliers who have come together to support organisations with the kitting and fulfilment of various home testing kits. Examples include Covid testing, bowel screening, diabetes testing and many more which are all available through our Storage, Kitting, Fulfilment and Associated Services (RM6282) agreement.

With the growing pressure on the health sector, these types of kits free up valuable time and resources. To help meet the increased demands for these services, we’re recognising a shift towards the use of automated processes.

What is kitting and fulfilment?

Kitting is a process that consists of compiling individual items to create a new single product or kit, which  is then packaged ready for shipment. Typically, the process involves an assembly line and, more recently, automation has played a part in the process.

Fulfilment in the logistics industry relates to the  provision of storage space for items, picking orders and sending them out for delivery.

What role does automation play?

Automation is used extensively in many industries, like the automotive industry which is delivering benefits such as increased productivity and expanding capabilities. Automation is now being introduced in other industries, including warehousing and logistics, to meet rising levels of demand and help suppliers to reshape their services. Some suppliers are in early stages of implementing automation or are fulfilling a semi-automated system. 

Automation can be incorporated during the kitting and fulfilment process to support the picking of component parts that have been barcoded and grouping them together to produce the final product, or kit, ready to be sent to the end user. 

This type of automation has many benefits, including: 

  • ensuring the completed kit can be uniquely matched and paired to the contents within it, allowing for full end to end tracking
  • the use of barcode technology enables the customer to trace information regarding the kits source and production dates. Barcodes also aid laboratories with expected returns, allowing them to scan returned kits and match them to the sender
  • automation also allows organisations to scale their resource to meet demands 

How can we help?

Under Lot 3b of our Storage, Kitting, Fulfilment and Associated Services agreement, you can access a range of suppliers that can provide kitting and fulfilment solutions and services. 

As some test kits are classed as a medical device, all suppliers under Lot 3b are required to hold ISO 13485 accreditation. This provides independent assurance of their quality management system.  

Services under Lot 3b include:

  • picking, packing and labelling of products and orders
  • unpacking received products into individual cases
  • preparing items for dispatch according to your needs
  • storage of the completed items
  • asset management, including audits and tracking stock

Let us add power to your procurement

Whether you’re new to CCS and require guidance or you want to discuss a complex requirement, we’re here to help. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements:

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