Direct answer. Kitting consists of grouping several distinct items into a single ready-to-use or ready-to-sell set, a "kit," before shipping or supplying a production line. It differs from standard picking: instead of an order handled item by item, the operator assembles a complete kit from several stock locations.
Two uses of kitting: distribution and production
In distribution logistics, kitting is used to create ready-to-sell commercial offers: gift sets, multi-product promotional packs, spare-parts or assembly kits. The assembly is done upstream, often in a dedicated zone, which lets the kit be sold as a single item (with its own SKU) while simplifying downstream picking, a single pick is then enough to fulfill the kit's order, instead of several separate picks.
In an industrial environment, kitting refers to supplying production-line stations with the exact set of parts needed for a manufacturing order, grouped in advance into a dedicated bin or cart. This is common practice in the automotive industry: at Stellantis's Sochaux plant, for example, AGVs and so-called "butler" robots continuously deliver complete kits of parts ("full kitting") directly to assembly-line stations, reducing operator travel and line-side intermediate stock.
Kitting differs from co-packing: kitting groups different items into a functional set, whereas co-packing refers more to outsourcing the packaging operation to an external provider, even though the two often overlap in practice on promotional operations.
FAQ
What is the difference between kitting and co-packing?
Kitting involves assembling several different items into a single functional or commercial set (a kit). Co-packing refers to outsourcing that packaging operation to an external, specialized provider rather than doing it in-house. A co-packer can carry out kitting operations on behalf of a brand.
Is kitting only used in distribution logistics?
No: kitting is also very common in industrial settings, where it means preparing, in advance, the exact set of parts needed for a manufacturing order at each production-line station, in order to reduce travel and line-side stock.
Related terms
Picking · Co-packing · Packing · SKU · Packaging (colisage) · AGV · Order picker (machine).
See also: types of logistics robots.
Let's check your aisles before everyone else
Distribution is launching soon in France. In the meantime, four questions are enough: your regional contact sends you a written verdict on your site — no price, no date.