Traditionally speaking, assembly refers to the process of putting parts together to create a final end product. However, in the warehousing industry, this can take multiple forms and even bleed into other categories, all while still falling under the umbrella of assembly services.
These services exist on a scale. On one side, there’s automated assembly, which uses programmed machines to complete a project. On the other side is manual assembly, which refers to work that is done by hand (including handheld tools) rather than by automated machinery.
While automation offers certain advantages for large-scale production, manual is often preferred for small-scale, customized, or more complex assembly tasks that require human dexterity, decision-making, or problem-solving.
Multiple categories exist within manual assembly, including electrical, mechanical, bundling, kitting, and testing.
Mechanical and Electrical Assembly
Mechanical and electrical assembly are two fundamental aspects of the manufacturing process, each focusing on different components but often working together to create complex systems.
Mechanical focuses on physical and structural elements of a product, while electrical deals with inner workings. The main difference between the two is in the function of the parts that are being assembled.
Mechanical assembly is about putting together physical parts, like gears, screws, and metal pieces. The function of these parts are often structural, with the goal to ensure that all the moving parts fit together properly, operate smoothly, and meet the required specifications for functionality and durability.
Electrical assembly involves the careful placement and securing of electrical parts, to ensure the systems are properly connected and functional.
This has the potential to become a rather complex operation, requiring specialized training and sometimes even IT professionals to become involved in the project. However, at its most basic level, electrical assembly merely refers to the handling or installation of the physical elements of electronic devices. Simply put, if the part is meant to hold or carry electricity, it falls under the category of electrical assembly.
Since these services vary in scale, it's crucial to understand the specifics of what an assembly provider offers, in order to ensure a successful partnership for a project.
While it’s important to recognize that electrical and mechanical are two separate forms of manual assembly that require different tools, skill sets, and processes, remember that mechanical and electrical components oftentimes do work in tandem.
Bundling and Kitting Assembly
The terms “bundling” and “kitting” are sometimes used interchangeably in the world of assembly. However, despite their many overlapping elements, there is technically a difference between the two. While both bundling and kitting involve gathering items to be packaged and shipped together, the difference lies in the context and goals of each.
Bundling is a unique concept in that it doesn’t actually require traditional assembly, and yet it is assembly. The order itself is what is being assembled.
The bundle represents a new product offer that’s different from the new package’s contents individually, such as with a gift basket. Bundling requires assembly-like work: items are chosen and packaged together, and sometimes promotional materials, labels, or special packing materials are added.
Bundling is often used for retail marketing and e-commerce, grouping items together for the purpose of making them more attractive to customers. Meanwhile, kitting is most commonly used in manufacturing and production for the purpose of efficiency.
Kitting is the process of assembling parts or components into sets that are to be used or sold for a specific purpose. It’s generally a more detailed and organized process than bundling because it involves collecting a variety of individual components and assembling them into a cohesive package.
For instance, hardware packed alongside a product is regularly kitted ahead of time. Hex keys, screws, and washers that go with specific products are oftentimes enclosed together in a bag to keep all the needed pieces together. That little bag full of parts is a kit.
Kitting is particularly useful in the world of manufacturing because it streamlines the assembly process. Having parts organized into pre-sealed kits cuts down on lead time by eliminating the need to hunt down each individual part.
This also helps to reduce errors, as the correct parts are already packaged, sealed, and ready to be added, decreasing the chances of the wrong part or wrong number of parts making their way into the mix.
Bundling and kitting are two distinct services, so while the terms can be used interchangeably, it’s important for businesses to make sure that they’re choosing assembly partners that can meet their exact needs.
Assembly UL Testing
Safety testing may not sound like it should fall under the category of manual assembly, and yet, it plays a vital role in many cases, especially when UL certifications are mandated. Underwriters Laboratory (UL) is a globally recognized safety certification organization.
Products with electrical elements are commonly tested to avoid risks of overheating, fire, electrical shock, and more. Testing is also done in order to prevent later recalls on products, which can lead to fines.
Products that need to be UL compliant are oftentimes tested multiple times. Just because a product is made using UL certified parts doesn’t automatically make the full product UL approved. The product as a whole also requires its own testing to gain that UL certification.
Not all products necessitate UL testing by law. However, clients can request assembly partners to have testing done, even if certifications are not required.
By testing that the parts as well as assembled products are safe, manufacturers reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, or product recalls.
Conclusion
Manual assembly is done by hand rather than by preprogrammed machines. It can range from mechanical to electrical to kitting and bundling, all the way to UL testing. Finding the right service provider can be made easier by familiarizing oneself with the basics of each category.
Midwest Assembly, Warehouse & Distribution provides customized manual assembly services on a wide variety of projects, offering flexibility and dependability for both large and small orders. Fill out the contact form to find out how Midwest Assembly, Warehouse & Distribution can help with your next project!