Outsourcing kitting operations can provide several strategic advantages to defense original equipment manufacturers (OEM), particularly given the intricate nature of working with defense contracts and government regulations. Navigating the complexities of compliance, stringent quality standards, and meticulous documentation requirements can be challenging. Given these complexities, here are five reasons why defense manufacturers should consider outsourcing their kitting operations to an ITAR certified company.
Related Post: What Is an ITAR Controlled Facility?
Cost Savings:
- Reduced Overhead: Outsourcing to a third-party logistics provider (3PL) eliminates the need for investment in warehouse space, specialized equipment, and the labor required to manage kitting operations in-house.
- Economies of Scale: Third-party providers can achieve economies of scale by serving multiple clients, thereby reducing the cost per kit.
Focus on Core Competencies:
- Concentration on Core Activities: By outsourcing kitting, defense manufacturers can focus their resources and expertise on their primary activities, such as design, development, and production of defense systems and equipment.
- Improved Efficiency: Allocating resources to core activities can lead to better efficiency and higher quality products, enhancing overall competitiveness.
Improved Flexibility and Scalability:
- Adaptability: Outsourcing partners can quickly adapt to changes in demand, whether it’s scaling up production during peak times or scaling down when demand decreases.
- Flexibility in Operations: Third-party providers can handle a variety of kitting requirements and adjust to new projects, such as packaging, assembly, and sub-assembly, without significant downtime or reconfiguration.
Access to Expertise:
- Specialized Knowledge: Outsourcing providers often have extensive experience and expertise in kitting operations, ensuring higher accuracy and efficiency.
- Defense Experience: Defense kitting companies have military and government specific experience to help make your on-boarding and lead time smooth. From mil-spec packaging, to Department of Defense (DoD) first article inspections, the 3PL can help your navigate the paperwork while keeping stringent government deadlines in check.
Enhanced Supply Chain Management:
- Streamlined Processes: Outsourcing kitting can lead to a more streamlined supply chain, reducing the complexity and lead times associated with in-house kitting operations.
- Improved Inventory Management: Third-party providers can offer better inventory management solutions, reducing the risk of overstocking or stockouts and ensuring timely delivery of kits.
Related Post: Mil-Spec Kitting Standards
By leveraging the benefits of outsourcing kitting operations, defense manufacturers can improve operational efficiency, increase time to market and focus on core competencies.
About NewStream Enterprises, LLC
Whether kitting for critical orders, fulfilling your rework needs, shipping direct to customers, or supplying your distribution channel, NewStream leverages shared resources to provide cost-effective kitting solutions.
Contact our team for a free quote or call (417) 831 3112. We understand that quality, fill rates, and on-time delivery are crucial in today’s economy, and we deliver with exceptional performance.