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Purpose Confirmations are applied in kit preparation for mixed-model assembly to promote quality, but research that explains the impact on time efficiency has been lacking. The purpose of this paper is to determine the extent to which the type of confirmation method relates to time-efficient kit preparation when order batching is applied. Design/methodology/approach An industrially relevant laboratory experiment is applied, simulating kit preparation with order batching for mixed-model assembly. The time efficiency is studied as associated with four confirmation methods – barcode ring scanner, button presses, voice commands and RFID-reading wristbands – when applied as pick-from and place-to confirmation. Furthermore, the paper also considers the quality outcome. Findings Efficiency is promoted by methods that minimise interrupting the picker’s motions when performing pick-from confirmations and with methods that allow each hand to place components and perform place-to confirmations simultaneously – here represented by button presses and RFID-reading wristbands. Moreover, combining various methods for the tasks of pick-from or place-to confirmation can benefit efficiency. Research limitations/implications Pickers at an early stage of the learning curve (one shift of training) were considered. Practical implications The findings promote the customised applications of picking information systems in industry. Social implications Combining various methods for the tasks of pick-from and place-to confirmation can provide more fitting applications that better align with the picker’s preferences. Originality/value Combinations of various methods when applied as either pick-from or place-to confirmation, or both, are studied.

Kittingmeaning to supply assembly with components in presorted kitsis widely seen as beneficial for assembly quality and efficiency when there is a multitude of component variants. However, the process by which kits are preparedthe kit preparation is labour-intensive, and kit errors are problematic at assembly processes. The use of robotics to support kit preparation has received some attention by researchers, but literature is lacking with respect to how collaborative robotscobotscan support kit preparation activities. The purpose of this paper is to identify the potential of a cobot to support time-efficient batch preparation of kits. To address the purpose, the paper presents a mathematical model for estimation of the cycle time associated with cobotsupported kit preparation. The model is applied in a numerical example with experimental data from laboratory experiments, and cobot-supported kit preparation is compared with manual kit preparation. The findings suggest that cobot-supported kit preparation is beneficial with diverse kits and smaller components quantities per SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) and provides less variability of the outcome, when compared to manual kit preparation. The paper reveals several insights about cobotsupported kit preparation that can be valuable for both academics and practitioners. The model developed can be used by practitioners to assess the potential of cobots to support kit-batch preparation in association with assembly, spare parts, repair and maintenance, or business to business industry.

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