Abstract
SPS system caters to delivering Right Part to Right Place at Right time in other words it is a tool for JIT concept. This paper evaluates conventional kitting system and proposes a novel universal kitting system. In conventional kitting process discrete kitting cells specific to assembly lines are utilized. In order to achieve benefits in terms of lean process and reduced initial investment, this novel Universal SPS system is proposed. After evaluating the conventional SPS process, towing equipment route observed had long empty return. This long route was considered as a waste in material handling process. By keeping this objective at focus, shorter and efficient supply routes were considered for Universal Kitting solution. Comparing developed universal kitting methodology to traditional approach, reduction of route length by approximately 40% was observed. With the reduced length, optimization of time in terms of material movement, process operation and cycle completion were observed. The shortened kitting trolley route resulted in minimized use of mobile equipment and reduced the PIV (Pedestrian Interface with Vehicle) exposure safety hazard. Minimizing PIV exposure hazard was an additional benefit achieved through this approach. This paper explores the shop floor layout pre requisites, constraints, limitations and economic factors of deploying the Universal SPS system.