Kit & Assembly Businesses
Your complete playbook for managing kit assembly operations
Subscription boxes, DIY kits, and assembly operations
Kit and assembly businesses deal with many individual components that come together into finished products. This playbook covers managing components and subassemblies across multiple locations, building assembly procedures with step-by-step instructions, transferring stock between warehouse and assembly areas, and tracking equipment maintenance. Multi-location support is central to this workflow.
Getting Started
One-time setup tasks to configure Ardent Seller for kit assembly operations.
1. Set up multiple locations
Kit businesses often use separate locations: a warehouse for component storage, an assembly area, and a shipping/fulfillment area. Add each as a location so you can track where every component and finished kit is.
2. Add your components
Add every individual component that goes into your kits: craft supplies, printed materials, hardware, electronics, food items, etc. Set the unit of measure and cost per unit for each.
3. Create subassemblies
If your kits contain sub-components that are assembled separately (e.g., a pre-wired circuit board, a pre-mixed spice pack), create them as subassemblies. These have their own recipes and can be produced independently.
4. Add packaging materials
Add boxes, tissue paper, inserts, stickers, and outer shipping boxes. Subscription box businesses especially need to track these as they're a significant per-unit cost.
5. Add equipment
Register assembly equipment: heat sealers, label printers, shrink wrap machines, scales, etc. Track usage hours and maintenance schedules to prevent production downtime.
6. Set up finished kits
Create entries for each finished kit you sell. Use variants for different kit tiers or themes (e.g., "Starter Kit", "Deluxe Kit", "Holiday Edition").
7. Add vendors and customers
Add your component suppliers and your customers. For subscription boxes, your subscriber list can be managed as customer entries to track recurring sales.
Day-to-Day Operations
Regular tasks for assembling kits and managing multi-location inventory.
Build assembly procedures (bill of materials)
Create a procedure for each kit that lists every component, subassembly, and packaging item with exact quantities. Add step-by-step assembly instructions so anyone on your team can follow the process. The total cost per kit is calculated automatically.
Purchase components from suppliers
When you receive a component shipment, record the purchase with quantities and costs. Components are added to your warehouse (or whichever location you specify) inventory.
Transfer components to the assembly area
Before an assembly run, transfer the needed components from your warehouse to your assembly location. Both locations are updated automatically so you always know where stock is.
Produce subassemblies first
If your kit includes subassemblies, produce those first. Run a production batch for each subassembly, which consumes raw components and outputs the subassembly inventory.
Assemble finished kits
Run the final assembly production. Select the kit procedure, set the batch size, and components plus subassemblies are deducted while finished kits are added to inventory.
Record sales and shipments
When orders ship, record the sales. For subscription boxes, you can batch-record sales for all subscribers in a period. Revenue is tracked and kit inventory is deducted.
Check replenish levels across locations
Monitor component levels across all locations. The replenish workflow checks against replenish points and helps you plan purchases before you run out during an assembly run.
Periodic Reviews
Weekly or monthly tasks to keep your multi-location operations running smoothly.
Perform stocktakes at each location
Count inventory at each location separately. Switch to each location in Ardent Seller and run a guided stocktake. This catches discrepancies from miscounts, damage, or theft.
Review equipment maintenance
Check whether heat sealers, label printers, or other equipment are due for maintenance. Schedule maintenance before busy assembly periods to avoid downtime.
Review pricing and margins
As component costs change, check whether your kit prices still deliver the margins you need. Factor in shipping costs if applicable.
Review inventory valuation
Check the total value of components, subassemblies, and finished kits across all locations. Important for understanding working capital and insurance coverage.
Review profit and loss
Run a profit & loss report to see total revenue from kit sales minus all costs: components, packaging, labor, equipment, and overhead.
End-of-period closeout
At month or quarter end, run the closeout workflow to reconcile all locations, review financials, and generate summary reports.