Kitting and VMI FAQ
Common questions before starting an inventory program.
Retmay has been helping business customers solve hardware supply problems since 1959. These programs are designed to make repeat parts easier to buy, issue, replenish, and track.
What is custom kitting?
Custom kitting groups the fasteners, fittings, terminals, clips, rivets, or related hardware for a repeat job into one labeled bag, box, or package. Kits can be organized around assemblies, service routes, installations, work orders, customer part numbers, or one kit part number for cleaner ordering and invoice tracking.
What is vendor managed inventory?
Vendor managed inventory, or VMI, is a replenishment program where Retmay helps monitor selected bins or parts and restocks them against agreed min/max levels so your team spends less time chasing low-value repeat buys.
What parts work best for VMI?
VMI is best for repeat-use items that can slow down production or maintenance when they run out: screws, bolts, nuts, washers, pins, rivets, terminals, wire, clips, hose clamps, abrasives, tape, grommets, and stocked kit components.
Do we need a perfect part list to start?
No. A program can begin with a part list, a current bin area, a recurring kit, or a handful of problem parts. Retmay can help organize the first pass, identify critical items, and build a practical replenishment setup from there.
Can Retmay support both stocked and sourced items?
Yes. Retmay can support stocked hardware and sourced items from manufacturer and brand lines represented across the catalog, including lines such as Champion, Norton, Advanced Cable Ties, Drossbach, Marson, AZ Wire & Cable, All America Threaded Products, 3M, Huck, Permatex, Parker, and Auveco. Retmay is a top distributor of Champion products in Central Pennsylvania.
How does a kitting or VMI conversation start?
Start with the parts, bins, jobs, or assemblies that create the most purchasing friction. Retmay will review the use case, discuss clear bags or boxes, labels, counts, kit part numbers, and packaging, define min/max levels if needed, and recommend a program that fits your operation.