Managing Product Kits in Odoo

If you prefer to assemble kits only when they are ordered, you can manage stock at the component level without tracking the kit as a separate product. This is done using a Kit BoM without a manufacturing step.

When a customer orders a kit, the sales order will display it as a single product. However, the delivery order will list each individual component, ensuring they are picked and shipped separately.

In the examples below, the first image shows a sales order for the kit Custom Computer Kit, while the second image shows the corresponding delivery order.

To set this up in Odoo:

1. In the Products menu (Inventory or Manufacturing app), create the individual component products.

2. Create the kit product separately.

3. In the Inventory tab of the kit product:

• Set Manufacture as the only selected route.
• Set the Product Type to Consumable (since kit stock isn’t tracked).
• Uncheck Can be Purchased (since the kit itself isn’t bought, only the components).
  

4. Create a Bill of Materials for the kit product:

• Add all components and their quantities.
• Set the BoM Type to Ship this product as a set of components.
• Leave other options at their default values.

With this setup, whenever a sales order includes a kit, Odoo will automatically generate a delivery order for the required components.

If you want to track stock of the assembled kit as a single product, you’ll need a standard BoM with a manufacturing step. In this case, when a sales order is placed, a manufacturing order is generated, and the kit must be assembled before it is available for delivery.

1. In the Inventory tab of the kit product:

• Select Manufacture as the route.
• Optionally, enable Make to Order to automatically generate a manufacturing order when a sales order is confirmed.
• Set the Product Type to Storable Product to enable stock tracking.

2. Create a Bill of Materials for the kit product:

• Set the BoM Type to Manufacture this product.
• Define the assembly process using a manufacturing order instead of a simple packing operation.

This approach ensures that the kit is assembled in advance and stocked, rather than being picked and packed at the time of delivery.

Managing product kits in Odoo using Bills of Materials gives you flexibility in handling inventory and order fulfillment. Whether you track stock at the component level or as a finished kit, setting up the right configuration ensures smooth operations. By choosing the right BoM type, you can streamline your sales and manufacturing processes.