The Average Production Lead Time for Large Kiosk Projects

3 minutes
Katie Kochelek

The Average Production Lead Time for Large Kiosk Projects

3 minutes
Katie Kochelek


When beginning a kiosk program, the manufacturing phase of the project, commonly known as production, is one stage of an entire process that includes design, pricing, engineering, prototyping, and a pilot.

Depending on the complexity of the program, these initial steps can take several weeks or months to reach prototyping. Then, time needs to be allotted for prototype production, review, and so on. Factor in additional requirements like UL listing, and lead times will increase even more to allow for approvals.

In short, the lifespan of a kiosk program varies greatly due to complexity, testing needs, and the promptness of the client to keep making decisions that allow the project phases to flow.

However, once a project reaches production, the average lead time for higher quantities starts between eight to 10 weeks.

Like the program’s entire timeline, though, this can vary depending on different criteria. Below, we look closer at the dynamics that influence lead time during a kiosk project’s production stage.

Factors that Influence Kiosk Production Lead Time

When talking about final quantities, not all higher quantities are created equal. A couple hundred kiosks should be viewed differently than a thousand.

Daniel Hughes, Senior Project Leader at Frank Mayer, explains.

“The main difference taken into consideration between a couple hundred units verses a thousand is the availability of the product, materials, and just overall labor time,” he states. “Some component part vendors may stock a few hundred parts on hand but may not have higher quantities in order to run leaner and not carry costs of higher volumes. So, they may have to wait for the next supply to ship from the factory or need to request a special order.”

In addition to components, other factors contribute to the difference. Machines can only run so fast, so while there are efficiencies gained when ordering a higher number, more time and capacity are still needed to produce a higher volume run.

Likewise, a counter self-order kiosk will take a different amount of time versus a floor standing sample dispensing unit. This is because the component set in each is different, and the main driver of time is often the availability and lead time for the electronic components housed in the kiosk.

Some hardware is available off-the-shelf and readily available within weeks. Other electronics need to be manufactured or sent in from overseas, which can take significantly longer.

In addition, when producing kiosks in higher quantities, some clients elect to manufacture them overseas to keep costs down. The process of producing overseas adds extra time mainly due to the transit of the materials back to the States. The most cost-efficient way to send is by cargo ship, which will take approximately a month from shipment to arrival at the port. Then, kiosks need to ship from the port to assembly or a distribution center.

Shortening a Kiosk Production Timeline

There are instances when items or processes can be expedited if time is of the essence. Several strategies can speed up production times.

One of the most effective ways is to place orders for components before manufacturing gets underway. This proactive approach ensures critical parts are available immediately when production begins, preventing any possible delays.

Further, working with a kiosk manufacturer’s network of reliable vendors can sometimes drive lead times down. By tapping into these established relationships, manufacturers can often secure parts more quickly, providing faster turnaround times for materials and components.

Lastly, leveraging expedited or air freight shipping options can also speed up production timelines. While more expensive, the option to cut down on transit times can help when pressed to meet tight deadlines.

Conclusion

In summary, production times for high-volume runs of kiosk programs can vary due to multiple factors, but strategic planning and proactive measures can help reduce delays to ensure a timely delivery.

Let's Get Started