CMMS: Understanding the Bill of Materials
A Bill of Materials (BOM) is a central document that lists all necessary raw materials, components, instructions, tools, and documentation required to manufacture, assemble, or repair a product. Crafting an accurate BOM involves various departments such as design, engineering, operations, purchasing, and manufacturing. A well-prepared BOM ensures that assembly is efficient and materials are available when needed, reducing the risk of production delays and additional costs.
Types of Bill of Materials
For businesses, there are primarily two types of BOMs — Engineering BOMs and Manufacturing BOMs. Engineering BOMs are focused on the design of a finished product and are organized based on CAD designs. Manufacturing BOMs, on the other hand, are essential for planning and executing ERP systems and MRP processes.
Essential Components of a Bill of Materials
To ensure maintenance teams work efficiently, a BOM should include:
- BOM Level: Use a numbering system to identify where each part fits within the BOM hierarchy.
- Part Number: Assign unique numbers to parts for quick identification, avoiding duplications.
- Part Name: Use distinct names for easy recognition.
- Phase: Identify each part’s lifecycle stage, such as ‘In Production’ or ‘In Design’.
- Description: Detailed descriptions help distinguish between similar parts.
- Quantity: Specify the required number of parts for manufacturing or subassembly.
- Unit of Measure: Standardize measurement units, such as inches or ounces.
- Procurement Type: Indicate whether parts are off-the-shelf or custom-made.
- Reference Designators: For PCB assemblies, note where each part should be placed.
- BOM Notes: Include additional valuable information for users.
