What is a Bill of Materials (BOM) and How Does it Work?

Bill of Materials (BOM) is a list of raw materials, components, and assemblies required to manufacture a product. It includes all the items needed to produce the final product, along with their quantities and part numbers. The BOM serves as a blueprint for production, providing a clear and accurate outline of everything that goes into making the product.

In addition to raw materials and components, a BOM may also include information about the suppliers of those items, the manufacturing process, and any quality control measures that need to be taken. The BOM is typically created by engineers and designers who are responsible for developing the product, and it is used by production teams to ensure that all necessary parts and materials are on hand when they begin manufacturing.

BOMs can be either "static" or "dynamic." A static BOM is a fixed list of items that does not change during the production process, while a dynamic BOM is one that can be updated in real-time as production progresses. Dynamic BOMs are often used in industries where products are highly customizable or where there are frequent changes to the manufacturing process.