As the business world becomes more complex, the need for a bill of materials (BOM) software has never been greater. Bill of Materials (BOM) Software is an important ERP solution for manufacturers, which allows them to get the framework for the structural composition of the products they plan, assemble, cost, or sell. The software includes every style of BOM and can be integrated with the different supply chain functions—from processing customer orders to production costing.

BOM software plays a major role in standardizing, automating, and controlling the bill of materials. Besides, it’s very instrumental when it comes to the management of raw materials and parts that go into a finished product. The applications for BOM software include part procurement and the generation of the bill of materials.

The main function of the BOM software is to manage and automate products and bill of materials. You can also use the software to automate the process of raw materials by integrating it with inventory control software.

Part Numbering

BOM software can generate a part number for every raw material and finished product in your inventory. The part number is composed of a series of letters and numbers that identify the specific product. It’s important to have a consistent and unique numbering system for all the parts in your inventory. This will help you keep track of everything easily.

Part Data Management

BOM software lets you store all the data related to each raw material and finished product in your inventory. This includes the name, description, quantity, unit price, supplier, lead time, and more. Having all this information stored in one place will make it easier for you to quickly manage your inventory and process customer orders.

Version Control

BOM software keeps track of all the changes made to the bill of materials for each product. This is important for maintaining consistent product quality. Every time a change is made, the software creates a new version of the BOM. This way, you can easily track and revert to older versions if necessary.

Order Management

BOM software can be integrated with order management software to automate the process of processing customer orders. When an order is received, the software will automatically generate a list of the required raw materials and finished products. It will also calculate the quantity needed for each item and create a purchase order for the missing items.

Production Planning

The experts from Part analytics, a sourcing software developer, say that BOM software can be used to plan the production of finished products. The software will take into account the lead time for each raw material and calculate the earliest possible date that the finished product can be shipped. This information is important for setting realistic delivery dates for customers.

Costing

BOM software can be integrated with accounting software to calculate each finished product’s cost automatically. The cost includes the raw materials, labor, overhead, and other expenses. This information is important for pricing products accurately and making informed decisions about production costs.

Reporting

BOM software provides various reports that give you insights into your inventory, customer orders, production plans, etc. These reports can help you make better decisions about stock levels, pricing, production scheduling, etc.

Integration

BOM software can be integrated with other software applications to automate various business processes. For example, the software can be integrated with accounting software to generate invoices and customer statements automatically. It can also be integrated with order management software to automate the process of processing customer orders.

Security

BOM software includes various security features that protect your data from unauthorized access. The software uses role-based security to control access to the different parts of the application. Only users with the appropriate permissions can view or edit the data. The software also uses data encryption to protect your data from being accessed by unauthorized people.

Tips for choosing BOM software

The following software development outsourcing tips will help you choose the right BOM software for your business.

Consider your specific needs

The first step is to consider your specific needs. What features are you looking for? What kind of products do you manufacture? How large is your inventory? Answering these questions will help you narrow down the list of potential software vendors.

Compare vendors

Once you know what you’re looking for, you can compare vendors. Make a list of the potential vendors and compare their prices, features, and reviews. Read online reviews and talk to other businesses in your industry to get their recommendations.

Request a demo

After narrowing down your list of vendors, request a demo from each one. This will allow you to see the software in action and decide if it’s the right fit for your business.

Get a free trial

Many vendors offer free trials of their software. This is a great way to test out the software before committing. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure the software meets your needs.

Make your decision

After considering all the factors, it’s time to make your decision. Choose the software that offers the features you need at a price you’re comfortable with.

The right BOM software can streamline your manufacturing process and save you time and money. Use the tips above to find the right software for your business.

Bottom Line

Bill of materials software is a crucial part of any manufacturing business. It helps you standardize and automate the bill of materials process. It also provides valuable insights into your inventory, customer orders, production plans, and more. If you’re not using BOM software already, now is the time to start.