10.2 Bill of Materials (BOM) and parts lists

Assembly modeling and documentation are crucial in product design. Bills of Materials (BOMs) and parts lists play a key role, providing a structured overview of components needed for manufacturing. They bridge the gap between engineering, purchasing, and production.

BOMs and parts lists streamline communication and boost efficiency across teams. By detailing part numbers, descriptions, and quantities, they ensure accurate assembly and maintenance. These documents are vital for compliance, quality control, and product certification.

Bill of Materials: Purpose and Importance

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• A Bill of Materials (BOM) is a structured list of all the parts, components, subassemblies, and raw materials required to manufacture a product or assembly
• BOMs serve as a critical communication tool between engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing departments
• They provide a clear and concise overview of the product structure, enabling effective procurement, production planning, and inventory management
• BOMs help ensure that all necessary components are available when needed, reducing delays and minimizing waste

Facilitating Collaboration and Efficiency

• Parts lists, often included within or alongside BOMs, provide detailed information about each individual part, such as part numbers, descriptions, quantities, and reference designators
  • This information is essential for accurate assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• BOMs and parts lists facilitate collaboration among cross-functional teams by providing a common language and reference point
  • They help streamline communication, reduce errors, and improve overall project efficiency
• Accurate and up-to-date BOMs and parts lists are crucial for compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and quality control processes
  • They serve as legal documents and are often required for product certification and liability purposes (ISO 9001, AS9100)

Creating BOMs and Parts Lists in CAD

Generating BOMs from 3D Assembly Models

• Use the BOM and parts list creation tools available in CAD software, such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or Creo, to generate BOMs and parts lists directly from the 3D assembly model
• Ensure that all components, subassemblies, and parts are properly modeled and assigned unique identifiers, such as part numbers or reference designators, within the CAD system
  • This information will be automatically populated in the BOM and parts list
• Specify the required BOM structure, such as single-level, multi-level, or indented, based on the complexity of the assembly and the intended use of the documentation
  • Choose the appropriate level of detail to provide clarity without overwhelming the reader

Ensuring Accuracy and Completeness

• Include relevant information for each part, such as part name, description, material, quantity, and any additional custom properties required by the project or organization
  • Consistency in terminology and formatting is essential for clarity and ease of use
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of the generated BOM and parts list by comparing them against the 3D assembly model
  • Ensure that all components are accounted for, quantities are correct, and any special notes or instructions are included
• Utilize CAD software features, such as automatic part numbering, BOM templates, and custom properties, to streamline the creation process and maintain consistency across multiple projects or iterations

Customizing BOMs for Projects

Identifying Project-Specific Requirements

• Identify the specific information requirements for the project, such as additional columns for supplier data, cost, lead time, or custom properties
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders, including purchasing, manufacturing, and quality control teams, to determine their needs
• Modify the default BOM and parts list templates in the CAD software to include the required columns and data fields
  • Ensure that the customized templates are saved and shared with the project team to maintain consistency

Standardizing Naming Conventions and Data Management

• Populate the customized data fields with the relevant information for each part or component
  • This may involve manually entering data, linking to external databases (ERP systems), or using CAD software automation tools to extract information from the 3D model or associated metadata
• Develop a standardized naming convention and numbering scheme for parts and assemblies that aligns with the project or organization's requirements
  • This may include incorporating project codes, revision numbers, or other relevant identifiers (ABC-1234-001)
• Consider using custom properties in the CAD software to store and manage project-specific data, such as supplier information, procurement status, or manufacturing notes
  • These properties can be easily exported to the BOM and parts list, reducing manual data entry and ensuring accuracy

Validating Customized BOMs

• Validate the customized BOM and parts list with the project team to ensure that all required information is included and accurately represented
• Solicit feedback and make necessary adjustments to optimize the documentation for the specific project needs

Updating BOMs Throughout Design

Managing Design Changes

• Establish a clear process for managing changes to the product design, including a formal engineering change request (ECR) system
  • This ensures that all modifications are properly documented, reviewed, and approved before being implemented in the BOM and parts list
• Regularly review and update the BOM and parts list as the design evolves, incorporating any approved changes or modifications
  • This may involve adding or removing components, updating quantities, or revising part specifications
• Utilize CAD software features, such as revision control and change management tools, to track and document changes to the 3D model and associated BOM and parts list
  • Maintain a clear audit trail of all modifications, including the date, author, and reason for each change

Communicating Updates and Ensuring Version Control

• Communicate updates to the BOM and parts list to all relevant stakeholders, including purchasing, manufacturing, and quality control teams
  • Ensure that everyone is working with the latest version of the documentation to avoid confusion and errors
• Implement a formal approval process for BOM and parts list changes, requiring sign-off from key stakeholders before releasing the updated documentation
  • This helps ensure that all changes are properly vetted and aligned with project requirements
• Regularly archive and backup the BOM and parts list documentation, along with the associated 3D models and other project files
  • This safeguards against data loss and provides a historical record of the product's evolution throughout the design process

Continuous Improvement

• Continuously monitor and improve the BOM and parts list management process, seeking feedback from users and incorporating best practices and lessons learned
• Regularly review and update any standardized templates, naming conventions, or data management procedures to optimize efficiency and accuracy