Introduction to PLM
Companies constantly need to innovate in order to gain or retain their first-mover advantage. Product Lifecycle Management or PLM refers to the process of managing the entire process and data involved - from conceptualization to retirement of the product. On a broad level, the PLM process consists of idea generation, growth, maturity and decline of the product utility in the market. Channelizing the process of product development in a systematic manner is imperative for the success of the product and consequently that of the company and PLM and PLM software is the mainstay of product development companies today. You can read more about PLM and PLM software here.
What is Bill of Materials (BOM)?
While there are many concepts involved in PLM, the bill of Materials or BOM plays a major role in the process of product development, especially at the initial stage. A BOM is an exhaustive list of all that is necessary in the making of a product or a service. In case of a product, the BOM includes the complete list of raw materials, components and assemblies required to manufacture it. In case of services (mainly for products that have already been developed), the BOM lists entire information about parts that need to be maintained as long as the product is in service. For example, in case of a specific automobile model, the gear assembly is part of service BOM. A BOM usually appears in a hierarchical format. What this means is that the end product it typically shown at the top level, with the lower levels showing assemblies and individual components. Of course, the level of detailing depends upon the complexity of the product. Simple products can make do with a single-level BOM. If you need to make a wooden chair, all the raw material that is needed to make it can fit into a simple, single list. However, if your end product is something as complicated as an earth moving vehicle (excavator, bulldozer, trenchers, etc.), then you need a multi-level BOM. The engine may have a separate list of items, the base cabin will have its own list of components, and the wheel assembly and the excavating arm will have their own lists..
In PLM parlance, the BOM can be further divided into Engineering BOM and Manufacturing BOM. Though part of a PLM, both these BOMs play a different role. The engineering BOM is a technical document, created using a CAD software, while the manufacturing BOM is a list of material compiled with business software like ERP. The engineering BOM talks about part / component specifications while the manufacturing BOM deals with the process of managing raw materials and finished goods.
Importance of Bill of Materials
Every manufacturing company adheres to their own production flow. However, irrespective of the flow, each company needs to rely on a robust BOM that can accurately identify and list the components required to manufacture a particular product at any given revision level. PLM software with an elaborate BOM module (like PTC Windchill) can help companies simplify and standardize BOM management across departments to ensure seamless manufacturing. The BOM should be able to create a clear and specific list of every part and option included with their finished products. Without it, they can’t reliably support their customers and scale their businesses. It is necessary for manufacturers to make sure that they have an accurate BOM so that the manufacturing process isn’t hindered because of inaccurate information. An inaccurate BOM can lead to a major setback for the company. It can lead to wasted time, and efforts. This is why it is important to use a feature-rich PLM that incorporates a flexible and scalable BOM.The BOM impacts the purchase of raw material, available inventory and the process of assembly on the shop floor. The accuracy in information helps in making better decisions about manufacturing the product efficiently and cost-effectively. Many companies have now shifted from manual spreadsheets to BOM (PLM) software for the benefits it offers
PTCWindchill - Feature Rich BOM
While every enterprise strives to build great products that would sell like hot cakes, the ground reality is that companies have to fulfill many market requirements and some of them are in conflict with each other. Let us take the example of an airliner. While the airliner company wants models that are more powerful, they want the airplanes to be more fuel efficient as well. Moreover, the airplane manufacturer also needs to deal with emission norms that satisfy stricter pollution standards. Therefore, it is important to develop and validate products at the conceptual stage itself, considering different scenarios that will help arrive at an optimal solution that satisfies everyone. The decision making process needs to be supported with IT tools. And this is possible only with the help of good PLM software with a feature rich BOM. PTC Windchill is one such leading PLM software solution that provides extensive BOM features.
PTC Windchill is a PLM platform that provides numerous functions in a product development environment. Windchill’s open architecture enables easy integration with other enterprise systems, including IoT, providing a solid foundation for a product-driven digital thread. PTC's PLM system provides comprehensive out-of-the-box functionality and highly configurable role and task-based apps. A few of Windchill’s features include:
Key features of Windchill’s BOM management software include:
[source: https://www.ptc.com/en/technologies/plm/bill-of-materials]
Visualization: See product configurations in 3D including loading components on demand, perform interference checking, color coded search and visual compare in Creo View, while fully leveraging these viewables in downstream in process plans, work instructions, catalogs, AR, etc.
Editing: Create and manage product designs including inline editing, autocomplete search, save-as, import from spreadsheet, and driving BOM built from CAD
Compare: Compare product structures including differences in parts, bill of materials, CAD, documents, etc. View differences and explore in 3D
Part replacements and supersedes: Define relationships of interchangeability including alternates, substitutes and part obsolescence
Part classification: Define attributes that streamline finding parts using graphical navigation or attribute searching. Ensure part standardization through classification driven naming
Options and variants: Build configurable product platforms and create configurations and 3D deliverables for design and downstream needs such as MBOM and process plans
Part AML/AVL: Tie supplier part information to product design and allow definition of preferred suppliers for commodity parts. Enable part request process for supply chain and engineering collaboration
Integration for embedded software: Link software deliverables from SCM tools to BOM to provide a complete product definition including software
Transformation: Associative engineering, manufacturing, and service bill of materials views to streamline reconciliation; support for textual and graphical transformation
Part types: Define parts definitions that help describe and capture different business needs with varying attributes, lifecycles and access control
Part history: Timeline history; compare information and part structure directly from history table
The PTC BOM software allows manufacturers to adopt a parts-centric approach so that they can foster collaboration from the point of product conception through manufacturing, device connectivity, and field service. The product designers create and manage a part-centric digital product that can be leveraged at every step of the product lifecycle.
DesignTech Systems is authorized distributor for PTC Windchill. If you need an elaborate PLM software with a feature rich BOM, get in touch with us.