Construction projects can be very complex; with so many steps in the process and so many people working on the project, everyone involved must know what the project entails. This is where BOMs comes in. BOM stands for bill of materials. It is a document that outlines the raw materials and instructions needed to construct a product. A well-managed BOM will usually include names, numbers, and purchasing information for different parts. It has information on the phase or stage each part is at in its lifecycle, description of each part, quantity, or the number of parts used in each assembly, unit of measure, procurement type, reference designators, and BOM notes.

A well-managed BOM helps streamline the purchasing process, improve cost estimation, delivery schedule, and material requirement and approval, among many other things. BOMs can vary in scale and type. Some are multi-level and some are single-level. They can pertain to different teams who may choose to manage them differently. No matter how you choose to layout a BOM here are a few key things to include to ensure an effective BOM process.

Create Categories
Because there is so much involved in a construction project, it will be helpful to create categories of items you are planning on using in the project. Some commonly used item types you can create are Standard parts, Electronic parts, Mechanical parts, Custom parts, Fasteners, and Packaging. Categorizing these items into groups will make it easier to define dependencies and communicate what is needed. Categories also make it easier to perform analysis by making it easier to examine different materials by their specific grouping.

Share BOM Early
Determine who the key stakeholders in your project are, and bring them in early. They should be involved in the development of the BOM from the beginning. Throughout the entirety of a project, it is very important that everyone involved is on the same page. Letting your team in on the project plan early ensures that your team is communicating effectively so they can stay on-track, on-budget and keep organized.

Cost Analysis
It is also important to have a cost-effective way to make BOM analysis easier. A simple way to do this is to organize based on cost, then focus on the top 20% of these results. More often than not, whatever is in the top 20% will have a big impact on product success. Organizing and looking at the top 20% will save you the hassle of having to go through everything.

Include Pictures and URLs
While using pictures and links isn’t a requirement when creating a BOM, it will certainly make it easier to understand. Including detailed images and links may take a few minutes but you are setting yourself up for success in the long run.  It will help to minimize mistakes, and assist in making shared information as clear as possible.

Don’t Use Excel
Excel is a great software for a variety of different tasks; however, it is not the best software to use for your BOM. In Excel, you have to duplicate data if you want to send it to someone else. Along with this, you can’t manage revisions and the history of everything you do. And finally, Excel doesn’t allow managing roll-ups and other calculations. Instead of using Excel, use software and digital tools like EVOLVE to automate BOM management.

EVOLVE is a software and service company committed to the construction industry. It helps improve visibility and profitability while enabling faster workflow, fewer errors, higher quality results, and greater collaboration. By using EVOLVE, you can greatly improve your company’s BOM process. Schedule a demo today!