What is a bill of materials (BOM)?

A bill of materials (BOM) serves as a crucial document in manufacturing that provides a comprehensive list of all the raw materials, sub-assemblies, components, and quantities needed to produce a finished product. This detailed breakdown is essential for production planning, procurement, and inventory management, as it defines what materials are required, ensuring that the manufacturing process can proceed smoothly without delays or shortages.

The BOM functions not only as a guide for what is necessary to build a product but also assists in cost estimation, production scheduling, and material requirements planning. By having this complete list, manufacturers can efficiently manage their resources, streamline operations, and ensure that all necessary components are available before production begins.