BoM in PIM and ERP

A bill of materials lists every component and material needed to make one product: which items, in which quantities, and when production needs them. Companies usually keep that list in ERP, because purchasing and production planning run there.

The PIM data model is the frame for the rest of the product record. The BoM can sit in that model in four ways. Which one fits depends on the PIM you run and on what you need to do with the list.

BoM as a product attribute

The list is a characteristic of the product. The PIM stores and manages it as part of the product record.

BoM as a separate object

The BoM is its own object. You maintain it on its own and link it to the product it belongs to.

BoM as a hierarchy

The PIM stores the BoM as a tree. Primary components sit at the top. Subcomponents sit under them.

BoM as an aggregated list

One cumulative list holds every material and component required for production, with quantities and the hierarchical relations written out.

Keep the PIM copy and the ERP copy aligned

The list only works if it stays in sync with ERP. ERP is where inventory, procurement, sales, finance, and production planning meet. The BoM drives production planning and material requirements in ERP. Planning and execution stay accurate when the BoM in the PIM and the BoM in ERP stay in sync.