Bill of materials (BOM)
also: BOM · costed BOM · EBOM · MBOM
The complete list of every part, quantity and approved source needed to build a product; it drives purchasing, cost and manufacturing.
A BOM lists every component and material: electronic parts with manufacturer part numbers, mechanical parts, fasteners, labels, packaging and inserts. An engineering BOM reflects the design; a manufacturing BOM adds assembly-specific items and process materials. A costed BOM adds pricing at the volumes you expect to buy.
The BOM is where cost and supply risk live. One part with a long lead time, a single source or end-of-life status can stop production. Price breaks, packaging (cut tape versus full reels) and minimum order quantities shape what each unit really costs.
Where it bites: BOM cost is not product cost. Assembly, test, yield loss, packaging, freight, duties and warranty sit on top. A BOM without manufacturer part numbers and approved alternates invites substitutions you never approved.
Founder takeaway
Keep one controlled BOM with manufacturer part numbers, approved alternates and lifecycle status on every line, and review it for single-source and long-lead parts before each build.
engineer review pending