Introduction
In the business of manufacturing, the production process often involves creating sub-assembly items before the final product is complete. This process is best managed with a multi-level Bill of Materials (BOM) in Empress.
To ensure optimal use of this feature, we have created this comprehensive guide to help you understand, implement, and manage multi-level BOMs in Empress.
What is a Multi-Level BOM?
A multi-level BOM is a hierarchical representation of components needed to make a product, with each level representing a sub-assembly stage. It connects the BOMs of sub-assemblies with the BOM of the final product.
For example, if you are manufacturing a Shaving Brush, the BOM for the Brush Bristles (a subassembly) will be linked to the overall BOM of the Shaving Brush.
In Empress, you can view this link in the ‘Materials’ table within the Bill of Materials master.
Making Use of Multi-Level BOM in a Work Order
To use a multi-level BOM in a Work Order, you need to ensure the ‘Use Multi-Level BOM’ checkbox is checked. This box is checked by default.
Keep this option enabled if you are planning materials for sub-assemblies of the item you’re manufacturing. However, if you plan and manufacture the sub-assemblies separately, you should uncheck this box.
Walkthrough of a Multi-Level BOM
If you are assembling a computer, and the hard disk and DVD drive are the sub-assemblies, your multi-level BOM would look like this:
- Computer (Final Product)
- Mother Board
- SMTP
- Accessories and wires
- Hard Disk (Sub-assembly)
- Item A
- Item B
- Item C
- DVD Drive (Sub-assembly)
- Item X
- Item Y
- Item Z
Important Points to Remember
When updating the BOM of a sub-assembly, you need to be careful. This is because updating a sub-assembly’s BOM means you need to reference the updated BOM in the part that includes this sub-assembly.
For instance, if you replace Item C with a new item (Item D) in the Hard Disk sub-assembly, you would have to create a new BOM for the Hard Disk that includes Items A, B, and D. You then update the Hard Disk in the computer’s BOM to reference this new Hard Disk BOM.
Understanding the implications of changes in multi-level BOM will allow you to better manage your manufacturing process and ensure the accuracy of your BOMs in Empress.
By effectively implementing multi-level BOMs in your operations, you can streamline your manufacturing process, increase efficiency, and enhance productivity. For further assistance, please reach out to our dedicated support team who will be more than happy to help.