Bill of materials (BOM) software is an essential tool for engineers and product designers to manage and organize product components. A BOM lists all the parts, materials, and components required to assemble a product. There are two main types of BOM software:
Free/standalone BOM software - These are free or low-cost software tools focused solely on generating and managing BOMs. They allow you to easily create and organize BOMs but have limited integration with other design software.
Integrated BOM software - These are BOM tools that are part of a larger product lifecycle management (PLM) or engineering design platform. They provide deeper integration with CAD software, supply chain and ERP systems but are more costly.
This article compares free BOM generators against integrated BOM software and helps you choose the right option for your needs.
Key Differences Between Free BOM Software and Integrated BOM Software
Here are some of the main differences between standalone free BOM generators and integrated BOM software:
1. Cost
The most obvious difference is that free BOM software has no licensing fee while integrated BOM tools require paid subscriptions to the PLM or engineering software.
Free BOM generators like BOMist, Kloudio BOM, and PartsBox are completely free to use with no limits on generating BOMs.
Integrated BOM software like Arena and Windchill are bundled with premium PLM platforms that cost thousands of dollars per user annually.
2. Integration with Design Software
Free BOM tools have little to no integration with CAD or other engineering software. You cannot export BOMs directly from the CAD design into the BOM tool.
In integrated tools, the BOM is synchronized in real-time with the product design. When an engineer makes changes in the CAD model, the BOM updates automatically. This avoids manual work and human errors in data transfer.
3. Collaboration Capabilities
Most free BOM generators are designed for individual users with limited collaboration capabilities.
Integrated BOM software allows enterprise-grade collaboration. Multiple stakeholders can access, edit, review, and approve BOMs in real-time while maintaining accuracy and version control.
4. Supply Chain Integration
Free BOM tools have no capabilities to integrate with supply chain platforms. You cannot connect the BOM data directly to ERP, MRP, procurement, or supplier systems.
Integrated BOM software enables automation between engineering, manufacturing, and sourcing. Approved BOM data can flow directly into production planning, inventory management, and purchasing workflows.
5. Capabilities Beyond BOMs
Standalone BOM generators focus narrowly on building and organizing BOMs. They lack capabilities beyond generating and documenting part lists.
In integrated PLM software, BOM management is just one of many product lifecycle features including project management, new product introduction (NPI), quality management, change control, and more.
6. Ease of Use
Most free web-based BOM tools have an intuitive, easy-to-use interface that allows occasional users to quickly create BOMs with no training needed.
Integrated BOM software is designed for engineers and may have a steeper learning curve. But they offer greater capabilities once the user gets familiar with the platform.
When to Use Free Standalone BOM Software
Here are situations where free web-based BOM generators are the best choice:
Early design stages - In the conceptual or prototype phases when the design is fluid, a simple BOM tool is useful for parts list organization without the overhead of a complex PLM system.
Individual designers or engineers - For lone inventors, makers, and hobbyists who want to organize their parts lists without the expense of an enterprise solution.
Basic assembly BOMs - If you just need to create a straightforward assembly BOM without advanced capabilities like configuration management or supply chain integration.
Occasional BOM generation - For teams that only need to create BOMs infrequently, the free software allows ad-hoc usage without paying for unused licenses.
Low complexity products - For simple products with fewer parts and low engineering complexity, basic BOM software may suffice.
Testing out capabilities - Free BOM tools allow testing capability before purchasing an integrated enterprise solution.
When Integrated BOM Software is the Better Choice
Here are scenarios where integrated BOM software in a PLM system is worth the investment:
Large engineering organizations - They require secure collaboration, version control, workflows, and integration with design and ERP systems.
Complex engineered products - Products with thousands of parts, multiple configurations, and frequent design changes need advanced tools.
Regulated industries - Medical, defense, aerospace, and automotive companies require compliance, accuracy, and audit trails.
Outsourced manufacturing - OEMs managing BOMs across internal teams and external suppliers need collaboration and change management capabilities.
New product introduction - Companies frequently releasing new products benefit from automation between engineering, supply chain, and production.
Multi-system integration - Companies using multiple software systems need a centralized BOM platform with APIs for easy integration.
Configuration management - Companies with products with many variants or custom options need automated configuration management.
Growing organizations - As product complexity and team sizes increase, an enterprise-grade BOM system becomes necessary.
Major Capabilities of Free BOM Software
While standalone free BOM generators have varying capabilities, here are some common features:
Parts list creation - Provide forms or spreadsheets to easily create a list of parts, descriptions, suppliers, quantities, etc.
Templating - Offer templates to quickly create common BOM layouts for assemblies, sub-assemblies, spare parts, etc.
File imports - Allow importing parts data from CSV, Excel, or other file formats.
Basic hierarchy - Organize parts into simple parent-child component relationships.
Visual formatting - Allow applying colors, fonts, and other formatting for better visibility.
Field customization - Add or remove columns like part numbers, descriptions, specs, suppliers, etc.
Basic collaboration - Share View/Edit access of BOMs or allow comments on BOM items.
PDF/Excel exports - Generate BOM reports in printable PDFs or spreadsheet formats.
Data backup - Backup BOM data to avoid loss from human errors or technical issues.
Limited access controls - Manage user accounts and permission levels.
Light search and filtering - Find and filter parts in the BOM using keywords or attributes.
Simple pricing/costing - Add cost estimates to parts and roll up total BOM costs.
Key Capabilities of Integrated BOM Software
Integrated BOM software within larger PLM systems offers advanced functionality:
CAD integrations - Native integrations with major CAD tools to import designs and sync BOMs.
Automated BOM generation - BOMs generated instantly from CAD model attributes.
Configurable BOMs - Create many modular, configurable BOM templates from CAD variants.
Engineering change control - Automate engineering changes and control BOM revisions.
Robust BOM editing - Mass edit and synchronize many BOMs, rows, and attributes quickly.
Multi-level BOM structuring - Map complex BOM hierarchies with unlimited levels and relationships.
BOM comparison - Identify BOM changes between versions quickly.
Supplier integration - Connect BOMs with supplier and procurement systems.
Automated manufacturing files - Automatically generate shop floor work instructions from BOMs.
BOM costing - Detailed cost rollups factoring production costs, overheads, currency, and lead-times.
BOM simulation - Simulate the impact of proposed engineering changes to the BOM before implementation.
Automated workflows - Route BOMs through digital workflows and approvals across departments.
Reporting and analytics - Custom reports on BOM data for executives and other stakeholders.
PLM platform integrations - Seamless linking of BOM data to other product lifecycle processes like requirements, QA, etc.
Enterprise security - Role-based access controls, SSO integration, and data encryption.
Comparing Leading Free BOM Software
Below we compare some of the most popular free, web-based BOM generators on critical capabilities:
| Feature | BOMist | Kloudio BOM | PartsBox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
| BOM Templates | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ |
| Import/Export | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Collaboration | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Hierarchies | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Custom Fields | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Reporting | ★★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Offline Access | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Mobile App | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| CAD Integration | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
BOMist
BOMist is an intuitive, spreadsheet-style BOM generator with hierarchical capabilities and flexible exports. It lacks robust collaboration tools.
Kloudio BOM
Kloudio BOM provides good custom field flexibility but has limited standard templates and hierarchy modeling. Access controls are better for team usage.
PartsBox
PartsBox enables modelling complex BOM structures and has useful reporting. But it lacks advanced permissions and controls suited for bigger teams.
Leading Integrated BOM Software
Below are some top integrated BOM software tools as part of larger PLM platforms:
Arena PLM - Robust BOM management and integration with major CAD tools via Arena's NX Connect modules. Tight integrations with other Arena modules for change control, quality, etc.
Windchill - Windchill PDMLink offers deep integration of BOM management with Creo CAD tools. It also enables configuration management of BOM variants.
PTC Navigate - Part of PTC's Navigate solution, the BOM module is CAD-agnostic and focused on collaboration across the supply chain.
SAP Engineering Control Center - Tightly integrated with the wider SAP product development ecosystem including CAD integrations.
Oracle Agile PLM - Oracle has deep BOM capabilities across complex product families and configurations. Integrates well with other Oracle cloud solutions.
Siemens Teamcenter - Strong pedigree in manufacturing industries with excellent integrations to Siemens CAD/CAM tools like NX.
Aras PLM - Aras offers advanced BOM capabilities as part of its wider federated PLM solution. It has flexible licensing models.
Autodesk Vault - Tightly integrated with AutoCAD and Inventor software. Focused on small and medium manufacturers.
Infor CloudSuite PLM - Infor focuses on automation of BOM processes from design to manufacturing handoff.
BOM Software Buying Considerations
When evaluating BOM systems, consider these key aspects:
Immediate needs vs. future growth - Will a free tool meet today's needs or should you invest in capabilities to scale?
Integration requirements - What other enterprise software must the BOM integrate with?
BOM complexity - Will you need multi-level modular/configurable BOM capabilities?
Team collaboration needs - Does the tool support your team's collaboration workflows?
IT infrastructure - SaaS vs. on-premise options based on your IT policies and existing stack.
Budget - Can you allocate budget for a paid BOM software or only use a free tool?
Ease of use - Will non-technical staff struggle with the BOM interface?
CAD system - Does the tool integrate with your CAD software?
Vendor support - Is responsive technical support and expertise available?
Conclusion and Recommendations
For individuals and very small teams, free web-based BOM software provides enough capabilities to organize simple BOMs at zero cost. PartsBox, in particular, stands out for its ease of use.
However, for professional engineering teams dealing with complex products, integrated BOM software within a complete PLM system is recommended despite the higher cost. The automation, accuracy, collaboration, integrations, and advanced capabilities are worth the investment.
Mid-size companies should start with free tools to test capabilities but plan to expand to integrated BOM software as product complexity increases. For larger enterprises, an integrated tool like Arena or Windchill integrated with their existing CAD and ERP infrastructure provides the most robust solution.
Carefully evaluate the pros and cons against your specific needs, budget, and future roadmap when selecting the best option. The upfront time spent in this product selection process will maximize your long-term productivity in BOM management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some key things I should look for in BOM software?
A: Key capabilities to evaluate include - ease of generating/importing BOMs, organizing BOM hierarchies, flexible part attribute fields, reporting, collaboration features, integrations with design/ERP systems, change controls, and advanced configuration management.
Q: Is web-based BOM software secure compared to desktop tools?
A: Web-based tools can offer robust security including user access controls, data encryption, and secure data centers. Desktop tools have the risk of data loss if systems fail. Cloud BOM tools often have better data backup capabilities.
Q: Can I link a BOM generated in Excel into PLM software?
A: Most integrated PLM systems allow importing a BOM from an Excel spreadsheet into the BOM module. But subsequent changes would need to be managed within the PLM software. Native BOM creation is better for change management.
Q: What industries most need integrated BOM software vs. standalone tools?
A: Integrated BOM management is critical for complex, highly regulated products in aerospace, defense, industrial equipment, medical devices, automotive, etc. For simpler products and assemblies, free tools may suffice.
Q: How can I reduce manual work in keeping our BOM updated?
A: Integrated BOM software that automatically syncs with the engineering CAD model as it changes significantly reduces manual work and human errors that occur in spreadsheet-based BOMs.
