In my recent article about the growing importance of Manufacturing BOM (MBOM) management, I explored various integration methods between CAD, ERP, and PLM systems and the challenges in aligning these processes for streamlined manufacturing and supply chain optimization. If you missed the article, check it here – Where is My MBOM? Navigating the Labyrinth of Modern Manufacturing Data.
One of the main points in my article was about complexity of communication between engineering release and manufacturing planning solutions – procurement planning, work instruction planning and production process with multiple plants. An additional level of complexity comes from the engineering and production configurations related to customer needs and complexity of modern products from mechanical, electronics, software development. Complexity of procurement is related to supply chain decisions that needs to be taken earlier in design and also later by manufacturing facilities and contract manufacturers.
So, the intersection of EBOM and MBOM represents one of the most complex challenges organizations face. In today’s manufacturing world, where speed and accuracy are paramount, effective MBOM management can significantly streamline processes, optimize supply chains, and reduce risks. By understanding the various ways MBOMs are managed and aligning these practices, companies can enhance their operational efficiency and adapt to the dynamic demands of modern manufacturing
The article triggered a bunch of questions and comments, and I want to thank everyone who shared their thoughts and experiences. It’s clear that MBOM management is a critical yet complex area for many teams. In my article today. I want to explore the tools available for creating and managing MBOMs, transforming EBOMs to MBOMs, and understanding advantages and limitations of these solutions and tools. Separately, I’d like to share some of my thoughts about what the future might hold to manage connected engineering and manufacturing processes.
Understanding the Complexity of MBOM Solutions
The terminology about MBOM can be often confusing. While MBOM is used very often, it includes also BOP (Bill of Process), BOE (Bill of Equipment), and Procurement. Some vendors are using BOI (Bill of Information naming, but it is rare). The complexity of MBOM creations arises from several key factors:
- Intersection of Domains: MBOM (and manufacturing planning) sits at the intersection of engineering and manufacturing, requiring seamless communication and data exchange between these domains. This integration is complex as it demands synchronization of detailed engineering data with manufacturing data and processes.
- Comprehensive Solutions by Vendors: Many vendors attempt to provide complete solutions that cover a broad spectrum of functionalities, from Engineering BOM (EBOM) to MBOM, and even more complex constructs like Bill of Process (BOP) and Bill of Equipment (BOE). While comprehensive, these solutions can be overwhelming and difficult to implement fully.
- Focus on Complexity: The focus on delivering highly detailed and all-encompassing solutions often leaves many teams without a workable solution. The sheer complexity can lead to underutilization or misalignment with the actual needs of the organization.
- Integration Challenges: Integrating PLM and ERP systems is another layer of complexity. These systems need to communicate effectively, translating data and processes in a way that both systems can understand, which is no small feat.
With all these elements of complexity, the quest of many companies is to find how to connect processes and not to lock in the specific vertically integrated platforms (which is a topic for another set of articles about breaking monolithic architectures)
Available Tools and Technologies for MBOM Management
So, what tools are available to navigate this complexity? Here’s a look at some of the possible tools and technologies:
PLM Platforms: Many PLM platforms offer comprehensive tools for managing EBOM and MBOM. These platforms are designed to handle complex relationships and data structures, providing an integrated approach to BOM management. Additionally, they may include even more complex solutions like BOP and BOE, offering a holistic view of the product lifecycle. Here are a few examples – Windchill MPM Llnk, Teamcenter MPP, 3DEXPERIENCE Manufacturing Solutions Roles, Aras EBOM to MBOM solution. Also, I can mention recently introduced xBOM service by OpenBOM (disclaimer – I’m CEO and co-founder) .
PLM-ERP Integrations: These tools act as translators, facilitating the flow of data between PLM and ERP systems. They aim to ensure that the manufacturing processes defined in the ERP system accurately reflect the engineering data managed in the PLM system. One of the most widely advertised is an integrated solution developed by Teamcenter and SAP.
CAD-PDM-ERP Integrations: Often simpler, these batch tools transfer data between CAD and ERP systems. While not specifically focused on MBOM, they can help bridge the gap by ensuring that engineering data is available in the ERP system for manufacturing planning. An example of such integration is a solution provided by QBuild for EBOM-MBOM. Other examples might includes integrations between PDM/PLM tools using various integration hubs (Eg. Jitterbit, vDR Nexus, etc.)
Future Directions for MBOM Solutions
What does the future hold for MBOM management? The landscape is evolving, with several exciting developments on the horizon:
Semantic Layers: There are ongoing discussions about creating semantic layers between solutions. These layers aim to provide a common understanding of data and processes, facilitating smoother integration and communication between different systems.
Connected Services: Offering connected services that can act as intermediaries to provide collaborative processes is another promising direction. These services can help bridge the gap between engineering and manufacturing, ensuring that data remains consistent and up-to-date.
AI Tools: Recently, there has been significant interest in AI tools that can help create MBOMs and maintain data synchronization. These tools have the potential to reduce the manual effort required and improve the accuracy of MBOM management.
What is my conclusion?
Manufacturing planning is a complex discipline that is coming into the spotlight of critical problems in manufacturing. The intersection of enterprise resource planning systems, supply chain management, product lifecycle management makes it dependent on many data silos. The need to manage engineering bill of materials, connect it with manufacturing bill of materials, integrate an existing ERP system with CAD and PLM solutions are brining many questions.
Today, solutions for MBOM management are fragmented and siloed between multiple systems. Many existing solutions rooted in decades-old methodologies. PLM and ERP consultants often focus on translating data and adapting processes, but the landscape is ripe for innovation. To introduce integrated management of data and connected business processes, to escape aging PLM and ERP software methods and to accelerate supply chain planning and product lifecycle earlier in the design process. These are many other questions related to regulatory compliance, business and production planning are on the table. Just my thoughts…
I’m curious, what has been your experience with MBOM management tools? Share your thoughts and let’s continue the conversation.
Best, Oleg
Disclaimer: I’m the co-founder and CEO of OpenBOM, a digital-thread platform providing cloud-native PDM, PLM, and ERP capabilities. With extensive experience in federated CAD-PDM and PLM architecture, I’m advocates for agile, open product models and cloud technologies in manufacturing. My opinion can be unintentionally biased.
