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How-to guide: Efficient BOM (bill of materials) management in aerospace

As aerospace and defense companies contend with the growing complexity of their systems and products, it becomes increasingly important to efficiently manage engineering work across many domains. The bill of materials (BOM) is an essential component of product development and requires a collaborative effort from everyone involved in the process.

In this BOM management in aerospace ebook, learn how your team can:

  • Synchronize multiple data sources to secure BOM information from all design domains

  • Provide easy access to the most up-to-date version of the BOM

  • Use the BOM to track product variability for differently manufactured aircraft

  • Overcome BOM creation and management challenges

Adopt a collaborative BOM creation process in aerospace

BOM management in aerospace is crucial to the entire design process. The BOM connects engineering, manufacturing, procurement, sales, finance, servicing and management. Therefore, it’s critical for your aerospace business to adopt a collaborative BOM creation process that's accessible, visible and effective. Accurate BOM management is made easier using product lifecycle management (PLM) software.

Synchronize many BOM types in aerospace

A complete and accurate BOM for today’s aerospace and defense products may contain mechanical, electrical, electronics and software parts and components. Manually implementing all this data into a centralized location is time-consuming and prone to human error.

Modern PLM solutions solve this issue by synchronizing many BOM types. These solutions automatically generate a BOM based on current inputs whenever design changes are made. This data can then be accessed across your aerospace organization – even by remote teams – to make better business decisions from a single source of truth.

Manage product variability in aerospace

It’s not uncommon for products to come with different variations. There are aircraft for civilian, military and commercial uses. There are variations in size, engine type, flight range and control options. These differences affect procurement, inventory management and sales.

This is where the BOM plays a critical role in managing product variability in aerospace. Trying to manage the BOM with traditional methods like spreadsheets further complicates an already complex process. By implementing PLM-based BOM management, your BOM can take care of variability, saving additional costs and significantly reducing any chance for errors.

Bill of materials software within a cloud-based PLM solution

PLM software via the cloud offers a cost-effective BOM solution for businesses of every size. The benefits include:

  • Efficiency: Tailored solutions to meet specific needs

  • Productivity: In-depth understanding of the company workflow

  • Fast implementation: Immediate access through a browser

  • Distributed total ownership: Subscriptions don’t require a large upfront technology investment

  • Extended collaboration: Enable input from internal and external stakeholders

  • Security: Intellectual property remains secure

With bill of materials software within a cloud-based PLM solution, everyone from engineering to service gains easy access to the BOM from wherever they may be working. Download the ebook now to learn more.

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