In manufacturing, the Bill of Materials (BOM) is the basis of production. Sometimes referred to as the manufacturing BOM or simply the production BOM, it identifies the total structure of a product — including raw materials, sub-assemblies, and components of the finished good.
However, here’s the twist — consumables and tools should not be included in the BOM. They are essential to production, but their tracking and flow occur separately. Let’s see why.
What Is a BOM?
A BOM is the recipe for manufacturing. It explains the elements that make up that product, down to quantities, descriptions, and part numbers.
The purpose of the BOM is to communicate the production process in an organized manner and to enable accurate costing and repeatability.
Because BOMs focus only on items that become part of the final product, manufacturers list items like welding rods, jigs, or lubrication separately instead of inside the BOM.
Consumables: Used, Not Part of the Product
Manufacturers consume resources like consumables during production, but these do not remain with the finished product. Every production cycle uses consumables, but they disappear once used.
Examples of consumables include welding rods, argon gas, lubricants, glue, paint, cleaning products, and protective equipment.
Why Are Consumables Excluded?
- They do not remain in the product
- Consumption varies by machine and operator
- They are accounted for as indirect costs
ManufApp tracks consumables in a dedicated Consumables Store, allowing issue, tracking, and cost allocation without cluttering the BOM.
Explore more:
Material Management of Sheets in Manufacturing
Tools: Assets That Enable Production
Tools are reusable assets that support manufacturing but never become part of the product.
Examples include jigs, fixtures, cutters, welding guns, molds, and measuring instruments.
Why Are Tools Excluded?
- Tools are reused across products and jobs
- They are capital or controlled assets, not raw material
- They require maintenance and calibration tracking
In ManufApp, tools are logged through Tool Stores and tracked via maintenance and calibration records. They remain separate from BOMs by design.
Related read:
Preventive Maintenance in Manufacturing: A Complete Guide
Reasons to Exclude Consumables and Tools from the BOM
- Precision → BOM represents only product composition
- Simplicity → No clutter from variable or reusable items
- Cost clarity → Direct materials in BOM, consumables as costs, tools as assets
- Better control → Consumables as stock, tools as managed equipment
Example: MS Sheet Refrigeration Unit
- BOM Items → MS sheets, copper pipe, fasteners, compressor, insulation
- Consumables → Welding rods, argon gas, adhesives, cleaning fluid
- Tools → Welding gun, cutting jig, fixture
The refrigeration unit contains only BOM items. Consumables are used up, and tools are reused — neither belongs in the BOM.
How ManufApp Makes This Easy
With ManufApp, manufacturers can maintain clean BOMs while still managing consumables and tools effectively:
- Consumables are tracked as inventory and linked to cost centers
- Tools are managed through Tool Stores with maintenance records
- BOM remains a product structure, not a process aid
This decoupled approach improves efficiency, costing accuracy, and visibility.
Read more:
Manufacturing Operations Management: Proven Strategies and Best Practices
Key Takeaways
- BOM defines product structure, not production assistance
- Consumables are consumed and tracked separately
- Tools are reusable assets managed through Tool Stores
- ManufApp keeps BOMs clean while controlling resources
FAQs
Q1. Can consumables ever be included in a BOM?
No. Consumables do not remain in the product, and usage varies, making them unsuitable for BOM inclusion.
Q2. How does ManufApp track tools?
Tools are managed in Tool Stores with maintenance, calibration, and lifecycle records.
Q3. How are consumable costs accounted for?
Consumables are treated as indirect costs and allocated to cost centers, keeping BOM costing accurate.
Final Thought
Consumables and tools are critical to manufacturing operations, but they do not define the product. Keeping them out of the BOM preserves product clarity, accurate costing, and operational control.
Also read:
The Best Manufacturing ERP for Modern Businesses
With ManufApp, manufacturers can manage BOMs, consumables, and tools seamlessly in one system.
👉 Connect today to see how ManufApp transforms BOM management.
