BOM Comparison Tool
With the BOM Comparison Tool, it is possible to simply compare two different versions of a Bill of Materials (BOM) and see the differences between the two. The tool comes in handy in environments where products change so often and several different iterations of a BOM are generated for design or cost changes.
In ERPNext, a BOM can be revised in several ways. When a BOM would be changed, it must be canceled, updated, and re-saved as a new version of the BOM. Consequently, there are several BOMs corresponding to the same finished item. After some time has passed, it becomes complicated to trace what actually changed from version to version.
The BOM Comparison Tool remedies this by enabling direct comparison of two BOM versions side by side, where one can easily spot component changes, quantity modification, rate variations, or substitutions between BOM versions.
To access the BOM Comparison Tool, navigate to:
This is how you navigate to the tool within ERPNext. Here, you will be greeted with a minimal and easy-to-use interface for choosing and comparing two BOMs.
1. How to utilize the BOM Comparison Tool
- Choose the previous BOM that you wish to compare against in the BOM 1 field. This will usually be the previous version of the BOM.
- Choose the new BOM whose differences you wish to compare in the BOM 2 field. This would normally be the modified or new BOM.
The moment both BOMs are chosen, ERPNext will automatically provide a side-by-side comparison with the following details:
- Added, deleted, or modified items
- Quantity variation for individual components
- Changed basic or valuation rates
- Any substitution of raw materials or subassemblies
- Operational steps, if any, if they vary between BOMs
This comparison leaves a clear audit trail of what has been modified, so that engineering, procurement, and production teams remain consistent with the latest version of the BOM.
This instrument is essential for handling product lifecycle variations, ECOs, and enhancing traceability and communication among departments engaged in manufacturing.
