All good ERP systems give users the ability to create components and assemblies.  However, the methods and effectiveness of the methods can vary widely.

The most common methods for creating new assemblies are:

1. Manually Load Each Item - This method gives the most control for creating parts and assemblies in a system.  Users are able to configure each aspect of the components and assemblies.  However, this can be a time consuming process and is prone to human error.  Typically this works best for small assemblies.

2. Copy an Existing BoM - This allows users to save time by copying an existing BoM and changing only what is needed.  While this can save time over the completely manual process, it works only if the assemblies are similar and determining the similarity before the copy can be difficult.

3. 3rd Party/Custom Import Tools - Many ERP systems have 3rd party add-ons available.  Others allow users to create custom tools.  This can simplify the import process and save significant time.  However, 3rd party and custom tools must be updated to work with system changes and must be thoroughly tested to ensure they work as intended without creating other issues.

4. Native Import Tools - If an ERP system has a native import module, it probably has been verified to accurately import the information.  It too may save time and make the process easier.  However, it may be an additional expense and may not be as flexible as custom solutions.

Companies may decide to use a combination of the above methods depending on the complexity of the assembly and production requirements.

It is easy to dump information into a table, but in order to keep the information clean and accurate, users should validate and scrub data before importing. This is especially true when the data to be loaded was created by customers and other outside organizations.

ManEx has created an import module and several utilities to simplify and streamline the import process.

However, using the import module is not always the fastest way to load a BOM.  Below are some tips and tricks to help you create new assemblies faster.

• Manufacturer Match - Users can use the utility to match manufacturer part numbers in a spreadsheet with existing AVLs.  The utility will create a list of existing part numbers that use the manufacturer's part number.  These parts should be auto selected in the import process or manually selected with the cross reference as needed.
  
  
• MFG Scrub* - Using this spreadsheet will allow you to scrub the manufacturers to ensure they are clean and accurate.  Although the import process does this as well, it will allow you to create manufacturer aliases to expedite future imports.
  
  
• Skip class and type - Users are not required to load part class and type to start purchasing and production.  If you skip this step in the import process it will still create the new parts and assemblies, but will assign a class and type of TBD.  When ready, users can utilize the Global Class/Type Replace utility to assign the class and types and update the existing records.  This allows for faster loading and more control part definition as time allows. 
  
  
• BoM copy - Users can copy an existing BOM into a new BOM and modify it as needed. This method works really well for similar assemblies or revision changes.
  
  
• Drag-n-drop - For small assemblies with components already loaded in the system, using drag-n-drop may be the fastest method to create a new assembly.  Users are able to create a BOM by simply dragging components from the item master into the BOM.
  
  
• Modify the import template - When loading multiple BOMs from the same customer or with similar formatting, users can modify the import template to allow for simple copy and paste from the source file.  This may not make sense for one-off assemblies, but can be a significant time saver when loading numerous BOMS from the same customer.
  
  
• ECO Module - The optional ECO module will allow users to document changes to an existing BOM and create a new BOM or revision after applying the changes.  This provides documentation and control while automatically creating a new assembly.
  
  
• QOT Module - The optional quote module allows users to create assemblies in the quote section without adding components and assemblies to Inventory Item Master. Once the job becomes an order, users are able to transfer the quoted assembly into the item master. This will create the new components and prepare the assembly for production. It can greatly reduce the turn time after winning a new job.
  
  

Case Solution

NE Company started creating assemblies in the quote module and is now able to convert a quote to a production assembly in less than 30 minutes.  This allows them to start purchasing and preparing for production almost immediately.

For assemblies that do not go through the standard quoting process, NE Company has been able to cut the over 60% of the import time required using a combination of the methods above.