The Engineering BOM
2. Function First
The Engineering BOM, or EBOM, is all about functionality. It's created by the engineering team and focuses on what components are needed to make the product work. Its about the functional build of your product. It might not delve into the specifics of how each part is drawn or modelled, but it will specify the type of part, its required performance characteristics, and its intended function.
Think of it as the "what" and "why" of the product. It specifies what parts are needed and why they are needed. It doesn't necessarily care about the physical dimensions or precise geometry, as long as the part fulfills its intended function. For example, an EBOM might specify that you need a "12V DC motor," but not necessarily the exact model number or the manufacturer.
The EBOM might group components together in functional assemblies, reflecting how the engineers conceptualized the product. This organization helps to understand the product's structure from a performance perspective. It helps to ensure that the product works as intended, even before it's been fully designed in CAD.
Imagine you're designing a robot arm. The EBOM would list things like "Stepper Motor," "Gearbox," "Microcontroller," and "Power Supply." It details the components crucial for the robot arms movement and control, not the precise shape of the bracket holding the motor. It is essential to ensure the robot arms functionality.
