What is a bill of materials (BOM)?

The parts list for an asset — which spares belong to which machine.

An equipment BOM lists the components and spare parts that belong to an asset — bearings, seals, belts, filters, each with quantity. It's how the storeroom knows this motor needs a 6208-2RS bearing.

When a work order is raised on an asset, its BOM says exactly which parts to kit. Assets without BOMs mean technicians searching catalogues mid-breakdown — or keeping unofficial stashes because the system can't answer.

• How it's used