- Features > Multi Level Bom Configuration
Multi-Level BOM Configuration
Generate accurate, multi-level bills of materials directly from product configurations — ready for manufacturing, procurement, and ERP without manual re-entry.
Automatic
BOM generation from configuration
Multi-level
Assembly and sub-assembly support
Zero
Manual BOM re-entry into ERP
The Challenge
The Problem with Manual BOM Management
For manufacturers with configurable products, every order potentially results in a unique bill of materials. The BOM for a configured product is not a fixed document — it changes with every combination of options selected. Managing this manually — deriving the BOM from the order configuration, entering it into the ERP, and ensuring it accurately reflects what was sold — is a significant operational overhead and a frequent source of error.
BOM errors have serious downstream consequences. A missing component means a production stop. An incorrect specification means a rework. A sub-assembly defined at the wrong level means a procurement error. In complex, high-value manufacturing, a single BOM error can cost more than the margin on the entire order.
For engineer-to-order products, BOM generation is even more complex — the BOM may not exist until the product is fully specified, and it may include derived components whose quantities are calculated from the product parameters. Managing this manually requires significant engineering involvement in every order, creating a bottleneck that limits throughput.
When the BOM generation process lives outside the CPQ system, the handoff between sales and operations is fragile. Configuration data must be interpreted and manually translated into BOM structures — a process that introduces risk at the most critical point of the sales-to-operations transition.
How It Works
How Multi-Level BOM Configuration Works in Mercura
Mercura generates a complete, multi-level bill of materials as a direct output of the product configuration. The product model defines how each configuration option maps to BOM components and sub-assemblies — including derived quantities calculated from parametric inputs. When a configuration is completed, the BOM is generated automatically: top-level assemblies, sub-assemblies, and individual components with quantities and specifications. The BOM is structured in a format compatible with your ERP system and can be transmitted directly via integration, eliminating manual re-entry. BOM changes resulting from product model updates take effect on all new configurations immediately.
What's Included
Key Capabilities
- Automatic multi-level BOM generation from product configuration
- Assembly and sub-assembly hierarchy support
- Derived component quantities from parametric configuration
- BOM formatted for direct ERP integration
- Option-driven BOM variation — different options produce different BOMs
- BOM preview during configuration for engineering review
- BOM versioning aligned with product model versions
- Compatible with major ERP systems: SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, and others
The Difference
Before and After Multi-Level BOM Configuration
- BOM derived manually from order configuration
- BOM errors cause production stops and rework
- Engineer involvement required for every ETO BOM
- Manual re-entry into ERP after each order
- Sales-to-operations handoff is fragile and error-prone
- BOM generated automatically on configuration completion
- BOM accuracy guaranteed by product model logic
- Engineering involvement limited to non-standard configurations
- BOM transmitted to ERP automatically — zero re-entry
- Clean, structured handoff from sales to operations every time
Real-World Application
Example Use Case: Custom Machine Builder
A custom machine builder producing special-purpose assembly equipment had a BOM generation process that involved 4 hours of engineering time per order to translate the sales configuration into a production-ready BOM in their ERP. With an average of 15 orders per month, this represented 60 engineering hours monthly — the equivalent of 1.5 engineer-weeks spent exclusively on BOM generation. After implementing Mercura's multi-level BOM configuration, BOM generation time dropped to under 30 minutes per order. Engineers now review auto-generated BOMs rather than creating them from scratch. Manufacturing start time after order receipt decreased by 6 working days on average.
Quote turnaround dropped from 3 days to under 4 hours.
Business Impact
Why Multi-Level BOM Configuration Matters
BOM configuration is the bridge between the sales process and the manufacturing process. When it works well, orders flow from configuration to production with speed and accuracy. When it doesn't, every order becomes a manual translation exercise that consumes engineering time and introduces risk. Mercura makes BOM generation an automatic consequence of product configuration — ensuring accuracy, eliminating re-entry, and enabling faster production starts on every order.
See BOM Configuration in Action
Book a demo to see how Mercura generates accurate multi-level BOMs automatically from any configuration.
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