Table of Content:

Introduction

Apache OFBiz is an open-source business automation platform that provides the foundational building blocks for developing customized enterprise applications. It enables businesses to build customized supply chain management solutions such as Order Management (OMS), Warehouse Management (WMS), Procurement Management (PMS), and Manufacturing Execution & Planning (MEPS) within a unified ecosystem. Organizations can use Apache OFBiz as a comprehensive suite or leverage specific modules as standalone solutions to streamline their supply chain and operational workflows.

For organizations looking to leverage Apache OFBiz as a Manufacturing Execution & Planning System (MEPS), setting up a Bill of Materials (BOM) is essential. BOM configuration is crucial for utilizing OFBiz’s Material Requirements Planning (MRP) engine, which helps businesses efficiently manage production and inventory planning. Apache OFBiz supports both single-level and multi-level BOMs, offering flexibility for various manufacturing needs.

In this blog, we’ll walk through the process of setting up a multi-level BOM using a skateboard as an example. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of how to configure BOMs in Apache OFBiz to streamline your manufacturing workflows.

Understanding the Skateboard BOM Setup

A BOM is a structured list of all components and sub-components required for production. It ensures that every necessary part is accounted for in the manufacturing process. For example, a skateboard is a finished good (FG), assembled from multiple components  and their sub-components. The production process follows a structured approach involving routing, operations, and inventory management. 

Components of a Skateboard BOM:

  • Sticker

  • Warranty Card

  • Transfer

  • Deck (composed of sub-components)

    • Glue

    • Face

    • Ply

    • Core

The Deck functions as an intermediate component, while other elements such as stickers, warranty cards, and transfers are the finished goods.



Step-by-Step BOM Creation in Apache OFBiz

Apache OFBiz allows manufacturers to create a multi-level BOM, ensuring that all components and sub-components are included in the production process.

Step 1: Setting Up Raw Materials

The first step is to define the individual components and their sub-components that make up the skateboard.

Actions:

      1.1 Navigate to the Apache OFBiz Dashboard

      1.2 Go to: Catalog > Products > Create > Create New Product

      1.3 Create new products for each component (Sticker, Warranty Card, Transfer, Deck)

    • Assign a Product ID (e.g., STC1001)

    • Product Name: (e.g., Sticker)

    • Set Product Type: Raw Material

    • Set Requirement Method Enum Id: "When QOH Reaches Minimum Stock for Product Facility"

Similarly add sub-component for the Deck i.e Glue, Ply, Core, Face. 

Step 2: Creating the Finished Product (Skateboard)

       2.1 Navigate to: Catalog Manager > Product Create > Create New Product

       2.2 Create a new product entry:

    • Assign Product ID (e.g., STC1005)

    • Set Product Type: Finished Good

    • Set a minimum stock level (re-order quantity left blank since skateboards are produced on demand)

Step 3: Configuring the Bill of Materials (BOM)

Now, we will create two BOMs: one for the deck and another for the skateboard, ensuring all components are linked to the final product.

Go to: Manufacturing > Bill of Materials > Create BOM

Linking components to Products:

       3.1 Enter Product ID for the finished product or sub-component

       3.2 Define Component Relationships:

    • For Deck:

    • Product ID: STC1004(Deck)

    • Product ID To: 

      1. (STC2001)Glue

      2. (STC2002)Ply

      3. (STC2003)Core

      4. (STC2004)Face

  • For Skateboard:

    1. (STC1001)Sticker

    2. (STC1002)Warranty Card

    3. (STC1003)Transfer

    4. (STC1004)Deck

    • Product ID: STC1005(Skateboard)

    • Product ID To:





Step 4: Reviewing the Finished BOM


Before finalizing, reviewing the BOM ensures accuracy and completeness.

Go to: Manufacturing > Bill of Materials > Find

Navigation to Review BOM:

       4.1 In Bill of Materials > Find  

       4.2 Search for the Finished Product(e.g. STC1005) by Product ID

       4.3 Overview: All required components are listed.

 

To view the hierarchical structure of the BOM: Click on BOM Simulation.

       4.4 Click on Submit.

      4.5 View the overview of BOM, including its components and hierarchical structure with component levels.


This final check ensures the BOM is complete and ready to be linked with routing for seamless production execution. By defining multi-level BOM in Apache OFBiz, manufacturers can efficiently do better inventory planning and production scheduling.

Conclusion

Mastering how to create a Bill of Materials in Apache OFBiz ensures an efficient and streamlined manufacturing workflow. This final step confirms that every component—from raw materials to sub-assemblies—is correctly aligned with production needs. By validating the multi-level BOM, you not only ensure the integrity of your setup but also pave the way for efficient, streamlined production. With a well-organized set-up of Apache OFBiz, you can confidently move forward, knowing that your manufacturing process is robust and ready to meet customer demand.


Furthermore, to understand the Sample Data Structures for Parts Assembly Process - Click here