What is a Locked BOM? How Does It Work?
What is a Locked BOM (Bill of Materials)
Once an OEM has qualified a solution, they want to be assured that the part they purchase is the same part that was purchased last time, and will be the same in the future. This can produce some challenges due to part availability and obsolescence. This is where a locked BOM comes in and is an important part of lifecycle management.
Delkin has methods of mitigating these problems through creative supply chain management and component stockpiling, however, once a component availability is completely exhausted, the OEM must requalify a new replacement component to be able to manufacture the drive again.
In the event of a change to the BOM, Delkin will issue a PCN (Product Change Notification).
What’s Included in a Locked BOM?
The BOM, or bill or materials, consists of more than just a list of the components and where they go on the assembly. Each part has a part number and a list of approved manufacturers for that part.
Delkin has gone one step farther with controlling the build process.
Capturing Part Information
Each time raw components are ordered and received, each part reel is checked for the correct Delkin part number and the correct associated manufacturer’s part number. Then the PO, date code and lot code information for each receipt are recorded in the company database. From this information, a unique 8-digit bar code is generated for each reel or tray of parts. This barcode is applied to the parts when they are put into stock. This process applies to every part received from the simplest resistor to the most complex CPU or PCB.
Full Traceability
When a work order is issued to one of the assembly lines, the operator is supplied a locked BOM to use to build the device. The specified locked BOM not only indicates which parts to be used, but the system also specifies which 8-digit bar coded parts to use. The operator then scans each of the 8-digit codes for the parts that are used on that machine in the assembly of that order. This ties the parts to the specific build. This operation also ensures that the correct parts are being used to assemble the product because the 8-digit code references, not only lot information, but the part number assigned, and it is verified to be on the BOM.
The Delkin online system retains this information for the specific build and can be retrieved by work order number.
When the device is completed, it is labeled with the work order number for future reference.
Data Recall
This build data not only ensures the part is built correctly, but if there happens to be a field failure, it can be easily narrowed down to see if it is a specific component issue by lot codes. Also, in the rare occasion that a manufacturer has a date or lot code recall, Delkin can very quickly identify which devices were built with the recalled parts and easily notify customers about the recall.
Another important use of this data is that many entities require guarantees that genuine (non-counterfeit) parts are being utilized. Delkin can trace each part used via purchase order where parts were procured from and verify each is an authorized reseller thus making this guarantee of authenticity.
With a Locked BOM, Delkin Goes Above and Beyond
Many suppliers offer a locked BOM, but Delkin goes one step further by controlling each and every part ensuring confidence in the industrial Flash storage product supplied to be accurate and correct.
Delkin’s rugged, industrial storage comes with BOM control, so you can manage your application with confidence. Contact our product team for additional information and answers to your questions.
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