How RPA Solves the Bill of Materials Headache
The manufacturing bill of materials (BOM) is an important document for production. It contains raw materials, components and sub-components, parts and the quantities of each item for the creation of a new product. Additionally, each line of the BOM includes the part number, a description, unit of measure and a procurement type detailing if the part is purchased or manufactured. In summary, employees refer to the document to get detailed information on what, where, when and how to purchase materials.
Without the manufacturing BOM, it’s nearly impossible to build a complete and shippable product. Everything from assembly to packaging the materials required to ship the finished product is included. The document enables product concept to transition to a tangible, touchable object. It’s also why the BOM is the most painful part of the manufacturing industry. Any error leads to a massive loss.
That’s why companies are using robotic process automation (RPA) to automate backbreaking processes and eliminate human error. Deploying RPA is the recommended choice to improve efficiency, data accuracy and speed up production time. Unlike other automation systems, RPA does not require a system overhaul of existing infrastructure. As a low-cost technology, RPA exists with existing legacy systems and avoids the costs involved with integration and interfacing issues with other systems.
RPA enables manufacturing companies to:
- eliminate spreadsheets to manage BOM systems and reduce the need for paper
- set up automatic alerts for changes in the system for digitized communication
- strengthen supply chain procedures
- enhance regulatory compliance
- access real-time process monitoring and analytics
The burden or having your employees complete repetitive, manual tasks is unproductive. Using RPA adds a virtual workforce that can work around the clock and be scaled up or down depending on volume.
Streamlining processes and operational performance is the best way to get your product to the consumer faster and at a lower cost. Avoid inaccuracies that will save your company additional costs for unusable components that can have a big impact on your bottom line. In the end, it’ll make you more competitive.
Want more technology news? Subscribe to our newsletter.
