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Component BOM

Component BOM (Bill of Materials) links standard inventory items to assets, tracking which parts and consumables are used in each asset.

Understanding Component BOM​

The Three Structures in Asset Pro​

Asset Pro uses three separate structures for different purposes:

ClassificationPhysical HierarchyComponent BOM
Purpose: Organizational taxonomyPurpose: Physical assembly of assetsPurpose: Standard parts and consumables
Question: "What TYPE is this asset?"Question: "What ASSET is inside this asset?"Question: "What PARTS does this asset use?"
Example: Commercial → Cargo Ship → PanamaxExample: Vessel → Engine → TurbochargerExample: Vessel → Propeller Blades (Item), Navigation Lights (Item)
Structure: Classification Levels/ValuesStructure: Parent-Child Asset relationshipsStructure: Components linking Items to Assets
Master Data: Asset Industries, Levels, ValuesMaster Data: AssetsMaster Data: Items (BC inventory)
Physical Hierarchy vs Component BOM

Don't confuse these two!

Physical Hierarchy (Parent-Child Assets):

  • Tracks sub-assets that are themselves assets

  • Example: Engine is an asset inside a Vessel asset

  • Both have asset numbers, descriptions, classifications

  • Tracked in Asset table via Parent Asset No.

Component BOM (Components):

  • Tracks standard inventory items used in an asset

  • Example: Propeller blades are Items used in a Vessel asset

  • Items are in BC Item table (standard inventory)

  • Tracked in Component table

Real Example:

Vessel MV-001 ├─ Child Asset: Engine ENG-001 (tracked as asset with parent) │ └─ Component: Air Filter (Item AF-2000, qty 2) │ └─ Component: Oil Filter (Item OF-500, qty 1) └─ Component: Propeller Blades (Item PROP-B-400, qty 4)

Use Cases for Component BOM​

Parts Inventory Management:

  • Link consumable parts to assets

  • Know which items are needed for maintenance

  • Track quantities per asset

Maintenance Planning:

  • Schedule replacements based on installation dates

  • Forecast parts demand

  • Track component lifecycles

Spare Parts Management:

  • Identify required spares per asset

  • Calculate safety stock levels

  • Generate purchase orders for parts

Assembly Documentation:

  • Complete BOM for each asset

  • Track component positions

  • Serial number tracking for critical parts

Warranty and Service:

  • Record component installation dates

  • Track warranty expiration per component

  • Link service documents to components

Component Record Structure​

Primary Identification​

Asset No. (required)​

  • Which asset this component belongs to

  • Links to Asset table

  • Cannot be changed after creation

Line No. (required)​

  • Sequential line number

  • Unique within each asset

  • Typically: 10, 20, 30, ... (allows insertions)

Example:

Asset No.: MV-001 Line No. 10: Item PROP-B-400 (Propeller Blades) Line No. 20: Item NAV-L-100 (Navigation Light) Line No. 30: Item CHAIN-A25 (Anchor Chain)

Item Information​

Item No. (required)​

  • Standard Business Central Item

  • Must exist in Item table

  • Lookup to inventory items

  • Example: PROP-B-400, AF-2000, OIL-15W40

Item Description (read-only)​

  • FlowField from Item table

  • Automatically populated when Item No. is selected

  • Shows item name for easy identification

Variant Code (optional)​

  • Item variant if applicable

  • Links to Item Variant table

  • Example: Size variants, color variants

  • Filtered by selected Item No.

Quantity​

Quantity​

  • How many units of this item

  • Positive = Installed/Added

  • Negative = Removed (for tracking removals)

  • Decimal precision: up to 5 decimal places

  • Example: 4 (blades), 2.5 (liters), 0.05 (kg)

Unit of Measure Code​

  • Unit in which quantity is measured

  • Links to Item Unit of Measure

  • Auto-populated from Item's Base UoM

  • Example: PCS (pieces), LTR (liters), KG (kilograms)

Physical Details​

Position (optional)​

  • Physical location within the asset

  • Free text field (max 50 characters)

  • Examples:

    • "Front Panel"

    • "Engine Bay - Left Side"

    • "Navigation Bridge - Starboard"

    • "Rack 3, Slot 5"

Use Cases:

  • Installation instructions

  • Troubleshooting location

  • Maintenance accessibility planning

Serial No. (optional)​

  • Manufacturer's serial number for serialized components

  • Max 50 characters

  • Critical for:

    • Warranty tracking

    • Recall management

    • Individual component history

Lot No. (optional)​

  • Manufacturing lot number

  • Max 50 characters

  • Used for:

    • Batch tracking

    • Quality control

    • Recall management

Dates​

Installation Date​

  • Date when component was installed

  • Used for:

    • Component age calculations

    • Maintenance interval tracking

    • Warranty start dates

Next Replacement Date​

  • Scheduled replacement date

  • Based on:

    • Manufacturer recommendations

    • Operating hours

    • Regulatory requirements

    • Maintenance schedules

Example:

Item: Air Filter AF-2000 Installation Date: 01/15/2024 Next Replacement Date: 07/15/2024 (6 months later)

Document Tracking​

These fields link the component to source documents.

Entry Type​

  • Type of component entry

  • Values:

    • Install - New component installed

    • Remove - Component removed

    • Replace - Component replaced

    • Adjustment - Quantity or detail adjustment

Document Type / Document No. / Document Line No.​

  • Links to source document if applicable

  • Examples:

    • Purchase Order - Parts purchased and installed

    • Service Order - Service document that installed part

    • Transfer Order - Parts transferred between assets

  • Optional fields for integration

Posting Date​

  • Date when document was posted

  • May differ from Installation Date

  • Used for accounting reconciliation

External Document No.​

  • Vendor's invoice number or reference

  • Max 35 characters

  • Example: Customer PO, vendor invoice number

Reason Code​

  • Business Central reason code

  • Categorizes why component was added/removed

  • Examples: MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, UPGRADE, RECALL

System Fields​

Blocked​

  • ☑️ Checked: Component is blocked (not for use)

  • ☐ Unchecked: Active component

  • Use when phasing out or quarantining components

Created Date (read-only)​

  • Date when component record was created

  • Auto-populated

Created By (read-only)​

  • User who created the record

  • Auto-populated

Working with Components​

Adding Components to Assets​

Phase 1 MVP: Component records can be created directly in Component table.

Current Access:

  1. Choose 🔎 icon, enter Components, choose the related link

  2. Click New to create component entry

  3. Fill in fields:

    • Asset No. - Select the asset

    • Line No. - Enter sequential number (10, 20, 30...)

    • Item No. - Select the inventory item

    • Quantity - Enter quantity

    • Installation Date - Enter installation date

    • Other optional fields as needed

Future Enhancement:

  • FactBox on Asset Card showing components

  • Inline component editing from Asset Card

  • Wizard for adding multiple components

  • Bulk import from templates

Viewing Components for an Asset​

Method 1: Direct Table Access

  1. Choose 🔎 icon, enter Components, choose the related link

  2. Filter: Asset No. = (specific asset)

  3. Shows all components for that asset

Method 2: From Asset List (future)

  • Drill-down action on Asset List

  • Opens filtered component list

Viewing Assets Using an Item​

Question: "Which assets use Item PROP-B-400?"

  1. Choose 🔎 icon, enter Components, choose the related link

  2. Filter: Item No. = PROP-B-400

  3. Shows all assets that have this item as a component

Use Cases:

  • Parts recall: Identify affected assets

  • Inventory planning: Know demand for parts

  • Cross-reference: Find similar assets

  • Maintenance scheduling: Group assets by common parts

Recording Component Replacements​

Scenario: Replace an air filter

Option 1: Add/Remove Entries (audit trail)

Entry 1 (Old filter removed): Asset No.: MV-001 Line No.: 100 Item No.: AF-2000 Quantity: -1 (negative = removed) Entry Type: Remove Posting Date: 06/15/2024

Entry 2 (New filter installed): Asset No.: MV-001 Line No.: 110 Item No.: AF-2000 Quantity: 1 (positive = installed) Entry Type: Install Installation Date: 06/15/2024 Next Replacement Date: 12/15/2024

Option 2: Update Existing Entry (current state)

Update existing entry: Asset No.: MV-001 Line No.: 50 Item No.: AF-2000 Quantity: 1 Installation Date: 06/15/2024 (updated to new install date) Next Replacement Date: 12/15/2024 Serial No.: AF-2024-98765 (new serial number)

Audit Trail vs Current State

Use Add/Remove entries when:

  • Complete history is required for compliance

  • Need to track every replacement

  • Warranty claims require detailed history

Use Update existing when:

  • Only current state matters

  • Simplify BOM view (one line per item type)

  • Reduce data volume

Complete Example: Marine Vessel BOM​

Scenario: Cargo Vessel MV-PANAMA-001​

Asset Classification:

  • Industry: FLEET

  • Classification: Commercial → Cargo Ship → Panamax Bulk Carrier

Physical Hierarchy:

MV-PANAMA-001 (Root Asset) ├─ ENG-MAIN-001 (Main Engine - child asset) └─ ENG-AUX-001 (Auxiliary Engine - child asset)

Component BOM for Vessel MV-PANAMA-001:

Line 10: Item No.: PROP-B-600 Item Description: Propeller Blade Set (6-blade) Quantity: 6 UoM: PCS Position: Propeller Assembly - Stern Installation Date: 01/10/2023 Next Replacement Date: 01/10/2033 (10-year interval) Serial No.: PB-600-2023-00412

Line 20: Item No.: NAV-L-1000 Item Description: Navigation Light - Port Side (Red) Quantity: 1 UoM: PCS Position: Navigation Bridge - Port Side Installation Date: 01/15/2023 Next Replacement Date: 01/15/2025 (2-year interval)

Line 30: Item No.: NAV-L-1001 Item Description: Navigation Light - Starboard (Green) Quantity: 1 UoM: PCS Position: Navigation Bridge - Starboard Side Installation Date: 01/15/2023 Next Replacement Date: 01/15/2025

Line 40: Item No.: CHAIN-A-50M Item Description: Anchor Chain (Grade 3) Quantity: 300 UoM: M (meters) Position: Bow - Port Anchor Installation Date: 01/05/2023 Serial No.: AC-G3-2023-77812

Line 50: Item No.: PAINT-HULL Item Description: Hull Anti-Fouling Paint Quantity: 500 UoM: LTR Position: Hull - Below Waterline Installation Date: 03/20/2024 Next Replacement Date: 03/20/2026 (2-year dry dock interval)

Component BOM for Engine ENG-MAIN-001 (child asset):

Line 10: Item No.: AF-2000 Item Description: Air Filter Element Quantity: 2 UoM: PCS Position: Air Intake - Top Installation Date: 06/01/2024 Next Replacement Date: 12/01/2024 (6-month interval)

Line 20: Item No.: OF-500 Item Description: Oil Filter Quantity: 1 UoM: PCS Position: Oil System - Right Side Installation Date: 06/01/2024 Next Replacement Date: 09/01/2024 (3-month interval)

Line 30: Item No.: OIL-15W40 Item Description: Marine Engine Oil 15W-40 Quantity: 250 UoM: LTR Position: Oil Reservoir Installation Date: 06/01/2024 Lot No.: LOT-2024-Q2-8842

Use Cases and Workflows​

Use Case 1: Maintenance Parts List​

Scenario: Generate list of parts needed for vessel maintenance

Query: Components where Next Replacement Date ≤ (end of quarter)

Result:

Asset: MV-PANAMA-001

  • NAV-L-1000 (due 01/15/2025)
  • NAV-L-1001 (due 01/15/2025)

Asset: ENG-MAIN-001

  • AF-2000 (due 12/01/2024)
  • OF-500 (due 09/01/2024)

Action: Create purchase order for these items

Use Case 2: Parts Inventory Planning​

Scenario: Know how many air filters are needed across the fleet

Query: Group by Item No., sum Quantity

Result:

Item: AF-2000 (Air Filter) Used in: 15 vessels Total Quantity: 30 filters (2 per vessel) Replacement Interval: 6 months Annual Demand: 60 filters/year Safety Stock: 10 filters

Action: Set reorder point in inventory system

Use Case 3: Recall Management​

Scenario: Manufacturer recalls Lot No. LOT-2024-Q2-8842 for oil

Query: Components where Item No. = OIL-15W40 AND Lot No. = LOT-2024-Q2-8842

Result:

Affected Assets:

  • MV-PANAMA-001 / ENG-MAIN-001 (250 liters)
  • MV-CARGO-002 / ENG-MAIN-002 (250 liters)
  • MV-BULK-003 / ENG-MAIN-003 (250 liters)

Total Recalled: 750 liters across 3 engines

Action:

  1. Contact operators of affected vessels

  2. Schedule oil changes

  3. Update component records with new lot numbers

Use Case 4: Warranty Tracking​

Scenario: Track warranty on propeller blades

Component Entry:

Asset: MV-PANAMA-001 Item: PROP-B-600 Serial No.: PB-600-2023-00412 Installation Date: 01/10/2023

Warranty Info (from Item or external system):

  • Warranty Period: 5 years from installation

  • Warranty Expires: 01/10/2028

Report: Components approaching warranty expiration

  • Filter: Installation Date < (5 years ago)

  • Action: Schedule inspection before warranty expires

Best Practices​

Component Data Entry​

Use Consistent Line Numbers:

  • Increment by 10: 10, 20, 30...

  • Allows inserting between lines later

  • Reserve ranges for component types:

    • 10-99: Structural components

    • 100-199: Consumables (filters, fluids)

    • 200-299: Electronics/instruments

Record Installation Dates:

  • Always enter Installation Date

  • Critical for age-based maintenance

  • Enables warranty tracking

  • Supports lifecycle analysis

Track Serial Numbers for Critical Parts:

  • Record Serial No. for expensive components

  • Required for warranty claims

  • Enables recall management

  • Examples: Engines, pumps, electronics

Set Replacement Dates:

  • Enter Next Replacement Date based on:

    • Manufacturer recommendations

    • Operating hours intervals

    • Regulatory requirements

    • Historical data

  • Drives preventive maintenance scheduling

Use Position Field:

  • Document physical location

  • Aids technicians during maintenance

  • Reduces troubleshooting time

  • Standardize format: "(Area) - (Side/Detail)"

BOM Design​

Appropriate Granularity:

  • Track components that:

    • Require regular replacement

    • Have significant cost

    • Are critical for operations

    • Need warranty tracking

    • Are subject to recalls

  • Don't track:

    • Trivial consumables (washers, bolts, etc.)

    • Items included in assemblies

    • Non-serialized low-value items

Example:

✅ Track: Propeller blades, filters, navigation lights ❌ Don't track: Bolts holding propeller, washers, cable ties

Structured vs Flat BOMs:

  • Flat BOM (recommended for Phase 1):

    • All components listed directly under asset

    • Simple to manage and query

    • Example: List all parts under Vessel

  • Structured BOM (future):

    • Components under sub-assets

    • Matches physical hierarchy

    • Example: Engine filters under Engine asset

Integration with Item Management​

Use Standard BC Items:

  • Create Items in standard BC Item table

  • Leverage existing inventory management

  • Benefits:

    • Inventory availability checks

    • Purchase order integration

    • Cost tracking

    • Vendor management

Item Numbering:

  • Follow consistent naming convention

  • Include category prefix

  • Examples:

    • PROP-(type)-(size)

    • FILT-(type)-(model)

    • ELEC-(category)-(model)

Item Categories:

  • Use BC Item Categories for component types

  • Enables reporting and filtering

  • Examples:

    • PROP (Propulsion Parts)

    • FILT (Filters)

    • ELEC (Electronics)

Maintenance Planning​

Replacement Intervals:

  • Define intervals by:

    • Calendar time (months/years)

    • Operating hours (engine hours, flight hours)

    • Usage cycles (start/stop cycles)

    • Condition-based (inspections)

Generate Work Orders:

  • Filter components by Next Replacement Date

  • Group by asset location/holder

  • Create maintenance work orders

  • Update Installation Date after completion

Track Consumption:

  • Negative quantity for removed components

  • Positive quantity for installed components

  • Calculate consumption rates

  • Forecast future demand

Future Enhancements​

Phase 1 MVP includes core component BOM structure. Future phases will add:

UI Enhancements​

  • FactBox on Asset Card: Show component list

  • Inline Editing: Add/edit components from Asset Card

  • Component Templates: Quick-add common component sets

  • Drag-Drop Ordering: Reorder component lines

Workflow Automation​

  • Automatic Posting: Link to service orders, purchase orders

  • Bulk Operations: Add components to multiple assets

  • Component Transfer: Move components between assets

  • Replacement Wizard: Guide through component replacement

Reporting and Analysis​

  • BOM Reports: Complete component listing per asset

  • Parts Forecast: Predict parts demand

  • Maintenance Schedule: Components due for replacement

  • Cost Rollup: Sum component costs to asset level

  • Inventory Integration: Check availability before scheduling

Advanced Features​

  • Operating Hours Tracking: Time-based replacement intervals

  • Condition Monitoring: IoT sensor integration

  • Mobile App: Scan and update components in field

  • Photo Attachments: Component installation photos