Glossary
Bill of materials
Also called: BOM, parts list, materials list
Reviewed
Definition
A pallet bill of materials (BOM) is the list of every component in one pallet, with its size, material and quantity: deckboards, stringers or blocks, stringerboards and fasteners. A GMA-style 48x40 BOM lists 15 wood parts (7 top boards, 5 bottom boards, 3 stringers) and 84 nails, about 13.5 board feet in all.
Example BOM: GMA-style 48x40 stringer pallet
| Part | Qty | Size (in) | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top lead board | 2 | 5/8 x 5-1/2 x 40 | mixed hardwood |
| Top interior board | 5 | 5/8 x 3-1/2 x 40 | mixed hardwood |
| Bottom lead board | 2 | 5/8 x 5-1/2 x 40 | mixed hardwood |
| Bottom interior board | 3 | 5/8 x 3-1/2 x 40 | mixed hardwood |
| Stringer, notched | 3 | 1-3/8 x 3-1/2 x 48 | mixed hardwood |
| Nail, 2-1/4 x 0.112 helical | 84 | steel |
Total: 13.5 board feet, about 59 lb green.
What a BOM is used for
- Costing: board feet x lumber price per MBF, plus nails, labor and treatment
- Purchasing: the cut list multiplies the BOM by the order quantity
- ERP: PDS can export a BOM as PDS XML for pallet ERP systems
BOM vs spec sheet
The BOM lists parts; the spec sheet adds classification, lumber grade, fastener details, treatments and drawings. palletdesign.ai generates the BOM, cut list, nail count, weight and cost estimate from the same design, so they always match. See board foot and pallet cost.
Questions
- What is included in a pallet BOM?
- Every deckboard, stringer or block, stringerboard and fastener, with size, material and quantity per pallet.