TABLE OF CONTENTS
Product development teams are under growing pressure to digitize how they manage product data. About 75% of product development executives say further digitization is a key priority.
Each product revision can affect components, drawings, suppliers, costs, and production requirements. When teams manage these changes across disconnected files, they risk working from different versions of the product record.
Bill of materials software (BOM) brings this information into a structured system for managing product hierarchies, revisions, and related data. This guide compares dedicated BOM software, PLM platforms, and manufacturing systems with strong BOM capabilities. It also covers the features, pricing, and workflow fit to consider when choosing a platform.
Key Takeaways
- Bill of materials (BOM) software stores product structures, revisions, and supporting documentation in a single controlled system.
- The right platform should connect CAD, ERP, and manufacturing tools to reduce manual data entry and duplicate records.
- Product lifecycle management (PLM) platforms often include BOM management alongside change control, product data management, and collaboration workflows.
- Manufacturing and ERP systems can manage BOMs but may prioritize production and inventory over engineering workflows.
Best Bill of Materials Software: Quick Overview
Bill of materials software ranges from dedicated BOM platforms to full PLM systems and manufacturing software with built-in BOM capabilities. Rather than limiting the comparison to a single category, we evaluated tools that help engineering and manufacturing teams create, manage, and update product structures throughout the product development lifecycle.
We selected these tools by reviewing their support for multi-level BOMs, CAD and business system integrations, revision control, automated change tracking, agile product development workflows, deployment options, ease of use, and G2 ratings.
Software | Ease of Use | Integrations | Deployment Type | G2 Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Duro | Easy | CAD, ERP, distributors | Cloud | 4.2/5 |
Arena PLM | Moderate | CAD, ERP, QMS | Cloud | 4.2/5 |
Autodesk Fusion Manage | Moderate | ERP, CRM, CAD | Cloud | 4.3/5 |
Fishbowl | Easy | QuickBooks, Shopify, ecommerce | Cloud, On-premises | 4.0/5 |
Katana MRP | Easy | Shopify, Amazon, QuickBooks, Xero | Cloud | 4.4/5 |
MRPeasy | Easy | QuickBooks, Shopify, Xero | Cloud | 4.6/5 |
Odoo | Moderate | Modular app ecosystem, APIs | Cloud, On-premises | 4.2/5 |
OpenBOM | Easy | CAD, ERP, APIs | Cloud | 4.2/5 |
Oracle Fusion Cloud PLM | Advanced | Oracle ERP, SCM, Sales | Cloud | 4.1/5 |
PTC Windchill | Advanced | CAD, ERP, enterprise systems | Cloud, On-premises | 4.1/5 |
Siemens Teamcenter | Advanced | CAD, ERP, enterprise systems | Cloud, SaaS, On-premises | 4.3/5 |
Key Features to Look for in Bill of Materials Software
The right platform should keep product data accurate as designs move from CAD into sourcing and production. Look for features that support control, visibility, and system connectivity.
- Native CAD integration: Connects CAD files and part metadata directly to the BOM, reducing manual entry and keeping designs and product records aligned.
- Centralized BOM management: Stores parts, assemblies, documents, and product structures in one system, giving each department access to the same approved information.
- Real-time collaboration: Lets engineering, procurement, and manufacturing review updates in one workspace instead of exchanging spreadsheets and separate file versions.
- Supplier and vendor management: Links parts to approved suppliers, lead times, costs, and sourcing details, ensuring purchasing decisions remain aligned with current product requirements.
- Revision control and audit trails: Records each BOM version, approval, and change, making it clear what changed, who changed it, and which revision is ready for production.
- Data validation: Checks required fields, duplicate records, and formatting rules before information moves downstream, reducing errors in purchasing and manufacturing systems.
- API-first architecture: Connects the BOM to ERP, MRP, CAD, and other business systems via APIs, enabling product data to flow between tools without manual updates.
Best Bill of Materials Software
The products below support different stages of the hardware workflow. Some focus on engineering data, while others extend product records into sourcing, production, inventory, and enterprise operations.
1. Duro
G2 rating: 4.2/5 (80 reviews)
Duro is an AI-native, cloud-based PLM platform built for hardware companies. It centralizes BOMs, part data, and change records while reducing manual work across disconnected spreadsheets and systems.
Duro connects with ECAD and MCAD tools to synchronize BOM data as designs change. That immediate data synchronization keeps part records, releases, and supporting documents aligned across engineering, sourcing, and manufacturing.
The software also supports low-code, YAML-based configurability, allowing teams to adapt workflows and data structures without heavy custom development. Teams can define unique part numbers, manage published releases, and keep critical documentation tied to the right BOM records.
With natural language search, engineers can quickly surface the right parts or assemblies without navigating rigid filters, helping teams move faster and make confident decisions. Duro PLM also integrates with off-the-shelf parts distributors, letting teams compare pricing, lead times, and availability to select the right supplier.
Teams can approve change orders in seconds using Duro’s built-in workflows and centralized audit trail, streamlining collaboration across sourcing, compliance, and manufacturing. The platform also makes it easy to compare revisions and track changes to your bill of materials over time.
Pros:
- Reduces manual data entry thanks to out-of-the-box integrations with parts suppliers and CAD tools
- Allows you to visualize how your BOM has changed over time easily
- Uses agile workflows and built-in best practices to make BOM management faster
- Fast integration with CAD tools, including SolidWorks, Onshape, and Altium
- Offers a fully secure, ITAR-compliant cloud environment for aerospace, defense, and computer infrastructure companies
Cons:
- Best suited for fast-paced and agile electro-mechanical teams (space tech, robotics, etc.) rather than highly-regulated medical or automotive manufacturers
User testimonial:
“Duro integrates with all of our software and has been our one-stop for PLM and PDM. The thoroughness of the online tutorials and guides is only outmatched by the support team that’s only an email away.” – User reviews
2. Arena PLM
G2 rating: 4.2/5 (452 reviews)
Arena is a cloud-native PLM software for manufacturers that need to manage product information across distributed teams and suppliers. It keeps BOMs and product records in one shared system as designs change, reviews move forward, and suppliers enter the process. Arena connects part data, approved revisions, and change records to the broader product launch workflow.
Pros:
- Provides document control, ECO/ECN workflows, and BOM management in one system
- Centralizes project requests, change orders, approvals, and item records for compliance and audit tracking
Cons:
- Some workflows require too many clicks, and dashboard customization may need more refinement
- Production and implementation tracking often requires ERP tools like SAP or BAAN
User testimonial:
“Sometimes I find it hard to find records or documents if I don’t know their exact item or record number. The search requires you to know the exact name of something you’re looking for, which I found hard to navigate when I started using Arena.” – User review
3. Autodesk Fusion Manage
G2 rating: 4.3/5 (114 reviews)
Autodesk Fusion Manage is cloud-based PLM software that connects product data and development processes across an organization. The software maintains a shared product record as designs move from concept to release, so teams can coordinate work using the same current information.
Pros:
- Provides a clean, cloud-based interface for managing BOMs, revisions, change orders, and related PLM workflows
- Lets users review designs and product data from laptops or mobile devices while working across locations
Cons:
- Requires time to configure custom workflows and integrations around an organization’s existing processes
- Depends on a stable internet connection for access to cloud-hosted designs and records
User testimonial:
“It is still missing some of the functionality that I get from a PLM or PDM system.” – User review
4. Fishbowl
G2 rating: 4/5 (275 reviews)
Fishbowl is manufacturing and inventory software built around production control. Its BOM module turns component lists into manufacturing orders, tracks labor and non-material costs, and sends financial data to QuickBooks as work moves through production.
Pros:
- Connects with ecommerce systems such as Shopify to keep inventory and order workflows aligned
- Provides hands-on training and support to help teams adapt the software to their operations
Cons:
- Takes time to set up when replacing older systems or connecting several platforms
- Adds costs through separate modules, so teams need to confirm which capabilities they require
User testimonial:
“Fishbowl is not a good fit for food manufacturing. It struggles with the complexity of changing production schedules, frequent changeovers, and seasonal volume swings. The system is rigid and better suited to stable, repeatable orders than to dynamic food production.” – User review
5. Katana MRP
G2 rating: 4.4/5 (117)
Katana is cloud-based operations software for product businesses that manufacture and sell physical goods. The software coordinates stock and production by connecting incoming orders with the materials, tasks, and inventory needed to fulfill them.
Pros:
- Handles complex manufacturing workflows while remaining accessible across factory devices
- Offers detailed tutorials and responsive support that help new teams learn the system
Cons:
- Limits custom fields on item records, purchase orders, and sales orders without added development
- Omits some smaller billing options, such as setting Net 45 payment terms on invoices
User testimonial:
“Pricing has really gotten a bit harsher. Considering that my early critiques were about having more users. We now have unlimited users, but the pricing model is focused on add-ons and per order. While this is good for scalability, the base cost is still a bit high for smaller manufacturing companies.” – User review
6. MRPeasy
G2 rating: 4.6/5 (56 reviews)
MRPeasy is cloud-based manufacturing software for small manufacturers. It coordinates demand, materials, production, purchasing, and delivery by turning sales orders into planned work and updating inventory as manufacturing progresses.
Pros:
- Brings inventory, production, purchasing, invoicing, and accounting data into one system for day-to-day manufacturing work
- Keeps onboarding manageable with an intuitive interface and clear visibility into production and order activity
Cons:
- QuickBooks syncing can create duplicate invoice entries when payment and invoice timing fall out of sequence
- Offers limited depth in some integrations and advanced reporting workflows
User testimonial:
“We wished there were more ways to customize some areas of the software, such as more text fields (some fields are customizable, but not enough).” – User reviews
7. Odoo
G2 rating: 4.2/5 (351 reviews)
Odoo is an open-source business management platform that brings core business processes into a single, connected system. Odoo uses modular apps that share the same data, allowing information to flow across manufacturing, inventory, purchasing, sales, and accounting without separate records.
Pros:
- Uses integrated APIs to move data into other platforms without rebuilding the same records
- Connects sales, purchasing, inventory, accounting, CRM, and manufacturing through one shared workflow
Cons:
- Spreads related processes across several modules, which can make the system harder to configure as a single solution
- Larger deployments can slow down and require more planning when teams add many modules, customizations, or upgrades
User testimonial:
“One thing I don’t like is that some modules can take a while to configure properly at the beginning. New users may need extra time to get comfortable with the system, especially when they’re customizing workflows or setting up reports. At times it can also feel a bit overwhelming, simply because there are so many features available, and it takes a while to figure out which ones you actually need.” – User review
8. OpenBOM
G2 rating: 4.2/5 (786 reviews)
OpenBOM is collaborative, cloud-based software for managing BOMs and related product data. The platform centralizes engineering and supply chain data, then connects it with production planning, procurement, change workflows, and CAD tools.
Pros:
- Provides lightweight, cloud-based BOM management with CAD integrations for tools like SolidWorks and Fusion 360
- Generates and stores 2D PDFs, 3D STEP files, descriptions, and part numbers in the cloud
Cons
- UI/UX may feel outdated, and some users report bugs, syncing issues, and integration gaps
User testimonial:
“The biggest downside I’ve run into so far is getting OpenBOM to work reliably in my setup—specifically when running SolidWorks through Parallels. The integration hasn’t been as straightforward as I expected, and troubleshooting compatibility issues has taken more time than I anticipated.” – User review
9. Oracle Fusion Cloud PLM
G2 rating: 4.1/5 (91)
Oracle Fusion Cloud PLM is cloud-based software for managing product development, quality, and launch processes across an organization. It uses connected workflows, analytics, and built-in AI to structure product data, surface risks, and guide teams from design through commercialization.
Pros:
- Manages large engineering part datasets, including part records, downloads, and BOM structures
- Supports document and drawing changes through DCR/DCO processes
Cons:
- Uploading, downloading, and tracing part usage across assemblies can take time
- Supplier notification tasks may need more automation for document or design changes
User testimonial:
“Very confusing at first, you’ll need to put in a lot of time to understand it.” – User review
10. PTC Windchill
G2 rating: 4.1/5 (120 reviews)
PTC Windchill is enterprise PLM software that manages complex product data, configurations, and changes across engineering, manufacturing, and the supply chain. Windchill AI works inside those PLM workflows to help users search product records, summarize documents, identify duplicate parts, and act on lifecycle data using natural-language assistance.
Pros:
- Controls product data, CAD files, BOMs, documents, revisions, and change records in one system
- Maintains revision history and check-in controls so users work from the current part or assembly version
Cons:
- The interface can feel outdated, and common actions may require several steps
User testimonial:
“The search engine could use some improvement, as it currently only looks for exact matches. I would prefer it if it could also find the closest matches instead.” – User review
11. Siemens Teamcenter
G2 rating: 4.3/5 (1309 reviews)
Siemens Teamcenter is an enterprise PLM software built around a digital twin of each product. It manages the product definition from planning through delivery, then uses Teamcenter AI and Copilot to help teams search, interpret, and act on lifecycle data.
Pros:
- Provides strong controls and a broad ecosystem of connected applications for managing complex product data
- Keeps documents, parts, and assemblies organized with access controls and integrations across Microsoft Office and NX
Cons:
- Can take significant effort to deploy and integrate, including within the wider Siemens ecosystem
User testimonial:
“Some of the speed feels slow, and tracking development isn’t always smooth, but aside from that, I haven’t run into any major issues. It is easy to manage and test everything in one connected, transformed setup, and real-time support is available when needed.” – User review
Manage your BOM without spreadsheet workarounds. Book a demo with Duro.
Bill of Materials Software Pricing Comparison
Bill of materials software pricing varies by deployment, user count, modules, and implementation scope. Some vendors publish entry prices, while enterprise PLM providers typically offer custom quotes based on each organization’s requirements.
Software | BOM-native | Starting price | Free trial |
Duro | Yes | Custom annual pricing | 2 weeks |
Arena PLM | No | Contact sales | 10 days |
Autodesk Fusion Manage | No | CA$129 per user/month, billed annually | No public free trial |
Fishbowl | No | US$675/month for Advanced Manufacturing | No public free trial |
Katana MRP | No | Free plan; paid plans from US$299/month | 15-day full access |
MRPeasy | No | US$49 per user/month | 15 days, extendable to 30 |
Odoo | No | Free for one app; paid plans from US$24.90 per user/month | 15 days |
OpenBOM | Yes | Contact sales | 14 days |
Oracle Fusion Cloud PLM | No | Contact sales | No public free trial |
PTC Windchill | No | Contact sales | No public free trial |
Siemens Teamcenter | No | Contact sales | 30 days for Teamcenter X |
How to Choose the Best Bill of Materials Software
Start by deciding whether you need a BOM-first platform, a broader PLM system, or manufacturing software that carries BOM data into production.
A BOM-native platform suits hardware teams that need close CAD synchronization, controlled revisions, and engineering change workflows. MRP and ERP tools are a better fit for teams focused primarily on inventory and production planning.
Enterprise PLM platforms are well-suited to complex products, regulated processes, and global deployments. Their total cost may include implementation, configuration, integrations, and ongoing administration.
Duro combines BOM management with cloud-native PLM workflows, helping teams move product data from CAD into sourcing and production.
See how Duro keeps your BOM connected from CAD through sourcing and production.
Choosing the Best Bill of Materials Software for Frictionless CAD-to-BOM Synchronization
Choosing the right bill of materials software depends on your product complexity, workflows, and existing tech stack. Look for a platform that connects CAD data to structured BOMs, controls revisions, and shares approved changes with ERP and manufacturing systems.
Choose a system that enforces standardized part numbering and validates data at entry. Otherwise, errors can flow directly into your ERP system and production processes. When evaluating scalability, consider the administrative burden: the internal engineering time, external consulting costs, and ongoing maintenance required to update workflows, build integrations, and onboard suppliers as your ecosystem grows.
Duro brings CAD, BOM, and change management into one cloud-native PLM platform. It gives hardware teams a shared product record with traceability across engineering and operations.
Bill of Materials Software FAQs
What is BOM software?
BOM (bill of materials) software is a system for creating, organizing, and updating the parts, assemblies, documents, and supplier data required to build a product.
It gives engineering, procurement, and manufacturing teams a shared product record as designs change. Some tools focus solely on BOMs, while others integrate BOM capabilities into PLM, ERP, or MRP software.
What is the difference between BOM and PLM software?
BOM software focuses on the product structure, including parts, assemblies, quantities, revisions, and related supplier or manufacturing data.
PLM software manages a broader set of product information and processes across the product development lifecycle. It may include BOMs, documents, change orders, approvals, and release workflows.
Some BOM tools operate as standalone systems, while many PLM platforms include BOM management as part of a wider product data environment.
What is the difference between a BOM and an SBOM?
A BOM lists the physical parts, materials, and assemblies required to build a product. It supports engineering, sourcing, and manufacturing.
An SBOM lists the software components, libraries, and dependencies used in an application or connected product. It supports security reviews, license tracking, and vulnerability management.
Products that combine both hardware and software may require both types of records, with each tracking a different aspect of the product.
Should BOMs live in PLM software or an ERP system?
Most organizations manage the engineering BOM in PLM software and move the manufacturing BOM into the ERP system.
PLM tracks revisions, approvals, and engineering changes during product development. After release, the ERP system uses the approved BOM for purchasing, inventory, and production planning.
This division gives each system a clear role and reduces duplicate updates across engineering and operations.