What Is Approved Manufacturer List (AML)?
Also known as: AML, approved vendor list for components, manufacturer part number alternates, AVL
Definition
An Approved Manufacturer List (AML) lists the specific manufacturer and manufacturer part numbers (MPNs) that engineering has approved to satisfy a single internal component part number. It lets purchasing buy alternates without a BOM change.
Approved Manufacturer List (AML) Explained
In electronics, one internal part number such as a 10 uF 16 V capacitor can be satisfied by several manufacturer parts that meet the same form, fit and function. The AML records each approved manufacturer and MPN, often ranked by preference. Purchasing and the buyer choose among them based on price, availability and lead time without issuing an engineering change for every substitution.
The AML is related to but not the same as an approved vendor list (AVL). The AML approves who makes the part; the AVL approves who you buy from, such as a franchised distributor. In counterfeit-sensitive sectors, buying only from the manufacturer or authorised distributors listed is a compliance requirement.
In ERP, the AML shows up as an item-manufacturer cross reference or alternate item-source structure, for example manufacturer part number records on an item in Infor, NetSuite or SAP. Receiving verifies that the manufacturer and MPN on the packing slip and reel label exist on the AML, and records manufacturer and lot or date code for traceability.
Approvals are managed through change control, and a PLM system often owns the AML with the ERP receiving a synchronised copy.
Why It Matters
- A broad AML reduces line-down risk during shortages and allocation periods.
- Receiving against the AML blocks unapproved or counterfeit-risk parts from entering stock.
- Customers in regulated sectors audit which manufacturers are approved for each part.
- An accurate AML shortens quoting because buyers can compare real prices across approved sources.
In Practice
Internal part 300-1045 (100 kilohm resistor, 0402) has an AML of three manufacturers. A shipment arrives from a fourth manufacturer because the distributor substituted. Receiving inspection compares the MPN on the label against the AML, rejects the lot to quarantine, and the buyer requests engineering review before any use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between AML and AVL?
The AML approves which manufacturers and part numbers can fill an item. The AVL approves which suppliers you may buy from.
Does adding an alternate to the AML change the BOM?
No. The BOM keeps the internal part number; the AML controls which manufacturer parts can be used for it.
Who owns the AML?
Usually engineering or component engineering, often in a PLM system, with the ERP holding a copy for purchasing and receiving.
Related Terms
BOM (Bill of Materials)
A BOM (bill of materials) is the structured, hierarchical list of components, sub-assemblies, and quantities required to produce one unit of a parent item, and it is the primary input MRP explodes to calculate material requirements.
Reference Designator
A reference designator is the unique label for a component position on a printed circuit board, such as R12 for a resistor, C7 for a capacitor or U3 for an integrated circuit. It links the schematic, BOM and assembly machine placement data.
EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services)
Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) is the industry of companies that build electronics for other brands (OEMs) under contract, covering PCB assembly, box build, test and often procurement and logistics. Also called contract electronics manufacturing.
Traceability
Traceability is the ability to follow the history, location, and application of a part or material through the supply chain and production process, both backward to its sources and forward to every product and customer it reached.
Component Obsolescence
Component obsolescence is when a manufacturer discontinues an electronic part, so it can no longer be bought from normal channels. Managing it means detecting end-of-life notices early and choosing a last-time buy, substitute or redesign.
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Approved Vendor List (AVL) Template
A controlled AVL document with document header, scope, approval criteria, vendor and manufacturer part table, and signature block.
Keep exploring
Free tools
- Approved Vendor List (AVL) TemplateA controlled AVL document with document header, scope, approval criteria, vendor and manufacturer part table, and signature block.
- Approved Supplier List TemplateAn editable approved supplier list worksheet with status, approval basis, certification, expiry and rating. Edit rows in the browser and export to Excel.
- ISO 13485 Approved Supplier List Risk Ranking and Audit Plan WorksheetScores suppliers with a risk priority number, sets audit intervals, and totals audits per year and audit cost so your supplier control is proportional to risk.
ERP fixes and how-tos
- MPN in Infor LN: Manufacturer Part Numbers, Items and SuppliersHow to manage a manufacturer part number (MPN) in Infor LN: item codes, supplier item data, alternates, and how to keep MPNs clean and searchable.
- Epicor: No Employee Attached to User, Supplier Not Approved, Serial Mask TokensFix the Epicor error no employee attached to user, plus supplier not approved for operation and serial mask token setup, and where to look in Kinetic.
Guides
- ERP Requirements for Electronics Manufacturers: What EMS Providers and OEMs Actually NeedERP requirements for electronics manufacturers: BOM and AML management, component lifecycle, traceability, compliance, costing, and AI agents for EMS and OEMs.
- How to Configure Vendor Qualification in SyteLineLearn how to set up vendor qualification and approved supplier management in Infor SyteLine. Configure vendor assessments, quality scorecards, approval workflows, and ongoing performance monitoring.
- AI BOM Scrubbing for Electronics ManufacturersHow AI scrubs customer BOMs for EMS and electronics manufacturers: part matching, refdes checks, lifecycle flags, alternates, and what stays human reviewed.
AI on your ERP
- AI for EMS and PCBA Manufacturers Running SyteLine, Epicor, or NetSuiteAI for EMS and PCBA manufacturers on SyteLine, Epicor, or NetSuite: automate BOM scrubbing, AVL checks, and obsolescence alerts, grounded in your own ERP data on-prem.
- Infor LN AI for High-Tech Electronics: BOMs, Shortages and TraceabilityPrivate AI on Infor LN for electronics makers: BOM and ECO impact, AVL shortages, obsolescence, RoHS and REACH data, and serial traceability, run on-prem.