Electronics BOM Scrub Checklist (Free, PDF)

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13 critical items still open - these are the highest-risk gaps.

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BOM data integrity

Every line has a unique internal part number and a revisionCRITICALManufacturer and manufacturer part number (MPN) are present on every purchased lineCRITICALQuantity per matches the count of reference designators on each lineCRITICALNo duplicate reference designators across linesCRITICALReference designators match the schematic and PCB layoutUnits of measure are consistent (EA, M, ML) and statedDescriptions are consistent and include value, tolerance, package and ratingDo-not-populate and optional lines are clearly marked

Part specification

Passive values, tolerance, voltage, power rating and dielectric or temperature coefficient are statedCRITICALPackage or footprint on the BOM matches the PCB land patternCRITICALPolarized parts are identified and orientation is documentedTemperature grade fits the application (commercial, industrial, automotive, military)Moisture sensitivity level is recorded for each active deviceCRITICALPb-free finish and reflow peak temperature are compatible with the processESD sensitivity class is noted where it matters

Sourcing and approval

Each line has at least one approved source on the AVL or AMLCRITICALApproved alternates are listed with engineering approval and dateSingle-source and sole-source lines are flaggedMinimum order quantities and reel sizes are checked against build quantitiesCurrent lead times are collected for every purchased lineCRITICALAuthorized distributor or direct sourcing is confirmed for critical partsCustomer-directed or consigned parts are identified and labeled

Lifecycle and risk

Lifecycle status is checked for every active line (Active, NRND, EOL, Obsolete)CRITICALOpen PCNs and PDNs are reviewed and responded toCRITICALLast time buy dates are recorded for lines with discontinuance noticesParts with a long lead time have a buy or buffer planCounterfeit risk is assessed for any parts bought outside authorized channels

Compliance

RoHS and REACH declarations are on file for each partCRITICALConflict minerals data is collected where required by customer or regulationExport control classification and country of origin are recorded where applicableCustomer flowdowns (such as banned parts or origin restrictions) are applied to the BOM

Assembly and release readiness

Approved BOM revision matches the gerber, assembly drawing and pick and place fileCRITICALMechanical parts, labels, hardware and consumables are on the BOM, not just electronicsSolder paste, adhesives and other process materials are specifiedBOM is loaded to ERP as the correct revision and effectivityCosted BOM is reviewed against target before RFQ release

Every critical item should be checked before RFQ or production release. A BOM with unchecked critical items is not ready to buy against.

Automate BOM checks against ERP and PLM

Optional: ask how BOM scrub checks could be run automatically on your item and BOM data.

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How to use the checklist

Work through the groups in order. Start with data integrity because errors there make later checks unreliable. Then check specifications, sourcing, lifecycle, compliance and assembly readiness. Tick items as you complete them and export the result to PDF to attach to the NPI or ECO record. Items marked critical should be resolved before RFQ. Run the scrub again whenever the design revision changes, not just at first release.

What a thorough scrub catches

Reference designator reconciliation is the highest value check: compare the number of designators on each line to the quantity per, and look for the same designator on two lines or a designator missing entirely. Next, verify that the footprint and package agree, since a 0603 on the BOM and a 0402 land pattern cause real board scrap. Lifecycle and PCN checks prevent building around a part that will not be there at the next order. Compliance records collected now avoid a rush when a customer asks for them.

Sort by reference designator to spot gaps and duplicates.
Compare BOM counts to the pick and place file.
Check polarized parts against the assembly drawing.

Common mistakes and ERP notes

Frequent errors include copying a legacy BOM without updating alternates, pasting a spreadsheet with merged cells that break import, and leaving the mechanical bill outside the ERP structure. Keep a single source of truth and control changes through ECOs. When loading to ERP, set effectivity dates and confirm phantom, reference and non-stock flags so MRP does not plan unneeded parts. Capture the manufacturer part number on a separate manufacturer part record, not only in the description field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a BOM scrub?

A BOM scrub is a structured review of a bill of materials for completeness, consistency, sourceability and risk before quoting or releasing to production. It covers data quality, part specifications, approved sources, lifecycle status and compliance data.

Who should perform the BOM scrub?

Ideally a component or NPI engineer with a buyer. Engineering knows the design intent, and purchasing knows availability, lead times and approved sources. For contract manufacturers, the CM engineering team often runs it as part of the quote.

Why check reference designators against quantities?

A mismatch means either a part is missing from the build or the BOM overstates the need. Reference designators tie each line to board locations, so reconciling them catches errors that would otherwise show up as shortages or wrong assemblies.

How often should I repeat the scrub?

At each design revision, before each large buy and at least periodically for long-running products, since lifecycle status and lead times change. A quarterly check of the lifecycle and PCN groups is a reasonable minimum for active products.

If BOM checks against lifecycle, AVL and lead time data are manual in your team, we can discuss automating the comparison read-only over your ERP and PLM data.

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