What is the difference between a BOM and a WIP?

Here is a guide for how to understand the structure vs. the execution of manufacturing (with a Bill of Materials and a Work in Progress).

In DigitBridge, a Bill of Materials (BOM) defines the structure of a product—what materials, processes, and steps are required to make it. A Work in Progress (WIP) job, on the other hand, is the execution of that structure. It’s a live record of manufacturing activity where SKUs, materials, and time are tracked as goods move through production.


BOM: The Blueprint

A BOM is essentially the recipe or instructions for how a product is made. It includes:

  • A single finished goods SKU (the end product)

  • Processes (steps like assembly or outsourcing)

  • Raw materials (components consumed during production)

  • Estimated work hours

Once saved, a BOM can be assigned to multiple SKUs during WIP creation. For example, a single BOM for a t-shirt can be reused for all sizes (S, M, L) in different WIP jobs.


WIP: The Work in Motion

A WIP (Work in Progress) job is the actual work order. It includes:

  • One or more SKUs to produce

  • An associated BOM for each SKU

  • Factory, schedule, warehouse, and quantity details

  • Real-time progress tracking

  • Tools to manage in-house and outsourced steps

It’s where production is monitored, materials are picked, and output is finalized. WIPs are created using a BOM but contain operational details like start dates, yield, and process completions.


Why This Matters

Understanding the difference helps clarify where to make updates.

  • Update the BOM if you need to change how something is made.

  • Update the WIP if you’re tracking production in real time.


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