How do I know the BOM (Bill of Material)?

If you don’t have all the BOM details from your supplier, don’t worry! There are several ways to make a good estimation. The goal is to create the most accurate estimate possible using the information you have available, so you can start your analysis and refine it later. The BOM determines the material costs in your cost model, so a reasonable estimate is often sufficient to get started.

1. Check existing information

• Look for material specifications, product labels or technical documentation provided by the supplier or printed on the packaging.

• Sometimes, the product datasheet includes useful clues about the materials or components used.

2. Ask your supplier

• Contact the supplier directly to request missing BOM details.

• Even if they cannot share the exact BOM, see if they can share general information such as the high-level composition or weight distribution.

3. Make your best estimate

• Use your own knowledge or similar products as a reference.

• Try to identify the main components and approximate their proportions.
  For example, if you estimate that a product consists of 70% steel, 20% plastic and 10% rubber, and the total product weight is 500 kg, you would enter 350 kg of steel, 100 kg of plastic and 50 kg of rubber in the BOM.
  This way you can convert these percentages into estimated weights for your BOM.

4. Use AI assistance

• You can use an AI tool to help estimate the BOM if you do not have enough information, by uploading a photo, sharing a link to a product page, or describing the product in detail.

• The AI can help estimate:

  • The weight of one product

  • The weight ratios of each commodity or material

  • Possible composition breakdowns based on product characteristics

Even a first estimate is a valuable starting point. It helps you validate the BOM with your supplier and refine the details over time by asking targeted questions. WTP is about direction, not perfection.