The iBOM Application exports the BOM (Bill of Materials) data with Images for each item from the active assembly file (.iam) opened in the Autodesk® Inventor® software to a Microsoft® Excel/Word® file.
The iBOM app provides the user with several additional options, which include an option to export 'iProperties' data (including 'Custom iProperties') and the option to calculate and add labour costs for the assembly to the exported file.
The images/thumbnails are embedded into the Excel/Word® file allowing the user to send the exported file via email without having to send images as attachments.
The exported BOM includes an image, part number, quantity, cost and the option to include any’ iProperties’ value including ‘Custom iProperties’.
One further option named ‘Labour Cost Calculations’ has been included, which lets the user enter an hourly rate along with the amount of hours and minutes it has taken to build the active assembly, the app then calculates the labour cost and adds the information to the exported file thus providing the following cost breakdown: -
· Individual part/sub-assembly cost
· Individual line item cost
· Total parts/sub-assemblies cost
· Hourly labour rate
· Total assembly labour cost
· Total assembly cost (Parts and labour)
The BOM can currently be exported in two different ways ‘Structured’, which lists all the parts and sub-assemblies, which make up the active assembly or ‘Parts only’, which lists all parts, which make up the active assembly (Includes all the parts in sub-assemblies).
The iBOM app provides the user with a BOM creation status window, which allows the user to know when the iBOM application is processing the BOM data and when the BOM file has been successfully created.
The IBOM app automatically saves the exported BOM to the same file path as the active assembly file and opens the file so the user can view the exported data.
The images are embedded into the Excel/Word® file allowing the user to send the exported file via email without having to send images as attachments.
All calculations are done in the exported Excel/Word® file so adjustments to the calculation can be easily made without having to export BOM data again. This allows users to make changes to the calculations without having to have access to the Inventor or iBOM software you just need to open the exported BOM file and modify as follows: -
Excel – Update the cell(s) as required, the associated formulas will automatically update the calculations accordingly.
Word - Update the cell(s) as required, then press Ctrl+A (Select All) and then press F9 (Update) the associated formulas will update the calculations accordingly.
iBOM Application Notes: -
· The app will automatically open/run the Autodesk® Inventor® software if the software isn’t currently running and will close the Inventor® software if the user closes the iBOM App, unless the Inventor software had been manually opened by the user.
· To successfully create an exported BOM file the Autodesk® Inventor® software must be running with an assembly file (.iam) open and active. If you are using Autodesk® Vault® then make sure all files used in the assembly file are ‘checked out’.