Service BOM Handling
The Service BOM in Repair Orders shows the actual structure of the repaired item – after the service work has been completed. It helps you keep track of which parts were replaced, repaired, or newly installed during the service process.
Key Points
The key points of service BOM handling are described in this section.
Updated during service posting – not during production
The Service BOM is not updated automatically when a Production Order is finished. Instead, it is updated when the service line is posted (delivered) – that is, when the repaired item is shipped back to the customer.Based on Construction Data – not actual production consumption
The Service BOM update is based on the structure defined in the Construction Order and controlled by the Spare Part Action (DM) field, not by actual production consumption.Each component is classified using one of the following actions:
Replaced
- The original part was removed and replaced with a new component.
- The previous Service BOM line is deactivated, and a new one is created with updated information.
Repaired
- The original part was returned, repaired, and reused.
- A Return Order is created, and a new line for the repaired item is generated (internally flagged for production).
- Serial number and tracking information are preserved.
Installed
- A new part was added without replacing any existing component.
- A new line is added to the Service BOM; no deactivation occurs.
These actions are applied during Service Shipment Posting, ensuring the final Service BOM reflects the actual repair scenario.
Attribute inheritance
In addition to recording components, the Service BOM also inherits all attributes from Service Lines, or from the underlying Construction Order lines if the Service BOM is created from them.If an active Service BOM already exists and new Service Lines are added, the attributes are taken from the Service BOM, not from the Item. This ensures that the attributes always reflect the current state of the repaired item – including modifications made during previous service steps – rather than the default item definition.
Real documentation of what happened
The Service BOM provides a clear list of all components that were part of the actual repair, including:- Item numbers
- Quantities
- Serial numbers (if available)
- Dates and descriptions
Helps with warranty and future service
Since the Service BOM records exactly what was done, it becomes a reliable reference for:- Warranty claims
- Customer communication
- Planning follow-up repairs
Important
The Service BOM is updated only when the service line is posted – not during or after production. It is based entirely on the Construction Order.
Changes made directly to the Production Order (such as adding components or operations) will not be reflected in the Service BOM unless they are also updated in the Construction Order.
Add Items when Service BOM is Empty
When you enter a Service Item in a Service Order line, a Service BOM must be created for that item.
Once the Service BOM exists (and is Active), you can add components immediately – even if the BOM does not yet contain any structure.
Usage
- Create/activate the Service BOM for the Service Item on the Service Order line by choosing Line > Active Service BOM on the Lines FastTab.
- Go back to the Service Order, open the Service Item Worksheet or Service Lines page, and then start adding components:
- If the Service BOM is empty, new components are placed on the top level automatically. You do not have to select a parent node.
- If the Service BOM already contains components, you will be asked to choose the parent component when linking/adding.
- Ship the service lines.
The new components are added to the active service BOM.
Benefits
- You can start servicing right away without waiting for a complete parts structure.
- Service BOMs can be built up step-by-step during the repair and reflect what actually happened.
- Also works for external items or installed base records where the original BOM is unknown – you can still create a complete structure over time.
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