Sneak Peek: The New BOM Import Agent Experience in OpenBOM

Oleg Shilovitsky
Oleg Shilovitsky
1 July, 2025 | 2 min for reading
Sneak Peek: The New BOM Import Agent Experience in OpenBOM

At OpenBOM, our vision has always been clear – to create an open and flexible information model, built using modern data management technologies such as graph databases, to help manufacturers and engineers seamlessly manage their product data.

Rethinking Import

We’ve been working with our customers on the analysis of data migrations and import complexity, and came up with an approach to simplify data import. This is good in both legacy data imports and integration scenarios. 

I’m super excited to give you a sneak peek into what’s coming next: a new, smarter, and simpler way to import your BOM data into OpenBOM.

Imagine this:

✅ No more worrying about specific Excel pre-formatting.
✅ No complex setup or manual mapping upfront.
✅ Just drag and drop your Excel file, and let OpenBOM do the rest.

Our upcoming import functionality leverages next-generation data analysis capabilities to automatically understand the structure of your BOM data. Whether your BOM uses index formats like 1.x.x or level-based formats (with N levels), OpenBOM will seamlessly analyze and transform it into structured items in your catalogs and create full product structures in seconds.

OpenBOM – New Drag-n-Drop Smart Import 

Here’s how the new user experience will look:

1 – Import BOM – initiate the import directly from your catalog or BOM workspace.

          2 – Drag-n-Drop – simply drag your Excel file onto the import screen.

            3 – Smart Analysis – OpenBOM analyzes the data structure automatically. Adjust if Needed – you can review and correct parameters if you wish.

              4 – Instant Product Structure – your catalog items and BOM hierarchy are created, ready for further collaboration and planning.

                Conclusion

                This new approach is all about removing friction and giving you back valuable time to focus on engineering and manufacturing tasks rather than data formatting.

                There are two aspects of BOM import improvements: (1) simplifying the initial data import and (2) streamlining integration with multiple systems. Many legacy systems still rely on Excel import/export functionality, and companies don’t plan to replace them in the near future, but also don’t want to invest resources in integrating them. Seamless import/export can be a great tool to bridge this gap.

                At OpenBOM, we believe that openness and flexibility are essential for companies to truly digitally transform the way they work. Our new BOM import capabilities are another step forward on this journey, bringing modern data intelligence into your daily workflows.

                👉 Check it out yourself – REGISTER FOR FREE to get an instant OpenBOM trial.

                The new function will be available in the coming OpenBOM update. Walkthrough videos coming soon.

                Best, Oleg

                Related Posts

                Also on OpenBOM

                4 6
                2 April, 2026

                A SolidWorks model is essential. A BOM is essential. Drawings, PDFs, STEP files, and DXFs are essential too. Many teams...

                2 April, 2026

                In the previous article, I wrote that engineering teams usually do not lose control because CAD design is wrong. The...

                2 April, 2026

                In my experience, manufacturing companies that rush a new product introduction process usually pay for it later. They see production...

                1 April, 2026

                How file-based workflows, disconnected BOMs, and the limits of PDM combine to create a product data problem most engineering teams...

                31 March, 2026

                Last week I wrote about where product lifecycle knowledge gets lost, and I also published a longer piece on Beyond...

                30 March, 2026

                How to define part number strategy, revision control, and BOM types early in your OpenBOM rollout When companies start an...

                27 March, 2026

                If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what type of bill of materials do I actually need?”, you’re not alone. In my...

                27 March, 2026

                This guide explains the product release process in manufacturing – what it is, how it works, and how PLM software...

                27 March, 2026

                This guide explains how revision control works in multi-level Bills of Materials (BOMs): what it is, why it’s complex, and...

                To the top