Setup of Component Groups

In SIX ERP, Component Groups play a key role in streamlining manufacturing processes where product variations are common. They allow for dynamic substitution of components within a single Bill of Materials (BOM), eliminating the need to create and maintain multiple BOMs for each variant of a product. This feature is especially valuable in industries where configurable items—such as customizable furniture, electronics, or fashion goods—are produced.

Component Groups link interchangeable components to a defined Commodity Group, providing flexibility during the execution of manufacturing orders. For example, if a product comes in multiple colors or materials, a Component Group allows the selection of the actual component (e.g., a specific fabric or leg type) just before production, without altering the core BOM structure.

Accessing Component Group Settings

To define and manage Component Groups, navigate to "Settings > Module Settings > Manufacturing Settings".

Then from the options tab, choose Component Groups.

This section opens the Component Group management interface, where you can add, modify, or organize groups that can later be linked to BOMs and inventory items.

What Are Component Groups?

A Component Group allows you to specify a placeholder in a BOM that refers to a category of items (defined in a Commodity Group) instead of a fixed material. At the time of manufacturing execution, this placeholder is replaced by a selectable component from the linked group.

Example Use Case

Let’s say you're manufacturing a furniture model called Aberdeen, which can be upholstered in 15 different fabrics. Instead of creating 15 separate BOMs, you define a Component Group called “Fabric Options” and assign a Component Item in the BOM. When production is scheduled, the user selects the actual fabric variant to be used—simplifying configuration while maintaining flexibility.

You can define multiple Component Groups per BOM. For instance, Aberdeen might also offer leg types in wood, plastic, or metal. These are managed through a second Component Group—e.g., “Leg Types.”

Adding a New Component Group

To create a new Component Group in SIX ERP, follow these steps:

1. Click the NEW Button
   This will open the Component Group creation dialog.

   

2. Enter a Name for the Component Group
   Choose a descriptive name that clearly defines the purpose of the group—for example, Fabric Options, Leg Types, or Handle Variants. This name will be used when referencing the group in BOMs and during manufacturing execution.

3. Select a Linked Commodity Group
   From the dropdown, choose the Commodity Group that contains the interchangeable items relevant to this Component Group. This ensures that only items from this group can be selected later during production.

   

4. Click Submit
   Once all required fields are filled out, click the Submit button to store the Component Group in the system.

   

After saving, the Component Group becomes available for assignment to items and BOMs, enabling more dynamic and flexible manufacturing operations.

Editing a Component Group

If you need to change the name of an existing Component Group, you can do so directly from the management interface. Locate the group in the list and click on the three dots ⋮ on the right-hand side of the row. From the dropdown menu, select Edit. This will open the edit dialog where you can modify the name of the Component Group. After making your changes, click Submit to save the updated group. The changes will be applied system-wide and reflected wherever the Component Group is used.

Component Group Relationships

Each Component Group connects:

A Component Group Name (used in Manufacturing)

A Commodity Group (defining the allowable substitutes deriving from Inventory Management)

Only items from the associated Commodity Group will be available for selection during the execution of the manufacturing order, ensuring that substitute parts remain consistent with design and material standards.

Important

• Component Groups are only assignable by Administrators.

• A Commodity Group must be preconfigured with the relevant interchangeable items.

• Component Groups can significantly reduce BOM complexity and improve production flexibility.

Also see:
Understanding Component Groups
Configuring Commodity Groups in Inventory Management