Fix Critical Issues

Filter to missing part numbers

In the Issues tab, click the "Missing Part Number: X" link in the BOM Data section. This filters the list to show only parts needing part numbers.

Click the empty MPN cell

For the first part, click the empty cell 2x under "Manufacturer Part Number 1". The system loads suggestions from the parts database based on the part description.

Select the suggested part

Review the suggestions and select the matching part (for example, C0402C104M4PACTU for a 100nF capacitor). The part number is populated and the issue count updates. Note: If there is no suitable suggestion for you, you can always click on the Advanced Parametric Search at the bottom of such menu to dig even deeper until you find the perfect part for your needs

Repeat for remaining parts

The edited part should now disappear since the issue for the selected issue is solved. Continue assigning part numbers to each part. Watch the issue count drop to zero as you complete the list.

Identify the part

Filter for parts under Manufacturer Lifecycles showing Unknown or Obsolete status. These parts either reached end-of-life, don't exist in the database, or are custom/proprietary items.

We can either keep the obsolete part and look for an alternate - or we will replace the obsolete part entirely. In this step we will show how to replace it.

Find a replacement part

For the first part, click the empty cell 2x under "Manufacturer Part Number 1" again but this time, we will go for the Advanced Parametric Search and click on Try Alternate Search Mode

Select alternate

In this view you see now multiple possible alternates. Look out for the confidence score to see how well each alternate will match the original part - up to if it is suitable as a direct replacement. Select the row with the best alternate and click Use to use it in your BOM.

Note: If you also have access to one of the advanced data extensions, you can request alternate parts from these too with their own confidence rating to make confident decisions - including Years-to-end-of-Life estimations.

Auto-fill alternates

Click More menu (...) → Autofill Alternates. You can now select how many alternates per BOM row you want to have.

Click Start Autofill in the dialog. The system attempts to assign alternates to all parts based on Part Choices in the part library. If you want to add alternates based on data providers (e.g. IHS Market; high confidence rating only) - simply check the checkbox Add alternates from data providers if none are defined in your Part Choices.

Add manual alternates

For parts needing specific alternates, right-click the row (e.g. Manufacturer Part Number cell) → Add Alternate. An empty row appears below. Click the empty MPN cell and select from suggestions (or go through the Advanced Parametric Search).

Involve Engineering for alternate feedback or selection

Click the Comments Tasks icon (speech bubble) at the top right of the BOM View and select afterwards the part row where you want to place the comment. Add your comment, e.g. explaining why the alternate was chosen or assign tasks to team members for validation.

Note: you can also mention colleagues with the @ functionality to ensure they will get a notification.

Access BOM Settings

Click the More menu (...) in the top-right corner of your BOM view, then select BOM Settings. This opens the BOM configuration dialog. If you are already in the Supply Chain tab, you can also click directly on ☆ Favorite Suppliers to open the settings.

Navigate to Suppliers section

In the Settings dialog, you'll see a list of all available suppliers (Mouser, Farnell, Newark, Digi-Key, Arrow, etc.) as well as their estimated BOM coverage.

Note: If you are missing suppliers, check out the link Configure Available Suppliers where you can define allowed suppliers on a Workspace level. You will find there a link to Configure Custom Prices for a Supplier where you can get your custom prices via API key for supported suppliers.

Select your preferred distributors

Check the boxes next to the suppliers you regularly purchase from. Uncheck distributors you don't have accounts with or prefer not to use. Your selections determine which suppliers appear in pricing calculations and order lists.

Select your Order List Preset

In the Supply Chain tab click on Order List Preset to see all available options. From Single Order (cheapest) to specific Suppliers (where available) to reduce the number of orders.

Filter to Insufficient Stock

In the Supply Chain tab filter for Insufficient Stock by selecting it in the Dashboard. This filters the table below to only show parts unavailable from your currently selected supplier.

Select alternative supplier

To see available alternative suppliers, click on the arrow in the Order List cell. Select a new supplier with stock (e.g., Mouser). The order list updates to pull the part from the available distributor, resolving the stock issue.

Clear filters

Click Reset Filters above the table to view the complete BOM.

Select the shopping cart icon (Octocart)

To use Octocart, select the shopping cart icon in the top right above the parts table.

Review and buy

Review the supplier and pricing listed here and click on Buy All. Next, all supported supplier pages will open as new browser tabs with all parts added to the checkout cart - ready to be bought just with a few more clicks.