PCB bill of materials validation checklist

Reconcile references and quantities

Generate the BOM from the release revision and compare its fitted references with the assembly data. Check duplicate references, missing fields, do-not-populate parts and variant-specific substitutions. A spreadsheet total alone cannot establish that every physical component has an intended identity.

Check identity beyond nominal value

For passives, include package, tolerance and relevant ratings. For ICs and connectors, preserve exact orderable numbers and orientation requirements. A capacitor with the right nominal value may still be unsuitable at the operating bias or in the selected package.

Keep procurement evidence dated

Record supplier, quantity break and observation time for cost claims. Distinguish an engineering substitution from a purchasing substitution, especially when pinout, package or electrical behavior changes. Regenerate the release checks after any substitution that affects the design.

Practical checklist

1. Use one release revision.
2. Reconcile all fitted references.
3. Preserve exact part identity and ratings.
4. Review DNP and assembly variants.
5. Date cost and stock evidence.

A concrete example

Prepare assembly files for a sensor board with an optional connector.

Evidence to accept

BOM and placement files agree on whether the connector is fitted in this variant.

Evidence that is insufficient

The BOM marks the connector DNP while the placement file still requests installation.

Common questions

Primary references and further reading

Use the matching device documentation and project configuration when applying this checklist. These references explain the underlying tools and evaluation approaches.

• KiCad schematic editor documentation
• KiCad PCB editor documentation