Construction projects in Saudi Arabia often involve tight timelines, multiple teams, and long lists of materials, or what many in the industry refer to as قائمة المواد (Bill of Materials). Without a clear system, mistakes and delays can quickly add up, especially in إدارة المشاريع (project management) environments.
A recent study on project management education shows that skilled professionals are in high demand, especially in Saudi Arabia, where big projects and ambitious initiatives like NEOM under Vision 2030 are changing the construction industry.
In this blog, you will learn what a Bill of Materials (BOM) is, the types used in construction, how it supports project management, steps to create an effective BOM, key benefits, common challenges, and best practices to optimize its use.
A Bill of Materials (BOM), known in Arabic as قائمة المواد, is a detailed list of all materials, components, and assemblies required to complete a construction project. In Saudi Arabia, where إدارة المشاريع plays a crucial role in major Vision 2030 developments, a well-prepared BOM ensures accuracy, quality, and compliance.
With the basics of a BOM clear, it’s helpful to look at the various types that serve specific roles in project management.
A BOM (قائمة المواد) plays different roles depending on your إدارة المشاريع (project management) stage. Understanding these BOM types helps business owners and IT teams improve إدارة البناء and reduce risks across large-scale Saudi projects.
Prepared by design teams, this BOM lists all materials, grades, quantities, and technical specifications based on the design documents. It ensures compliance with local regulations, such as the Saudi Building Code, and acts as a reference for technical decisions.
This BOM details items required to prefabricate or manufacture components before they arrive on-site. It includes modules, sub-assemblies, and individual elements, along with logistics information to streamline delivery and coordination.
Focused on onsite work, this BOM covers foundation materials, structural components, electrical and plumbing items, and interior finishes. It guides procurement and helps business owners and IT teams track quantities, control costs, and maintain schedules.
Outlines spare parts, maintenance materials, and tools needed for future upkeep or repairs. This BOM is essential for planning facility management and ensuring the long-term performance of critical systems like HVAC, elevators, and security equipment.
Useful for projects with customized solutions, this BOM details the finished product and all its components as per the client’s order. It simplifies communication with clients requesting specific features or variants.
Lists raw materials, quantities, sub-assemblies, and associated costs for the final output. It helps optimize batch production and monitor resource availability in multi-phase projects.
Provides details for assembling components from different suppliers, structured as single-level or multi-level depending on project complexity.
Configurable BOMs allow customization based on project or client needs, while Template BOMs enable you to quickly adapt modules or replicate similar projects efficiently.
A straightforward list of all parts and their quantities, suitable for smaller construction projects. It is easy to manage but may lack detail for complex builds.
Captures assemblies, sub-assemblies, and the relationships between parts, making it ideal for larger or phased construction projects. It helps track dependencies, suppliers, and delivery timelines.
Also read: ERP in Project Management: Driving Efficiency and Success
Choosing the right BOM type is crucial, but the real impact comes in how it supports project management, improves workflows, and streamlines operations.
A BOM — قائمة المواد — is one of the most critical pillars of إدارة المشاريع in construction. It enhances planning accuracy, procurement efficiency, and risk mitigation, especially for Saudi companies managing multi-phase projects.
The advantages of a well-structured BOM are clear, now let’s look at how to put one together for maximum efficiency
Creating a clear and organized BOM (قائمة المواد) is essential for efficient إدارة المشاريع in Saudi Arabia. This step-by-step guide ensures alignment with local standards, smooth procurement, and accurate budgeting.
Start by collecting all project documentation, including engineering drawings, design specifications, procurement lists, and operational inputs. This ensures that every material, part, and resource is captured.
For example, if you’re constructing a mid-size commercial building in Riyadh, include materials for HVAC, electrical wiring, structural steel, and finishing components from the very beginning.
Each item should have a clear description, including type, grade, dimensions, and technical specifications. Adding supplier preferences and local standards, such as Saudi Building Code compliance, simplifies sourcing and ensures materials meet regional requirements. This helps avoid delays caused by incompatible or substandard materials.
For every material, define exact quantities and measurement units, kilograms, meters, liters, or pieces. Accurate quantity information prevents over-ordering or shortages.
For instance, knowing that 5,000 kg of structural steel is required rather than estimating prevents unnecessary stock and cost overruns.
Arrange the BOM from main assemblies to sub-assemblies and individual components. This top-down structure provides a clear workflow, making it easier for teams to follow construction sequences.
For example, in a multi-story building, list structural foundations first, followed by beams, columns, and then finishing materials.
Store the BOM on a centralized, cloud-based platform, like HAL, that integrates with project management tools. This ensures all stakeholders, from procurement to site engineers, have access to the most updated information in real time.
Using HAL simplifies collaboration across multiple locations, helping teams in different Saudi cities coordinate efficiently and avoid miscommunication.
Set clear rules for editing the BOM. Record every change, including who made it and when, to maintain accountability. This is especially important when design modifications occur mid-project, allowing teams to quickly adjust procurement and schedules without confusion.
Add supplier names, sourcing channels, and preferred vendors for critical items. This helps your procurement team place orders promptly and ensures compliance with regional supply chain standards. For example, specifying local suppliers for concrete or steel can reduce lead times and shipping costs in Saudi Arabia.
Assign cost estimates for each material and assembly. This provides business owners and IT teams with a clear financial overview, helping them manage project budgets effectively. For instance, estimating costs for imported HVAC equipment versus locally sourced options can guide decision-making.
Share the BOM with all key stakeholders, including project managers, procurement staff, and site engineers, for validation. Feedback helps identify missing items or potential issues, ensuring the BOM covers all departmental needs before execution begins.
Construction projects evolve, and so should your BOM. Regularly update quantities, add new materials, and incorporate feedback from site teams to reflect real-time changes. For example, if a design change increases the number of windows, updating the BOM immediately prevents procurement delays and cost miscalculations.
Also read: Pre-Project Planning for Better Construction Outcomes
Even with a well-prepared BOM, construction projects can face challenges that require careful management and practical solutions.
Managing a BOM (قائمة المواد) becomes difficult when data is spread across teams or when إدارة المشاريع lacks standardization. Using centralized digital tools helps improve إدارة الموارد (resource management) and reduce errors common in Saudi construction projects.
Large projects involve numerous components, which can make the BOM overwhelming and prone to errors.
Solution: Use structured, hierarchical BOM formats and dedicated BOM management software to organize components clearly and track progress efficiently.
Design modifications or scope changes require constant BOM updates, which can cause confusion.
Solution: Implement version control and real-time update tools to keep the BOM current and maintain accurate records.
Sharing BOM information across teams, contractors, and suppliers can lead to miscommunication.
Solution: Use centralized, collaborative platforms so all stakeholders can access the latest BOM data and work from the same reference.
Irregular naming conventions can result in duplicate entries or misunderstandings.
Solution: Standardize part numbers and naming conventions to maintain clarity and consistency throughout the project.
BOM information spread across spreadsheets or disconnected systems reduces efficiency and increases errors.
Solution: Integrate BOM management tools with project management or ERP systems for seamless data flow and accurate tracking.
Managing multiple suppliers and tracking deliveries can complicate procurement and timelines.
Solution: Centralize supplier information in your BOM system and automate notifications to ensure timely procurement and delivery.
Overcoming BOM challenges requires both strategy and the right technology. With HAL’s Project Management feature, you can centralize your data, track revisions in real time, and ensure seamless communication across teams.
These challenges are common in many Saudi construction and project-based companies. Here’s a real-world case study of a business that tackled them successfully.
Jash Holding, through Jash Technical Services (JTS), operates in Saudi Arabia across facilities management, contracting, logistics, and manufacturing, with 4,000+ employees across five companies.
The Challenge
Legacy systems caused fragmented data, slow workflows, and limited visibility into payroll, project mobilisation, cost accounting, and intercompany transactions, impacting efficiency and cash flow.
The Solution
Jash implemented HAL ERP, deploying modules for:
Results
See why 200+ companies across Saudi Arabia trust HAL ERP to streamline operations and improve visibility. Get your personalized demo today.
Running construction projects in Saudi Arabia can feel overwhelming. Between tight deadlines, multiple teams, and countless resources, it’s easy to get lost in spreadsheets or missed communications. HAL changes that. It simplifies project management by bringing clarity, simplicity, and agility to every task, so business owners, IT teams, and SMEs can focus on what really matters: getting projects done efficiently and on time.
Key Features of HAL Project Management
A well-structured BOM — قائمة المواد — is essential for strong إدارة المشاريع in Saudi Arabia. With accurate material data, compliant specifications, and reliable supplier insights, companies can manage resources, reduce risks, and stay aligned with Saudi building standards.
To make BOM management even easier, HAL Project Management simplifies every stage of your project. Its intuitive platform helps you organize materials, track tasks, and forecast resources efficiently, saving time and avoiding errors.
Join 100+ KSA construction and contracting companies managing their BOMs and projects with HAL. Schedule your free consultation now.
1. What is the difference between single-level and multi-level BOM?
A single-level BOM lists all materials without showing relationships, ideal for small projects. A multi-level BOM shows assemblies and sub-assemblies, helping track dependencies in larger projects.
2. How can SMEs in Saudi Arabia use a BOM to improve procurement?
A BOM details quantities and specifications, making it easier to order materials on time, avoid delays, and manage costs effectively across different sites.
3. Can a BOM help control construction budgets?
Yes. By listing all materials and costs, a BOM allows you to forecast expenses, track spending, and avoid overspending on both local and imported materials.
5. How does a BOM ensure compliance with Saudi building standards?
A detailed BOM specifies materials, grades, and technical standards, ensuring all components meet regulations like the Saudi Building Code and supporting quality audits.
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