ℹ️ Related article: For how to create a BOM and add materials, see Bills of Materials (BOMs): Creating and Managing BOMs
Many manufacturers, especially those working with liquids, write formulas by batch: “a 1,000 L batch uses 450 L of base, 300 kg of sugar and 20 kg of flavoring.” In Sutton, each BOM quantity is the amount needed to make one unit of the finished item. To use a batch formula, convert it to per-unit quantities before you enter it.
Why does Sutton use per-unit quantities?
Per-unit quantities let one BOM work for any order size. When you create a manufacturing order, Sutton multiplies each BOM quantity by the order’s Target quantity to plan the materials. A per-unit BOM works for 10 L or 10,000 L without changes.
How do I convert my batch formula?
Note your batch size in the finished item’s unit of measure. For example, 1,000 L.
Divide each material’s batch quantity by the batch size.
In the Edit BOM window, enter each result as that material’s Quantity, then click Save.
For a 1,000 L batch:
Material | Batch quantity | Calculation | BOM quantity |
Base | 450 L | 450 ÷ 1,000 | 0.45 L |
Sugar | 300 kg | 300 ÷ 1,000 | 0.3 kg |
Flavoring | 20 kg | 20 ÷ 1,000 | 0.02 kg |
Each material keeps its own unit. Only the batch size is divided out.
ℹ️ Note: Divide by the batch size in the finished item’s unit. If you sell the finished item in bottles instead of liters, divide by the number of bottles one batch fills. For example, if a 1,000 L batch fills 2,000 bottles, divide each material by 2,000.
How do I check my conversion?
Create a manufacturing order with a Target quantity equal to your batch size and check the Planned qty of each material. For the example above, an order for 1,000 L should plan 450 L of base, 300 kg of sugar, and 20 kg of flavoring. If the numbers match your formula, your BOM is set up correctly.
✅ Best practice: Keep enough decimal places for small amounts. Rounding a per-unit quantity can add up to a noticeable difference on large orders.
Can I enter my formula as percentages?
Not directly. Convert each percentage to a per-unit quantity first. For example, if base is 45% of a liquid formula measured in liters, enter 0.45 L per liter. If your formula mixes weight and volume, use each material’s density to convert its share into the material’s own unit before you enter it.
Your batch formula is ready to scale
With per-unit quantities in your BOM, every manufacturing order plans the right materials for its size, whether it’s a test run or a full production batch.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to your Customer Success Manager or contact us at [email protected].