How to Use Server Rack Design Software to Generate BOMs Automatically

Designing a reliable, scalable, and efficient server rack is no small task. Whether you’re building a high-density data center for an enterprise or a small-scale AV rack for an educational institution, every component—cables, servers, switches, shelves, cooling units—must be accounted for. More importantly, they must be organized in a way that ensures long-term serviceability and system integrity.

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One of the most time-consuming aspects of rack planning is generating an accurate Bill of Materials (BOM). Without a comprehensive BOM, your project can face unexpected costs, mismatched hardware, delays in installation, and post-deployment issues. The good news? Modern server rack design software can automatically generate BOMs as you build out your rack layout, saving time, increasing precision, and streamlining procurement.

This blog dives deep into how you can use server rack design software to create accurate BOMs automatically—from rack visualization to procurement-ready documents. Whether you are an AV integrator, IT admin, or data center consultant, mastering this workflow will improve your efficiency and help you deliver projects faster and more accurately.

Why a BOM Matters in Server Rack Projects

A Bill of Materials (BOM) is a comprehensive list of every component needed for a server rack build. It includes product names, part numbers, descriptions, quantities, vendors, and sometimes pricing. A good BOM enables:

Accurate procurement from vendors
Fewer surprises during installation
Standardized documentation for internal teams or clients
Faster approvals in client-facing proposals
Better project budgeting and timeline control

However, generating a BOM manually—especially for large or multi-rack installations—can be tedious and error-prone. Server rack design software eliminates that challenge by automating the BOM generation process as you build.

What Is Server Rack Design Software?

Server rack design software allows professionals to virtually create, configure, and visualize IT or AV rack layouts. These tools offer drag-and-drop functionality to add real-world devices to digital rack diagrams, ensuring precise planning before any hardware is purchased or installed.

Some of the core features include:

3D or 2D rack modeling
Component libraries with real specs
Cable and power management planning
Auto-spacing, thermal, and weight calculations
Integrated BOM generation
Vendor export or proposal documentation

With the right server rack design software, you can build complete systems in minutes, with each addition instantly reflected in your BOM.

Key Benefits of Using Server Rack Design Software for BOM Creation

1. Error Reduction

Manual data entry introduces errors—missing part numbers, incorrect quantities, or incompatible gear. Automated BOMs prevent these oversights by syncing directly with your design.

2. Speed and Efficiency

As you drag devices onto the rack diagram, they’re simultaneously logged into the BOM, complete with model number, vendor, and specs. No double-entry required.

3. Procurement Readiness

Most BOMs generated by server rack design software are formatted for direct submission to procurement teams or suppliers—minimizing back-and-forth communications.

4. Design-BOM Synchronization

If you change or remove components during design revisions, the BOM updates in real time. This dynamic syncing keeps documents always accurate.

5. Professional Presentation

Exported BOMs can be part of polished proposals, PDFs, or integrated with project management tools—enhancing your professionalism and client confidence.

Step-by-Step: Generating a BOM with Server Rack Design Software

Let’s break down the exact steps to go from blank rack layout to an auto-generated BOM.

Step 1: Choose the Right Server Rack Design Software

Look for features like:

Real-time BOM generation
Cloud-based project saving and sharing
Component libraries with up-to-date specifications
Integration with quoting/proposal tools
Custom product entry (for proprietary gear)

XTEN-AV is a leading option, offering intelligent design automation and BOM generation tailored for AV and IT professionals.

Other notable tools include:

NetZoom
Autodesk AutoCAD with AV templates
Visio with rack add-ons
Panduit Design Tool
Siemon Design Pro

Step 2: Define Rack Parameters

Set your project’s physical and technical parameters:

Rack height (e.g., 42U, 45U)
Depth, ventilation, and clearance specs
Type: AV rack, server rack, wall-mount, etc.
Location-specific power and cooling needs

The software will use these inputs to limit device compatibility and recommend optimized placement.

Step 3: Add Equipment to the Layout

Using drag-and-drop functionality:

Insert servers, switches, routers, patch panels, UPS, PDUs, etc.
Assign each device a logical position in the rack
Ensure spacing is compliant with thermal and cabling best practices
Some tools even auto-calculate weight distribution or airflow

As each component is added, it’s recorded in the background BOM.

Step 4: Configure Accessories and Cabling

Add:

Rack shelves or rails
Power distribution units (vertical or horizontal)
Cable trays or management arms
Grounding kits
Fans and thermal sensors

These accessories often get overlooked in manual BOMs—but not when using automated software.

Step 5: Review the Auto-Generated BOM

Once your rack is fully designed, access the BOM tab to view a comprehensive breakdown:

Manufacturer and part number
Product name and description
Quantity
Rack unit height (U)
Notes or labels

You can usually customize column visibility, add SKU links, or apply client-specific branding.

Step 6: Export or Share the BOM

Server rack design software typically offers exports in:

CSV
Excel
PDF
API integration with procurement systems

You can now send this BOM to vendors, stakeholders, or integrate it with your overall project proposal.

Advanced Features That Boost BOM Precision

1. Vendor Integration

Some software platforms integrate vendor catalogs. When you select a product from a manufacturer’s database, it’s automatically added with SKU, description, and cost—ensuring BOMs are always accurate.

2. AI Recommendations

Modern server rack design software like XTEN-AV uses AI to suggest:

Compatible devices
Optimal U-space usage
Required accessories based on use case
BOM validations for duplicate or conflicting items

3. Templates and Presets

Save BOM templates for repeat clients or standard setups—ideal for MSPs or integrators working on multi-site deployments.

4. Dynamic Pricing and Availability

Some software integrates with distributor APIs to show:

Real-time pricing
Inventory status
Lead time
Alternative parts if a component is unavailable

These insights make your BOM more than a list—it becomes a real-time decision-making tool.

Real-World Applications of BOM Automation

1. Enterprise IT Deployment

For deploying hundreds of servers across locations, IT managers use rack design tools to build standard BOM templates for each site—saving weeks of manual spreadsheet work.

2. AV Integrator Projects

AV pros design server racks for schools, hospitals, or conference centers. Using a server rack design software with auto-BOMs helps them submit complete project proposals, get approvals faster, and reduce onsite surprises.

3. Data Center Consultants

During the planning phase, consultants use automated BOMs to estimate infrastructure needs (cooling, power, cabling) and build phased installation plans that scale with business growth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Generating BOMs

Even with automation, be mindful of these pitfalls:

Not tagging custom devices: Manually entered equipment must include full specs for accurate BOM inclusion
Forgetting accessories: Include rails, shelf kits, screws, and blanking panels
Ignoring environmental add-ons: Fans, PDUs, and cooling units must be part of the BOM
Not validating power loads: Exceeding power limits leads to operational risks
Failing to update BOM after edits: Always regenerate BOM after modifying layouts

Future of BOM Generation in Server Rack Design

Looking ahead, BOM generation will become smarter, faster, and more collaborative. Expect:

AI-based predictive BOMs based on project types
Collaborative editing where teams can work on BOMs in real time
Automated sourcing from global vendors directly from within the design tool
Integration with carbon tracking to measure environmental impact of rack components
Voice-based commands for quick edits (“Add 24-port patch panel to rack 2”)

These advancements will further streamline how AV and IT pros manage complex projects from concept to execution.

Conclusion

Automated BOM generation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for anyone building server racks in today’s fast-paced, detail-oriented environments. By using server rack design software, you can ensure that every piece of equipment you spec is documented, quantified, and procurement-ready.

Whether you’re working on a corporate data center, a university AV setup, or a cloud infrastructure backbone, leveraging software like XTEN-AV or NetZoom can save hours of manual work, prevent costly mistakes, and elevate your professional output.