Expand vs Never Expand BOM

If you're using an integration to import orders (ShipStation, Amazon, eBay, WooCommerce, etc), and you're using Finale's ability to use a Bill of Materials for product kits or builds, you have two options.  Finale can either Expand or Never Expand a BOM.  Here is the primary difference.

When the order enters Finale, Finale automatically replaces Product Kit A with the items that are in the BOM.  In Finale, you will no longer see "Product Kit A", you will only see Component 1, 2, and 3 on the order.  In ShipStation and in your website, however, it will NOT be updated and you will still have Product Kit A on those orders.  

Finale will subtract inventory from Component 1, 2, and 3, and will NOT adjust the inventory for Product Kit A.

If your setting is configured to never expand BOM, Finale will treat a kit/build item no differently than any other item.  It will not change anything on an order and will subtract the inventory from the build/kit item directly.  You will need to use the BUILD function to add inventory to this item.

One thing to know about the expand function though is it's either one or the other.  Finale does not have the capability to "not expand" while there's quantity then automatically switch to expand the BOM when the inventory has been depleted.  

 Here is an overview of the flow of information when an order from an outside system in imported into Finale Inventory:

NOTE:

If you create orders within Finale, you do not have the option to expand a BOM.  Finale will NEVER EXPAND a BOM for any order created within Finale.