The principle
In Odoo, a subcontracting bill of materials names the subcontractor or subcontractors. Purchasing the finished product from one of them triggers tracking of the components consumed at their site and receipt of the finished product into your stock.
Flow 1 — autonomous subcontractor
- They buy the components
- You buy the finished product
- Traceability sent by them
Flow 2 — resupply
- Components shipped from your stock
- On order or by replenishment
- Lots and value tracked by you
Flow 3 — direct delivery
- Component supplier
- Delivers straight to the subcontractor
- Bought and tracked by you
Flow 1: the subcontractor supplies everything
You buy a finished product; the components are bought and managed by the subcontractor. Tracking stays simple, but component traceability depends on the information they send you.
Flow 2: you resupply the subcontractor
You ship the components from your stock, on order or by replenishing a location at the subcontractor. You keep control of the lots, quantities and value of the components entrusted.
Flow 3: direct delivery to the subcontractor
Your component supplier delivers directly to the subcontractor. The components never cross your docks, but you still buy and track them.
The cost of the subcontracted product
The cost combines the value of the components consumed and the purchase price of the subcontracted operation. Specify who pays for transport and how losses at the subcontractor are reported.
Limits
This diagram covers subcontracting a complete product. Subcontracting a single routing operation, tracking stock at the subcontractor through inventory counts and the supplier portal require configuration to be validated on your case.