Frequently Asked Questions

Breadboard's intelligent header detection finds header rows regardless of where they appear in your file. Whether it's row 1, row 15, or buried between logo images, the system identifies it automatically. If needed, you can manually select the correct row during upload. We've successfully processed BOMs with headers in every imaginable location.

Currently, uploads are one BOM per project to ensure accurate configuration and data mapping. However, the upload process takes under 2 minutes per BOM, and once uploaded, all projects are managed in the centralized dashboard. Bulk upload features are on our roadmap based on customer feedback.

Simply upload the revised BOM and add a revision note. Breadboard maintains complete version history, so you'll always have access to previous versions while working with the most current one. You can compare revisions side-by-side to see what changed between versions.

Every automated detection includes manual override options. If the header row is incorrectly identified, you can select the right one. If a delimiter is wrong, change it and see the real-time preview update. If a manufacturer name normalization doesn't look right, you can correct it. The automation handles 95%+ of cases correctly, and you have complete control over the other 5%.

Absolutely. The preview screen shows your complete data after all transformations—split cells, normalized names, mapped columns, everything. You review and confirm before submission. If anything looks wrong, you can go back and adjust. Nothing is finalized until you're satisfied with what you see.

You have three options: (1) Mark as "Custom Field" to include in import, (2) "Ignore" to exclude entirely, or (3) let Breadboard auto-detect (it ignores obvious non-sourcing fields like comments). This keeps your workspace clean and focused on relevant data.

Yes. When you correct a column mapping, delimiter choice, or manufacturer name, Breadboard's AI learns from your input. Over time, the system becomes more accurate for your specific BOM patterns and customer formats. The more you use it, the smarter it gets.

We've processed thousands of BOM formats—from defense contractors to medical device manufacturers to automotive suppliers. The system is built to handle edge cases. If you have an especially unusual format, upload it during your demo and we'll show you how it processes. In rare cases where automatic handling doesn't work perfectly, our team can configure custom mapping rules for your specific needs.

Our database tracks company acquisitions, mergers, and name changes. For example, if a company was acquired, we map the old name to the current parent company. The database is updated monthly with industry changes. This ensures your supplier matching works correctly even when company structures change.

Yes, but with context. The algorithm evaluates thousands of combinations based on your priorities and supplier preferences—far more than a human can manually compare. However, you maintain complete control: review every allocation, override specific decisions, and adjust as needed. Think of it as an incredibly smart assistant that does the heavy lifting while you provide strategic oversight. Most customers find the auto-allocation decisions are equal to or better than their manual allocations, in a fraction of the time.

The algorithm checks real-time stock levels before allocating. If a supplier doesn't have sufficient stock, it moves to the next best option based on your priorities. You'll see stock availability for every allocation in the results, Additionally, if there isn't stock Breadboard will tell you the lead time.

Users can manually allocate parts to a supplier before running the auto-allocate. The auto-allocate feature provides options for running on "all rows with no allocation". This strongly suggests a workflow where manually allocated/locked parts are excluded from the auto-allocation run.

When a part can't be allocated (no stock, obsolete, not found), it's flagged in the results with a clear indicator. You'll see: (1) Suggested alternatives if available, (2) Option to set a part to "do not source." This ensures you can quote the rest of the BOM while flagging parts that need attention.

Yes. Click on any allocated part and see the decision rationale. The system shows what it considered and why it made that choice, building your confidence in the decisions.

You can re-run auto-allocation with a different priority at any time. Changed your mind from stock priority to price priority? Click "Auto-Allocate" again, select "Price Priority," and the system recalculates optimal allocation based on the new strategy. Compare the results side-by-side and choose which allocation to use.

Start with 2-3 essential profiles: (1) Default for standard projects, (2) Customer-specific profiles for any customers with AVL requirements, (3) Industry-specific if relevant (Defense, Medical, etc.). You can always add more as needs arise. Most customers operate comfortably with 3-7 profiles total.

Absolutely. Mouser might be Priority Tier in your Default profile but Secondary Tier in a customer-specific profile if that customer prefers other suppliers. Profiles are completely independent—each has its own tier configuration.

 Priority Tier should include: (1) Suppliers with negotiated custom pricing, (2) Your highest-volume suppliers, (3) Suppliers with best service/reliability track record. Typically 5-10 suppliers. If you're unsure, start with your top 5 by spend volume.

Yes. You can add suppliers to groups on-the-fly even if they're not in your main directory yet. However, for best results, add them to Available Suppliers first so contact information is centralized and reusable.

Proxied data is valuable for comparison and initial research, but Direct API integration is highly recommended for your Priority Tier suppliers where you have negotiated pricing. The ROI calculation above shows why—using your actual negotiated pricing vs. catalog pricing can save 10-20% on component costs. Start by connecting APIs for your top 3-5 suppliers.

Yes. Every supplier has an on/off toggle. Turn a supplier off and they won't appear in allocation options, but they remain in your tier structure for easy re-enabling later. Perfect for suppliers temporarily out-of-stock or under quality review.

Open that customer's profile, add the new supplier to the appropriate tier (usually Secondary to start), save the profile. All future projects using that profile will now include the new supplier in allocation decisions. Takes about 30 seconds.

Yes, the trial is completely free with no credit card required. You'll get full access to Breadboard's component search and BOM management features. We'll discuss pricing options if you decide to continue after the trial.

Most accounts are ready within 24 hours (during business days). If you upload a BOM, we'll have it loaded and ready when you log in for the first time.

Absolutely. Your data is encrypted in transit and at rest using industry-standard security. We never share your BOM with suppliers, manufacturers, or third parties. All data is confidential and covered by our terms of service.

We accept Excel (.xlsx, .xls), CSV (.csv), and PDF files. For best results, include manufacturer part numbers, quantities, and reference designators. Our team can work with most BOM formats.

No problem. Breadboard focuses on catalog components from manufacturers and distributors. Your proprietary designs and custom parts remain completely private. 

During the trial, we'll set up access for the person who signs up. If you'd like to add team members, just let us know and we can accommodate that.

There's no automatic billing or commitment. Near the end of your trial, we'll reach out to discuss whether Breadboard is a good fit and explore pricing options if you'd like to continue. No pressure, no surprises.

Yes, you can export your BOM with updated pricing, availability, and any alternatives you've selected during your trial.

Yes, Breadboard includes pricing and availability data from distributors across North America, Europe, and Asia.