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Creo Assembly BOM Cost Differences w/ Excel Power Query

Overview​

This video demonstrates how to compare BOM costs between two versions of a Creo assembly using Nitro-BOM exports and Excel Power Query. When a design changes — components are added, removed, or swapped — the overall assembly cost shifts. This workflow exports the BOM from both the old and new versions of the assembly, then uses Power Query to join the two datasets and calculate the cost differences. The result is a clear report showing which components changed, what the cost impact of each change was, and the net cost difference for the entire assembly. This is invaluable for engineering change order (ECO) cost impact analysis, design review meetings, and value engineering efforts. The video covers setting up the Power Query merge, writing the comparison logic, and formatting the output to highlight cost increases and decreases.

Key Steps​

  1. Export BOM data from the original assembly version using Nitro-BOM
  2. Export BOM data from the updated assembly version
  3. Load both exports into Excel Power Query
  4. Merge the datasets on component identifiers to align old and new data
  5. Calculate cost differences per component and total assembly cost delta
  6. Format the output to highlight additions, removals, and cost changes

Tips​

  • Use consistent parameter names and export settings for both versions to ensure accurate comparisons
  • Save the Power Query workbook as a template for recurring cost comparison workflows
  • This approach works for any parameter comparison, not just costs — quantities, weights, etc.