# OpenBOM vs Propel Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Propel excels in **collaboration** , allowing teams across engineering, manufacturing, and sales to work together in real time. Users appreciate how this feature speeds up product launches through its effective PLM workflow.
- **Users say** that OpenBOM offers impressive **flexibility** in data modeling, enabling users to configure saved views tailored to their individual needs. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for repeatable tasks, enhancing overall usability.
- **According to verified reviews** , Propel is noted for its **user-friendly interface** , which covers a wide range of functionalities from document control to change order workflows. Reviewers mention that while it may take some time to get used to, it is not difficult to navigate for frequent users.
- **Reviewers mention** that OpenBOM's integration with Fusion software is a significant advantage, allowing seamless syncing of parts added in either platform. This ease of integration contributes to a smoother workflow for users who rely on both tools.
- **Users highlight** Propel's strong **support quality** , with a high satisfaction score reflecting its effectiveness in assisting users with their queries. This level of support is crucial for teams looking to maximize their use of the software.
- **G2 reviewers note** that while OpenBOM has a slightly lower overall satisfaction score, it compensates with a larger user base and a wealth of reviews, indicating a solid presence in the small business market. This can be appealing for smaller teams seeking a well-established solution.



| | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.2 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 783 | 144 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (75.6% of reviews) | Mid-Market (50.0% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $0.00 1 User | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### OpenBOM

Pros:
- Ease of Use (106 reviews)
- BOM Management (96 reviews)

Cons:
- Learning Curve (41 reviews)
- Learning Difficulty (31 reviews)

### Propel

Pros:
- Ease of Use (18 reviews)
- Features (16 reviews)

Cons:
- Time-Consumption (12 reviews)
- Slow Performance (11 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.2 (664 reviews) | 8.6 (131 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.0 (670 reviews) | 8.5 (133 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 7.9 (362 reviews) | 8.0 (99 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.1 (159 reviews) | 7.8 (79 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.7 (568 reviews) | 8.9 (125 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.4 (152 reviews) | 9.2 (81 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.8 (632 reviews) | 8.9 (129 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### OpenBOM

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Free Trial

Price: $0.00 1 User

Description: Allows you to explore all OpenBOM features included in standard subscription plans

Key Features:
- It is a free services. Unlimited storage, unlimited number of users. Contact for more details. 

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/openbom/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Propel

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Product Data Management (PDM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **OpenBOM** | 7.5/10 | 375 |
| **Propel** | N/A | N/A |

#### Metadata

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Repository** | 8.1 (333 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Taxonomy** | 7.6 (309 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Types** | 7.9 (320 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Data Management

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Version Control** | 8.0 (347 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Alignment** | 7.6 (321 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Workflows** | 7.7 (331 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Lifecycle** | 7.8 (314 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Summarization** | 6.5 (179 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Image-to-Text** | 6.4 (175 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Medical QMS

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **OpenBOM** | N/A | N/A |
| **Propel** | 8.2/10 | 9 |

#### Quality Management

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Design Controls** | Not enough data | 7.9 (8 reviews) | 
| **Audit Management** | Not enough data | 7.2 (9 reviews) | 
| **Supplier Network Management** | Not enough data | 7.9 (8 reviews) | 
| **Risk Management** | Not enough data | 8.3 (8 reviews) | 

#### Quality System

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Analytics & Reporting** | Not enough data | 7.8 (9 reviews) | 
| **Real-time Collaboration** | Not enough data | 8.3 (6 reviews) | 
| **Document Control** | Not enough data | 9.0 (8 reviews) | 
| **Quality Processes** | Not enough data | 8.8 (8 reviews) | 

### Product Information Management (PIM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **OpenBOM** | N/A | N/A |
| **Propel** | 9.3/10 | 16 |

#### Data Management

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Collection** | Not enough data | 8.8 (13 reviews) | 
| **Cleansing** | Not enough data | 8.9 (11 reviews) | 
| **Classification** | Not enough data | 8.8 (12 reviews) | 
| **Access Rights** | Not enough data | 9.5 (11 reviews) | 
| **Versioning** | Not enough data | 9.4 (13 reviews) | 
| **Publication** | Not enough data | 8.3 (6 reviews) | 
| **Digital Assets** | Not enough data | 8.3 (8 reviews) | 

#### Optimization

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Quality** | Not enough data | 9.1 (11 reviews) | 
| **Workflows** | Not enough data | 9.5 (10 reviews) | 
| **Localization** | Not enough data | 8.6 (6 reviews) | 

#### Analytics

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Compliance** | Not enough data | 9.3 (7 reviews) | 
| **KPIs** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Performance** | Not enough data | 8.9 (9 reviews) | 

### Quality Management (QMS)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **OpenBOM** | N/A | N/A |
| **Propel** | 8.0/10 | 37 |

#### Nonconformance

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Conformance Records** | Not enough data | 8.3 (26 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **CAPA** | Not enough data | 8.4 (26 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Change Management** | Not enough data | 9.0 (32 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Quality system

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Document Control** | Not enough data | 9.0 (32 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Collaboration** | Not enough data | 8.3 (27 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Analytics and Reports** | Not enough data | 8.0 (26 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Risk Management

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Assessments** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Operational Risk** | Not enough data | 7.2 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Supplier Evaluation** | Not enough data | 8.0 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Inspection Management

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Templates** | Not enough data | 8.0 (22 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Workflows** | Not enough data | 8.5 (28 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Corrective Actions** | Not enough data | 8.4 (23 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Compliance

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Standards & Regulations** | Not enough data | 7.7 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Permits** | Not enough data | 7.8 (16 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Certifications** | Not enough data | 7.4 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Platform

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Integration** | Not enough data | 7.5 (21 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Security & Privacy** | Not enough data | 8.4 (22 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Mobile Access** | Not enough data | 6.0 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Flexibility** | Not enough data | 7.9 (22 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Services

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Implementation** | Not enough data | 8.2 (22 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Training & Learning** | Not enough data | 7.3 (25 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Customer Support** | Not enough data | 8.9 (25 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Professional Services** | Not enough data | 8.5 (24 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

### Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **OpenBOM** | 7.4/10 | 332 |
| **Propel** | 7.5/10 | 47 |

#### New Product Introduction

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Ideation** | 7.0 (221 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.5 (28 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Time-to-market** | 7.0 (224 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.3 (28 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Cost estimating** | 7.7 (253 reviews) ✓ Verified | 6.6 (29 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Product approval** | 7.5 (234 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.6 (35 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### CAD

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **CAD Models** | 8.1 (240 reviews) | 6.3 (28 reviews) | 
| **CAD Options** | 7.8 (230 reviews) | 6.0 (27 reviews) | 
| **Conversion** | 7.9 (231 reviews) | 6.3 (27 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Supplier alignment** | 7.4 (219 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.7 (30 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Communication** | 7.5 (222 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.1 (32 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Development** | 7.6 (222 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.2 (32 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Document Management** | 7.9 (235 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.6 (33 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Product Data Management

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Product Metadata** | 7.8 (237 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.2 (31 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Data Quality** | 7.8 (243 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (32 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Version Control** | 7.6 (248 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.7 (35 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Bill of Materials

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **BOM management** | 8.5 (289 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.2 (32 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Multi-level BOM** | 8.6 (292 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.3 (30 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **BOM Types** | 8.2 (278 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.1 (29 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **BOM visualization** | 8.3 (270 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.6 (31 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Engineering Change Management

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **ECR Workflows** | 7.3 (195 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.6 (31 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Change Management** | 7.2 (208 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (35 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **ECO Management** | 7.1 (199 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (34 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Simulation

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Virtual Testing** | 6.5 (179 reviews) | 7.2 (30 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Analysis** | 6.6 (183 reviews) | 6.8 (29 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Optimization** | 6.7 (184 reviews) | 6.8 (29 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Analytics

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Reporting** | 7.1 (193 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.7 (32 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Costing** | 7.6 (232 reviews) ✓ Verified | 6.6 (27 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Product Intelligence** | 6.9 (190 reviews) ✓ Verified | 6.9 (27 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Quality management

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Quality planning** | 7.2 (188 reviews) | 7.6 (31 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Traceability** | 7.5 (194 reviews) | 7.9 (30 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Compliance** | 7.2 (184 reviews) | 8.5 (28 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Integration

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **ERP** | 7.1 (190 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.0 (33 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **MES** | 6.8 (171 reviews) ✓ Verified | 6.4 (26 reviews) | 
| **PIM** | 6.9 (179 reviews) | 6.7 (26 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Maintenance** | 7.2 (183 reviews) | 7.0 (26 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Summarization** | 6.2 (99 reviews) | 6.7 (16 reviews) | 
| **AI Image-to-Text** | 6.2 (98 reviews) | 5.8 (16 reviews) | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm)

**Unique to OpenBOM (1):** [Product Data Management (PDM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-data-management-pdm)

**Unique to Propel (3):** [Medical Quality Management Systems (QMS)](https://www.g2.com/categories/medical-qms), [Quality Management Systems (QMS)](https://www.g2.com/categories/quality-management-qms), [Product Information Management (PIM) Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-information-management-pim)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | OpenBOM | Propel | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 75.6% | 39.3% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 21.1% | 50.0% | 
| **Enterprise** | 3.4% | 10.7% | 

### By Industry

#### OpenBOM

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 16.7%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 10.0%
- **Automotive:** 7.8%
- **Manufacturing:** 6.1%
- **Design:** 4.5%
- **Medical Devices:** 4.5%
- **Industrial Automation:** 4.0%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 3.7%
- **Consumer Electronics:** 3.4%
- **Machinery:** 2.9%
- **Other:** 36.5%

#### Propel

- **Medical Devices:** 26.1%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 10.1%
- **Consumer Goods:** 8.7%
- **Consumer Electronics:** 7.2%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 5.1%
- **Manufacturing:** 3.6%
- **Food & Beverages:** 2.9%
- **Consumer Services:** 2.9%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 2.9%
- **Computer Software:** 2.9%
- **Other:** 27.5%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to OpenBOM

- [Teamcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/teamcenter/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (938 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion Manage](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion-manage/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (114 reviews)
- [Arena PLM & QMS](https://www.g2.com/products/arena-plm-qms/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (441 reviews)
- [Windchill](https://www.g2.com/products/ptc-windchill/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (121 reviews)
- [Aras Innovator](https://www.g2.com/products/aras-innovator/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (119 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Duro](https://www.g2.com/products/duro/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (80 reviews)
- [Odoo MRP](https://www.g2.com/products/odoo-mrp/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (18 reviews)
- [Kinetic](https://www.g2.com/products/epicor-kinetic/reviews) — 3.9/5 stars (700 reviews)
- [SolidWorks PDM](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks-pdm/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (81 reviews)

### Alternatives to Propel

- [Arena PLM & QMS](https://www.g2.com/products/arena-plm-qms/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (441 reviews)
- [Greenlight Guru Quality Management System](https://www.g2.com/products/greenlight-guru-quality-management-system/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (410 reviews)
- [Teamcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/teamcenter/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (938 reviews)
- [Qualio](https://www.g2.com/products/qualio/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (741 reviews)
- [MasterControl Quality Management System](https://www.g2.com/products/mastercontrol-quality-management-system/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (518 reviews)
- [Octave Reliance (ETQ Reliance)](https://www.g2.com/products/octave-reliance-etq-reliance/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (614 reviews)
- [Windchill](https://www.g2.com/products/ptc-windchill/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (121 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion Manage](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion-manage/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (114 reviews)
- [Oracle Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-product-lifecycle-management-plm/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (94 reviews)
- [SAP Cloud ERP (SAP S/4HANA Cloud)](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-cloud-erp-sap-s-4hana-cloud/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1039 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### OpenBOM

- Title: [Can I get free subscription plan for using OpenBOM personally at all times?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-i-get-free-subscription-plan-for-using-openbom-personally-at-all-times) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "OpenBOM provides a free subscription plan for education projects and personal users such as a hobby or home projects. Check the Pricing menu on the website...."
- Title: [What is the best way to add BOM's to fusison360 drawings?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/51158-what-is-the-best-way-to-add-bom-s-to-fusison360-drawings) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hello Joel 
OpenBOM provides an insert BOM table command. This command allows you to select a BOM from OpenBOM and insert it in the drawing.  The main..."
- Title: [What is the best way to sort materials?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/35383-what-is-the-best-way-to-sort-materials) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "You can sort using any property (column) in OpenBOM. Because OpenBOM is flexible, then you can add any piece of information and use it to sort. I hope you..."
- Title: [What is the best way to create information of a custom 3D printed part](https://www.g2.com/discussions/27544-what-is-the-best-way-to-create-information-of-a-custom-3d-printed-part) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "OpenBOM allows you to import information from different sources - CAD systems (using add-ins), excel/google spreadsheets, or enter it manually. In your case,..."
- Title: [What is OpenBOM used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-openbom-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "OpenBOM helps you to manage product information such as CAD files, Items, BOM, changes, inventory, RFQ, purchase orders. It helps you to integrate data..."

### Propel

- Title: [What is the Propel Cloud architecture?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/architecture) — 2 comments, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Propel PLM is 100% built on top of the Salesforce platform. All of the same data and user security that is applied to your current salesforce customer and..."
- Title: [Is it safe to store product data in the cloud?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/data-security-5fbdbc06-82af-4430-878e-2f30129c6ded) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "The Salesforce platform provides a safe, secure, and highly reliable environment for thousands of customers.  The security practices and data centers use the..."
- Title: [Do you integrate to CAD and ERP?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/integration-8ac3153d-fefa-41e9-8a84-3c9b18ce7b18) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "We can integrate to virtually any CAD or ERP system. If you have a specific CAD or ERP solution in mind, please email it to me, and I’ll respond to your..."
- Title: [How are you different from other PLM solutions?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/comparing-to-legacy-plm) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Customer-focused, Flexible lifecycle and product content, robust cloud platform, integration to customer information, and built-in analytics, tasks,..."
- Title: [Do I have to have Salesforce to run Propel PLM?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/platform) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "No, the Propel app runs on the Salesforce platform, and you get that platform as part of buying Propel. But you don’t have to be running Salesforce CRM...."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/openbom-vs-propel-propel)