I don’t think you’ve used KiCAD. Simply add an MPN attribute to your component and that is it. Use the built in BOM editor and exporter. Done. There are certainly ways to misuse any advanced software. But it definitely can and will produce a complete BOM without additional add-ons. Grated, the exporter is limited to CSV files. So I’m guessing your workflow requires something more interesting?
> Simply add an MPN attribute to your component and that is it.
No, that's the problem, right there. KiCad doesn't have a parts library. KiCad has schematic elements you can manually tack parameters on to. And everyone does it slightly differently!
There's no way to have a set of parts you can select from that are guaranteed-approved (because we used them previously or whatever). There's no way to have the software just show you the entire E24+E96 series of standard 0603 resistors so you can just grab one and go and know that it's orderable. There's no way to be able to get that confusing series of diode footprints and orientations right once and store it forever so the software gets it right for you from now on. (Diodes are the worst. At least Panasonic got out of the diode business. And, yes, I was thinking of their product line when I said that.)
Yeah, sure, you can do anything by tacking parameters on schematic components. Sometimes you even have to do that. Just like programming in assembly: there's no job it can't do. But sometimes you really need a little bit more, right?
And that's notwithstanding the fact that many people who use KiCad, like our article author here, don't even bother to tag parts with an MPN parameter! That's a cultural issue, but it is one the software can and should be pushing back on.
The nice thing with KiCAD is that a part is simply a symbol (schematic element) with enough parameters attached. You can specify footprints, MPN, ratings, value, etc. then store it in your approved and verified symbol library for use in all your projects. Use your R_4.7k_0603 symbol an it comes preconfigured with footprint, MPN, rating etc. Making these symbols is a lot of work but very simple.
Unfortunately there is no standard name for these parameters beyond footprint, value and some others. MPN, brand, rating etc. are not default. This hinders bigger adoption I think, and makes every project unique. This should be improved.
