In today’s complex manufacturing landscape, machine builders face mounting pressure to manage software components with precision and compliance. With the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) implementation approaching, having robust systems to track, manage, and secure every software component in your machines is no longer optional—it’s essential. The traditional spreadsheet approach to managing software bill of materials (SBOM) is rapidly becoming obsolete as requirements grow more stringent and workflows more complex.
At Noux Node, we’ve witnessed firsthand how automated SBOM management transforms operations for machine builders. Our clients report reducing compliance documentation time by up to 70% while simultaneously improving security posture and meeting regulatory requirements with confidence.
This guide explores how modern SBOM platforms specifically designed for machine builders can streamline operations, ensure compliance, and create new opportunities for efficiency in your development process.
The growing complexity of CRA machine building and BOM management
Machine builders today face unprecedented challenges in maintaining accurate software component inventories. According to recent industry research, engineering teams spend an average of 8.5 hours per week managing component data across disconnected systems—time that could be spent on innovation instead. With 64% of manufacturers reporting at least one significant production delay annually due to BOM inaccuracies, the cost of manual errors is substantial.
The implementation of the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act introduces additional layers of complexity. Machine builders must now maintain comprehensive records of all software components, their versions, known vulnerabilities, update mechanisms, and security practices. This regulation classifies industrial machines as “products with digital elements,” requiring manufacturers to implement robust software management practices within the next 1-2 years.
Communication gaps between engineering teams, procurement departments, and compliance officers further compound these challenges. Without a centralized system, critical component information becomes siloed, leading to version control issues and potential security vulnerabilities that remain unaddressed.
Is your team still using spreadsheets to track software components? Discover how automated platforms can eliminate manual errors and save valuable engineering time. Download our free SBOM process assessment guide to identify improvement opportunities.
How automated BOM platforms transform machine building workflows
Modern SBOM platforms eliminate the tedious manual processes that plague traditional component management. By automating the creation, updating, and maintenance of software bills of materials, these platforms ensure real-time accuracy across all departments and systems.
The transformation becomes evident when comparing approaches. Traditional methods rely on manually maintained spreadsheets, email communications, and disconnected systems—creating multiple potential points of failure. Automated platforms, by contrast, create a single source of truth that updates across the organization instantly when changes occur.
This automation extends beyond simple documentation. When integrated with development environments and operational systems, SBOM platforms enable continuous compliance monitoring. Rather than performing compliance checks as a separate process, teams can identify potential regulatory issues during development—significantly reducing rework and accelerating time-to-market.
For machine builders concerned with CRA compliance, these platforms provide built-in mechanisms to maintain required documentation and monitor for emerging vulnerabilities in third-party components. This proactive approach not only ensures compliance but enhances overall security posture.
Ready to see how automation can transform your component management? Schedule a personalized workflow assessment with our solutions team to identify your highest-impact improvement opportunities.
Key features of an effective CRA machine builder BOM platform
The most powerful SBOM platforms for machine builders offer several critical capabilities that address industry-specific challenges. Component library management provides a centralized repository for all software elements, complete with metadata, version history, and vulnerability tracking. This creates a foundation for comprehensive management throughout the product lifecycle.
Revision control capabilities ensure changes are tracked with appropriate approvals, creating audit trails that demonstrate due diligence for regulatory compliance. For CRA requirements specifically, platforms must support documentation of update mechanisms and security practices for each component.
Integration with existing systems is equally crucial. Effective platforms connect seamlessly with CAD/CAM systems, procurement tools, and CI/CD pipelines. This integration enables automatic updates to the SBOM when new software versions are deployed, ensuring documentation always reflects reality.
Compliance tracking features automatically check components against known vulnerability databases and regulatory requirements, alerting teams to potential issues before they become compliance violations. This proactive approach is particularly valuable as regulations evolve and new security threats emerge.
We’ve developed our platform with these critical features to ensure machine builders can meet CRA requirements while streamlining workflows across engineering, procurement, and compliance teams.
Implementing BOM automation: real-world success stories
A European industrial equipment manufacturer reduced their compliance documentation time from three weeks to just three days after implementing an automated SBOM platform. Beyond time savings, they eliminated five security vulnerabilities that had previously gone undetected in third-party components.
Another mid-sized machine builder integrated SBOM automation into their development process and experienced a 40% reduction in time-to-market for new products. Their engineering team reported spending 68% less time on documentation and component tracking, redirecting those resources to innovation and feature development.
Perhaps most impressive is the case of a precision equipment manufacturer who leveraged their comprehensive SBOM platform to win contracts with security-conscious clients. By demonstrating robust component management and compliance processes, they gained a competitive advantage that directly impacted revenue.
These transformations aren’t isolated cases. Across the industry, manufacturers implementing automated SBOM management consistently report improved efficiency, enhanced security posture, and stronger compliance capabilities.
Getting started with BOM platform integration in your workflow
Successful implementation begins with a thorough assessment of current processes. Document your existing component management workflow, identifying pain points, manual steps, and communication gaps. This baseline understanding helps prioritize improvement opportunities and measure success.
Next, evaluate platform options against criteria specific to your operation. Key considerations should include compatibility with existing systems, support for required compliance frameworks (particularly CRA), and alignment with your development methodology. The ideal platform complements your processes rather than forcing disruptive changes.
Implementation planning should address both technical integration and team adoption. A phased approach often proves most successful, beginning with critical components and gradually expanding scope. This method allows teams to adapt while delivering immediate value in high-priority areas.
Training requirements vary based on team structure, but typically include both platform-specific skills and broader education on compliance requirements and security best practices. Invest in comprehensive training to maximize adoption and effectiveness.
Ready to transform your component management approach? Contact our solutions team today for a personalized demonstration of how our platform addresses the specific challenges facing machine builders in the CRA compliance landscape. Our implementation specialists will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you achieve maximum value with minimal disruption.
