diff --git a/docs/docs/manufacturing/bom.md b/docs/docs/manufacturing/bom.md
index 7e82cb68a5..76801e65ab 100644
--- a/docs/docs/manufacturing/bom.md
+++ b/docs/docs/manufacturing/bom.md
@@ -50,6 +50,8 @@ In the example below, see that the *Wood Screw* line item is marked as consumabl
 
 Further, in the [Build Order](./build.md) stock allocation table, we see that this line item cannot be allocated, as it is *consumable*.
 
+Marking a BOM line item as consumable is a per-assembly override - it only affects how the part is treated within *this* particular BOM, and does not change the underlying part definition. A part can also be marked as consumable directly - refer to the [consumable parts documentation](../part/consumable.md) for more information on the distinction between the two, and reasons why a part may be marked as consumable.
+
 ### Optional BOM Line Items
 
 If a BOM line item is marked as *optional*, this means that the part and quantity information is tracked in the BOM, but this line item is not required to be allocated to a [Build Order](./build.md). This may be useful for certain items which are not strictly required for the build process to be completed.
diff --git a/docs/docs/part/consumable.md b/docs/docs/part/consumable.md
index c2930f3cf4..b9a60beae2 100644
--- a/docs/docs/part/consumable.md
+++ b/docs/docs/part/consumable.md
@@ -16,6 +16,17 @@ Consumable parts can be used to represent things such as:
 
 Marking a part as consumable is intended to help distinguish these types of supplies from other parts in the inventory, making it easier to filter and report on "real" stock items versus general consumables.
 
+### Why Mark a Part as Consumable?
+
+Not every item required to complete a build needs to be tracked and allocated with the same rigor as a high-value component. A part might be marked as consumable because it is:
+
+- Low value, making the overhead of precise allocation not worth the effort
+- Kept in abundant stock, such that running out is unlikely to be a concern
+- Difficult to track in discrete units, such as a fluid or adhesive
+- Not something the business needs (or wants) visibility into at the build order level
+
+Marking a part as consumable communicates this intent clearly wherever the part is used, without needing to remember to configure each individual BOM line item.
+
 ### Stock Items
 
 Consumable parts can have stock items associated with them, the same as any other part. Stock levels for consumable parts can be tracked and managed as normal.
@@ -29,3 +40,16 @@ Consumable parts can be added as a subcomponent to the [Bills of Material](../ma
 Unlike a regular component, a consumable part is not allocated to (or consumed by) a [Build Order](../manufacturing/build.md). When a build order is completed, stock quantities for consumable parts are not adjusted.
 
 If stock levels for a consumable part need to be updated to reflect usage during a build, this must be done manually.
+
+### Consumable BOM Line Items
+
+Separately from the *Consumable* flag on the part itself, an individual [BOM line item](../manufacturing/bom.md#consumable-bom-line-items) can also be marked as *consumable*.
+
+This allows a part which is **not** normally marked as consumable to be treated as consumable *for the purposes of a specific BOM*. For example, a fastener which is usually tracked precisely in one assembly might be treated as consumable in another assembly, without needing to change the underlying part definition.
+
+In other words:
+
+- The part-level *Consumable* flag is a permanent property of the part, and applies everywhere that part is used.
+- The BOM line item *Consumable* flag is a per-assembly override, and only affects how that part is treated within that particular BOM.
+
+If a part is already marked as consumable, marking the corresponding BOM line item as consumable as well has no additional effect.