Original Equipment Manufacturers

What are original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)?

Original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, are companies that produce components, systems, or software that are then used in the final products of other companies. You might partner with an OEM to sell their products, or they might be an integral part of your supply chain.

OEMs are specialized manufacturers that produce high-quality, reliable products. This means you can provide your customers with superior solutions, giving you a competitive edge. OEMs also often allow for product customization, enabling you to meet specific customer needs more effectively. And partnering with OEMs can expand your product offerings and increase your revenue potential.

If you’re in the tech industry, for example, an OEM might create custom software tailored to your clients’ unique requirements. Or, if you’re a telecom company, you might partner with an OEM to provide the routers and other hardware that your clients need for their network infrastructure.

Original equipment manufacturers may be confused with original design manufacturers (or ODMs). However, OEMs primarily focus on manufacturing products according to provided designs, whether under the client’s brand or their own. They excel in manufacturing capabilities, serving companies who already have their own designs but lack manufacturing facilities.

On the other hand, ODMs specialize in designing and producing products based on specifications from other companies, often selling under the client’s brand. They possess design and manufacturing expertise, making them ideal for companies who need comprehensive solutions.

Partnering with an OEM gives your team access to manufacturing expertise to build products based on your designs, get products to market faster, and allows you to focus on your core competencies.

Related content:

Partner Management for Manufacturing Companies | Common Types of Channel Partners (And How to Find Them) | Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs)