Choosing an OEM Parts Manufacturer: A Complete Guide

Apple is one of the largest companies in the world, with its iPhone being one of the most popular smartphones on the market. If you&#;ve ever held an iPhone in your hand, you know it&#;s a premium, well-made device. So it may come as a big shock that Apple does not manufacture almost any of its individual parts.

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Instead, Apple sources OEM parts from other companies. They get accelerometers from Germany, gyroscopes from Switzerland, and batteries from China. Apple even sources some of its parts from direct competitors, such as Samsung.

This is common practice in the world of manufacturing. And it&#;s one that can make your business more efficient and cost-effective.

What are OEM products, and how does one choose an OEM vendor? We hope to answer that and many other questions here. Keep reading for a definitive guide on OEM parts and finding good manufacturers.

What Are OEM Parts?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. The screen on an Apple device has an Apple label, but the OEM is actually Samsung. Samsung makes the screen, sells it to Apple, and Apple claims the screen as its own.

It&#;s a continuous cycle. The iPhone gets high-quality screens for a good price, and Samsung sells more screens. As counterintuitive as it may seem, this is a mutually beneficial relationship that is unlikely to end.

Samsung is unafraid to admit this because it only proves that its screens are of the highest caliber. Apple does not want to burn a valuable business partner, either.

This practice extends far beyond consumer electronics. Car parts, printers, and countless small electronics require OEM parts.

Why Not Manufacture In-House?

You may be wondering why Apple does not produce the screen itself. At first glance, it would seem to be a better deal overall. Apple could potentially save money and create screens that meet their expectations exactly.

But upon closer examination, it&#;s not as easy as just manufacturing some screens. Screens require specific manufacturing hardware, long processes, insider knowledge, and a workforce equipped to make them.

If Apple were to manufacture its own screens, it would likely cost them billions of dollars to create the production lines. Sure, they will get custom Apple screens. But the cost would put a huge dent in their operational expenditures.

Samsung already has the infrastructure to make screens. They have know-how and years of industry experience. They can produce the screens cheaply and sell them to companies like Apple.

In short, OEM products give companies access to affordable parts that would otherwise cost a fortune to make.

Benefits of OEM Parts for Small Businesses

OEM products are not just for gigantic companies like Apple. They are a means for smaller companies to save money on manufacturing, without sacrificing quality.

Apple not only purchases OEM parts but also outsources its manufacturing to other companies. Foxconn, for example, makes custom Apple silicon chips. This allows Apple to scale up and down in response to demand, and easily pivot toward new products.

The same is true for your company. OEM parts will allow you to manufacture on a smaller budget, compared to manufacturing yourself. It&#;s an excellent way for small businesses to get their foot in the door, as it were.

As your business grows, you can scale up to meet demand. Most OEM vendors have the ability to adapt to your ever-changing business requirements.

With all that said, let&#;s discuss how you can find an OEM parts manufacturer.

Things to Look for in a Reliable OEM Vendor

As you shop around the OEM vendor market, you will discover a huge number of manufacturers. There are hundreds of companies, from Shenzhen to Beijing, looking to make your product a reality. But as you might expect, there are some bad eggs among the bunch.

There are some important do&#;s and don&#;ts when working with foreign companies. Some of them amount to cultural differences, but others may be unsavory business practices.

Here are a few key points to get you in the right direction.

GMP Compliance

GMP, also known as Good Manufacturing Practice, ensures that the company you work with adheres to the highest manufacturing standards. Regulations vary depending on your country or region. But the name is self-explanatory, to make sure companies behave well during the manufacturing process.

Part of GMP compliance is the implementation of a quality management system or QMS. This is a body of processes, policies, and procedures to ensure OEM parts meet the highest standards. A QMS ranges from procurement of raw materials to the finished products at the end.

GMP compliance includes specialized employee training and regular audits of the process. This means having accurate records and making adjustments over time to improve.

Find a company that is GMP compliant before you settle on a contract.

Understanding OEM vs. ODM

OEM refers solely to the manufacturing of individual parts that go into a product. However, the company that makes these OEM products uses its own design and engineering team to create them. When you buy an OEM product, you are essentially picking a ready-made product off the shelf.

However, some companies have very specific needs for their products. The OEM parts that a vendor makes may not be sufficient for your standards. In that case, you might feel better suited to an ODM manufacturer.

ODM, which stands for Original Design Manufacturer, designs a product according to your specifications. Then they manufacture this product for you. The only part left for your company is assembly.

A perfect example of ODM is car chargers for electric vehicles. In this case, the design of the plug across car chargers is very similar. But each design has a custom brand, unique coloring, and entirely different packaging.

Good Reputation

A common issue with Chinese companies is that they can easily shut down one company and open another. A company with a bad reputation can become a new company with a fresh slate overnight. Many who consider outsourcing to China understand this as one of the risks involved.

Just like any business relationship, you must establish bona fides. It pays to do your research about a company&#;s past dealings. If the information runs dry after digging only a few years deep, you may have a problem.

Word-of-mouth is an excellent tool in the manufacturing industry. Other companies you know or have worked with may have had bad run-ins with specific manufacturers. 

Of course, there are always online reviews that you can check out. Aggregate reviews can provide an intimate window into a company&#;s dealings with past customers.

Capabilities

Technology advances at a breakneck pace. As it concerns chip manufacturers, this means that new processes get outdated within years of their fabrication. 

For example, 10 nm chips release one year, then shrink down to 7 nm the next. Each shrinkage requires completely retooling the factory to make the updated chip.

Granted, not many industries upgrade at the same pace that silicon manufacturers do. But generally speaking, industry innovation in all fields grows at a steady pace.

Ideally, you want a manufacturer that uses the most modern processes. The more modern it is, the more efficient and cost-effective a company can be.

Older processes deprive you of all the new advancements. Plus, a company that can support current advancements is likely better off financially. Having modern processes also means they have highly skilled people onboard.

Things to Avoid in an OEM Vendor

Naturally, there are big red flags that you should spot before signing any contracts. Some of these are small things that can be remedied easily. Others are a very clear no-go and you should avoid them if at all possible.

Inconsistent Communication and Language Barriers

It&#;s understandable that there will be communication delays between East Asia and your headquarters. It&#;s difficult to convey things over  or even a video call. But you want to avoid OEM vendors that don&#;t give you consistent, comprehensive communication.

A good vendor will update you through every step of the process. They will alert you promptly to any delays and communicate any manufacturing challenges. They will help you achieve a seamless assembly process and take into account any input you may have.

Language barriers can provide misunderstandings. And even if there is no language barrier, there may be cultural barriers. Having a company that tries to bridge this gap with you will be invaluable.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Industrial Touch Monitors OEM.

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To be clear, you shouldn&#;t discount a manufacturer only on account of a language barrier. It&#;s how both parties overcome that barrier that matters.

Constant Delays and Manufacturing Issues

Some manufacturers may prove to be a pain in the neck throughout the process. There may be constant delays in finishing a run of products. These delays may cost you money, create logistics issues, and prevent you from distributing your product on time.

Delays will happen from time to time. But if they are very, very frequent&#;without good explanation&#;then this may point to bigger internal issues.

For example, your manufacturer may be biting off more than it can chew. They may have attempted to fulfill more orders than they have the capacity for. This leads to them prioritizing some customers over others.

Ensure that they have the capacity to meet your needs. If they are bogged down with too many orders, you may want to look elsewhere.

Lackluster Prototype Models

Before doing a run, it&#;s common practice to produce a few prototype models. This gives you a physical example you can hold in your hand. You can see with your eyes and feel for yourself the quality of the manufacturing.

This is an excellent chance to see from the start what you&#;re going to get. You can ask for quality checks throughout production. If there is any degradation in the product, it allows you to identify what has happened.

If they cannot get your OEM parts up to snuff from the beginning, then perhaps you should shy away from that company.

Reasonable Pricing

Everyone wants a good deal, but you don&#;t want an agreement that seems too good to be true. You get what you pay for, after all. An unnaturally low price is a good sign that you might be getting a low-quality product.

Take a look at comparable rates from other companies. This gives you a good idea of what you should expect to pay for bulk OEM parts. This way you can find a good balance between an affordable price and parts that meet your quality standards.

Protection of Your Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual property theft is a risk you have to take into account when working with Chinese companies. As such, you should prioritize companies that keep your intellectual property safe.

This usually isn&#;t a huge issue with OEM manufacturers, since they design the products. However, if you share blueprints and schematics of your products, you are likely sharing valuable IP information.

Only trust companies who have a reputation for protecting this valuable information. Otherwise, you may see your patented product designs appearing in cheap Chinese products, with no recourse for legal action.

Get Custom Manufacturing with Shield Works

OEM parts allow companies of all sizes to get high-quality components for affordable prices. If you decide to source your OEM products from a vendor, take the time to vet them well. Keep the above tips in mind before you settle on a contract manufacturing run.

Shield Works serves professionals in all industries. We do assembly, manufacturing, and much more. Contact us today to find out how we can help you get the best OEM parts for your business.

Understanding Business Monitors

Choosing the right monitor for a home office setup is crucial for maximizing productivity and ensuring comfort during long hours of work. The right business monitor can significantly enhance your working experience by providing clearer visuals, reducing eye strain, and offering ergonomic features that cater to various professional needs.

Definition of Business Monitors

Business monitors are specially designed screens intended for professional use. They are built to handle the extensive and often complex demands of a business environment, offering features that support detailed work.

Differentiating Features of Business Monitors Compared to Regular Consumer Monitors

Unlike regular consumer monitors, business monitors often include higher resolution displays, advanced connectivity options, better color accuracy, and ergonomic adjustments such as tilting, swiveling, and height adjustments. These features are tailored to improve the user's productivity and comfort.

Importance of Business Monitors for Work Efficiency

Business monitors play a vital role in enhancing work efficiency. High-resolution displays make it easier to handle tasks that require attention to detail, such as graphic design and data analysis. Ergonomic features help reduce physical discomfort, allowing users to maintain focus for longer periods, thereby boosting overall productivity.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Business Monitor

Consider the important categories when purchasing a business monitor:

1.  Display Size and Resolution: When selecting a business monitor, both display size and resolution are crucial components that can significantly influence productivity. Larger screens provide more workspace, allowing you to view multiple windows and applications simultaneously. High-resolution displays ensure sharper images and text, reducing the need for zooming and scrolling. This combination can lead to a more efficient workflow, especially for tasks that require detailed visuals, such as graphic design, spreadsheet management, and multi-window research.

2.  Panel Type: Understanding the differences between TN, IPS, and VA panels is essential when choosing a business monitor.

• TN (Twisted Nematic) Panels: Known for their fast response times and affordability, TN panels are often preferred for tasks that do not require top-tier color accuracy or wide viewing angles.
• IPS (In-Plane Switching) Panels: These panels offer superior color accuracy and wider viewing angles, making them ideal for creative work such as photo and video editing where true-to-life color reproduction is critical.
• VA (Vertical Alignment) Panels: VA panels provide better contrast ratios and deeper blacks, making them suitable for environments where high contrast is important, though they may have slower response times compared to TN panels.

3.  Refresh Rate and Response Time: Refresh rate and response time are important factors that affect the overall user experience.

• Refresh Rate: Measured in hertz (Hz), the refresh rate indicates how many times per second the screen refreshes its image. Higher refresh rates, like 120Hz or 144Hz, result in smoother motion and are particularly beneficial for tasks that involve rapid screen updates, such as video editing or trading.
• Response Time: This measures how quickly a pixel can change from one color to another, typically noted in milliseconds (ms). Lower response times reduce motion blur and ghosting, enhancing clarity during fast-moving visuals, which can be advantageous for video conferencing and real-time data monitoring.

4.  Connectivity Options: Having a range of connectivity options is important for ensuring compatibility with various devices and enhancing the flexibility of your workspace. Key connectivity features to look for include:

• HDMI: Commonly used and supports both video and audio signals.
• DisplayPort: Supports high resolutions and refresh rates, ideal for connecting to advanced graphics cards.
• USB-C: Offers the convenience of power delivery and data transfer through a single cable, simplifying connections to laptops and other peripherals.
• Other Ports: Additional ports like USB hubs, VGA, and audio jacks can also contribute to a more versatile and functional setup.

5.  Ergonomics: Ergonomic features play a key role in promoting a comfortable and healthy workspace. Adjustable stands that offer tilt, swivel, and pivot functions allow users to customize the monitor's position for optimal viewing angles, reducing strain on the neck and eyes. Height adjustment capabilities help align the monitor to eye level, promoting better posture and reducing the likelihood of musculoskeletal discomfort during long periods of work. Ergonomically designed monitors contribute not only to user comfort but also to sustained productivity.

Top Features to Look for in a Home Office Monitor

When working from home during the day or after work hours in the evenings, you want a quality monitor that takes care of your eyes.  Let&#;s look at some important features.

5 important features to consider when purchasing a home office monitor:

• Adjustable stand
• Blue light filtering
• Anti-glare coating
• USB-C connectivity
• Built in speakers

Let&#;s review these features in greater detail.

• Adjustable Stand: Having a monitor with an adjustable stand is crucial for ergonomic comfort. Adjustable stands allow you to customize the monitor&#;s height, tilt, swivel, and rotation. This flexibility helps you to set the monitor at eye level, reducing strain on the neck and eyes. Ergonomic adjustments help in maintaining a proper posture, which is essential for long hours of work.
• Blue Light Filter: Monitors with a blue light filter are important for reducing eye strain during extended periods of work. Blue light filters decrease the amount of blue light emitted from the screen, which can cause eye fatigue and disrupt sleep patterns.
• Anti-Glare Coating: An anti-glare coating on a monitor helps to minimize reflections and glare, which can distort the screen's visibility. This feature ensures that the monitor provides clear imagery even in brightly lit environments. By reducing glare, it helps to lessen eye strain and allows you to work more comfortably and efficiently, regardless of your lighting conditions.
• USB-C Connectivity: USB-C connectivity is a highly convenient feature for home office monitors. This single cable solution offers the benefit of power, data, and video transmission through one connection. It simplifies the setup process and reduces cable clutter on your desk. USB-C can also support fast charging for connected devices, making it an ideal choice for a streamlined and efficient workspace.
• Built-in Speakers: Monitors with built-in speakers provide added convenience by integrating audio output into the display. This feature negates the need for additional external speakers, saving desk space and reducing cable clutter.

Tips for Optimizing Your Home Office Monitor Setup

So often we get a monitor that looks great, but we forget the other items that can make it feel great to the body and eyes, declutter the desk, and last a long time.

5 Tips for optimizing your home office monitor setup:

• Positioning: Position your monitor with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level and about an arm&#;s length away. This helps prevent eye and neck strain, promoting a natural posture and reducing the risk of discomfort or injury.
• Calibrating Colors: Use built-in calibration tools or software to adjust your monitor's color settings. Modify brightness, contrast, and color levels according to your workspace lighting to ensure accurate color representation, which is crucial for tasks requiring color precision.
• Cable Management: Keep your workspace clutter-free by organizing cables with clips, ties, or organizers. Proper cable management not only enhances the aesthetic of your desk but also reduces the risk of tripping over loose cables or damaging them.
• Screen Cleaning: Maintain a clear and smudge-free display by regularly cleaning your monitor with a soft, lint-free cloth and a gentle cleaning solution designed for screens. This practice ensures unobstructed views and preserves the quality of your monitor.
• Screen Protection: Utilize screen protectors to prevent scratches and other potential damage. Screen protectors are especially useful for touchscreen monitors or if the screen is exposed to hazards, thus extending the lifespan and preserving display quality.

Best Business Monitors for Home Offices

Lenovo has some excellent options for your home office. And with Lenovo you don&#;t just get a monitor &#; you can relax knowing you have one of the best!

Lenovo ThinkVision P Series

The ThinkVision P Series monitors are built to deliver exceptional visual clarity with high resolution displays, commonly featuring UHD (4K) resolution. This ensures sharp, detailed images and text, which is particularly beneficial for tasks that require precision, such as graphic design, video editing, and data analysis.

6 Features of the Lenovo ThinkVision P Series:

• Exceptional Visual Clarity: High resolution displays, commonly UHD (4K), for sharp, detailed images and text.
• Color Accuracy: Pre-calibrated monitors offering true-to-life color reproduction.
• Ergonomic Design: Adjustable stands allow for tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments.
• Connectivity Options: HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C for easy connection of multiple devices.
• Built-in Features: Some models feature built-in speakers and a blue light filter.
• Energy Efficiency: Low power consumption and eco-friendly certifications.

Lenovo ThinkVision T Series

The ThinkVision T Series is designed to cater to a broad audience with different professional needs. These monitors typically feature high resolution and good color accuracy, making them ideal for tasks that require detailed visuals and clear imagery. The T Series is known for its durability and functionality, offering a dependable solution for everyday business operations.

5 Features of the Lenovo ThinkVision T Series:

• High Resolution: Full HD (p) resolution for clear and crisp visuals.
• Ergonomic Adjustments: Adjustable stands providing pivot, swivel, tilt, and height adjustments.
• Multiple Connectivity Options: HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, and USB ports for device compatibility.
• Built-in Features: Some models include built-in speakers and blue light filters.
• Eco-Friendly Design: Energy-efficient with sustainability certifications.

Lenovo ThinkVision S Series

The S Series focuses on providing essential functionalities and good display quality to handle everyday business tasks efficiently. It combines practical design with ease of use, making it a suitable choice for users looking for straightforward and effective solutions.

5 Features of the Lenovo ThinkVision S Series:

• High-Quality Display: Full HD (p) resolution for clear and detailed visuals.
• Simple Ergonomics: Basic ergonomic features such as tilt adjustment.
• Essential Connectivity: HDMI, VGA, and sometimes DisplayPort for necessary device support.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.
• Energy Efficient: Low power consumption and environmentally friendly certifications.

Invest In a Quality Monitor for Enhanced Productivity and Comfort During Work

Choosing the right business monitor for a home office setup is essential for maximizing productivity and maintaining comfort throughout long working hours. Investing in a quality monitor that incorporates these factors and features can lead to a more efficient and comfortable workspace. It enables you to maintain focus, reduce physical strain, and ultimately boost your overall productivity. By making an informed decision, you can create a home office environment that supports your professional endeavors and promotes better health and well-being with Lenovo.

Are you interested in learning more about Industrial Touch Monitors custom? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!