OEM/ODM are the product of highly developed work-divide current industry. Products produced and sold under these two ways were more and more because theses two ways effectively combined resources, achieving mutual benefits.

OEM, original equipment manufacturer means one company design and produce a product according to its real situation, and then sold to another company, who sold it with its brand. In computer industry, OEM is always used as a verb. When people say one company OEM some product of other company, it means this company buy integrity and designed product (original equipment) from another company (OEM company). Mostly, the purchaser just asks the seller to change the name and color, while other aspects remain the same. Only the name and item No are different.


ODM Original Design Manufacturer refers to one company designs and produces the product according to the specification of another company. For Example, computer company, say, HP, want to put a new set of computer to the market. He will list description of the appearance, such as the dimensions of the screen, technique info, input and output interface, keyboard head-trim, appearance and color of the bag, position of the speaker, etc. They will also list the main details, such as the specifications of the CPU and video controller. But, he doesn’t make designs or tell what type of exchange semiconductor would be used for power supply. These belong to ODM works. ODM design and produce laptop according to the specification requirements of the computer company. Sometimes, ODM also produce according to contemporary product. Always, ODM focus on cooperation. Under ODM situation, purchaser doesn’t comment or interfere in the detailed specifications of the product.