OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, essentially a company that builds products, software, or components which other brands use in their own devices. Most consumers never see the OEM’s name, even though their work is inside the gadgets we use every day. Take laptops, for example. That sleek device from a famous brand might contain a motherboard, graphics card, storage drive or may be fully built by a different manufacturer, to meet the brand’s exact specifications.
Once these devices reach businesses or end users, IT teams need ways to configure and control them. This is where OEMConfig becomes useful. It is a standardized approach that lets manufacturers provide advanced setup and management options through supported MDM solutions, helping organizations keep devices secure and consistent.
What is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)?
An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is a company that produces devices, parts, or components later sold by another company under its own brand name. In simple terms, OEMs make the hardware and software you use every day even if their logo isn’t on the final product.
Examples:
- A laptop brand may source its screen from one OEM, its processor from another, and its keyboard from a third.
- Smartphone companies often work with OEMs to design and manufacture devices, even though the finished product carries the phone brand’s logo.
OEM partnerships help companies deliver products faster, maintain consistent quality, and lower production costs without building massive factories or hiring specialized manufacturing teams.
Industries that commonly use OEMs:
- Technology & Electronics: smartphones, laptops, wearables, and accessories.
- Automotive: engines, electronic systems, and custom parts.
- Healthcare & Medical Devices: diagnostic equipment, surgical tools, and implants.
- Aerospace & Defense: aircraft components, avionics, and safety systems.
- Industrial & Manufacturing: machinery, robotics, and precision tools.
Understanding OEM vs ODM vs VAR vs Aftermarket
The term OEM is often used alongside other hardware-related terms, and it is important to understand the distinctions:
| Term | Definition | Example in Context |
| OEM | Original Equipment Manufacturer builds devices often sold under other names | Zebra builds Android handhelds for logistics |
| ODM | Original Design Manufacturer designs and builds products sold by others | Foxconn manufactures devices for Apple |
| VAR | Value-Added Reseller resells OEM hardware with bundled services or software | A retail IT company sells Zebra with UEM pre-installed |
| Aftermarket | Non-original components made for use with OEM devices | Third-party batteries or accessories |
Understanding this distinction helps IT teams evaluate not only the source of the hardware but also the ecosystem of support and configurability available with the device.
How does OEM work?
The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) model follows a simple process where one company designs the product, and another builds it:
- The brand designs the product: The company defines how it should look and function covering size, features, materials, performance, and safety requirements so the manufacturer has a clear blueprint.
- The OEM manufactures it: Using their own factories, machines, and supply chains, the OEM produces the product to the brand’s exact specifications. Their expertise in large-scale, high-quality production makes the process faster and more cost-efficient.
- Branding and selling: Once manufacturing is complete, the brand adds its logo, packaging, and marketing before selling to customers.
For example, Sony makes the camera sensors for iPhones, while Apple integrates them with software and promotes them as part of its unique camera system.
This approach lets brands focus on innovation, design, and customer experience, while OEMs handle the complex, large-scale manufacturing.
Benefits of working with OEMs
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) play a critical role in helping businesses create high-quality products efficiently, cost-effectively, and at scale. They are more than just manufacturing partners, they are innovation enablers, quality guardians, and strategic allies for brands of all sizes.
1. Cost savings
Setting up a manufacturing facility with the right equipment, staff, and processes requires massive investment. By partnering with an OEM, businesses avoid these upfront costs. OEMs already have the infrastructure in place, so companies simply pay for the units they order, allowing them to invest more in product development, marketing, and customer service.
2. Access to specialized skills & technology
OEMs have deep expertise in manufacturing and quality control, often backed by decades of experience. They use advanced tools, modern machinery, and tested processes to ensure every product meets strict quality standards. Partnering with an OEM means gaining access to this knowledge and technology without building it in-house.
3. Faster time to market
Because OEMs have ready-to-use production lines, brands can launch new products quickly without delays caused by setting up facilities or hiring staff. This speed is vital in fast-moving industries, such as electronics, where trends and customer preferences change rapidly.
4. Scalability & flexibility
OEMs can easily adjust production based on demand. If a product suddenly takes off, they can increase output quickly; if demand slows, they can scale back without leaving the brand burdened by unused resources. This flexibility helps businesses respond effectively to market changes.
5. Consistent quality & standardization
OEMs follow strict manufacturing processes to ensure each unit meets the same specifications. This consistency builds trust with customers and is essential in industries like healthcare, automotive, and aerospace, where safety and reliability are non-negotiable.
6. Reduced business risk
Operating a factory involves risks such as equipment breakdown, labor issues or supply chain disruptions. By outsourcing to OEMs, a company may avoid these operational headaches and can focus on design, innovation, and customer engagement instead.
What is OEM software?
OEM software is sold to manufacturers to be pre-installed on devices before they reach users, so they’re ready to use right out of the box.
Examples include:
- Windows versions pre-installed on laptops/desktops.
- Customized Android OS on smartphones/tablets.
- Firmware for printers, routers, barcode scanners, and more.
Key differences from retail software:
- Price: Cheaper due to bulk sales to manufacturers.
- Licensing: Usually tied to the original device and non-transferable.
- Support: Often handled by the manufacturer instead of the software maker.
In short, OEM software is cost-effective, customized, and convenient for both manufacturers and users.
What is OEM hardware?
OEM hardware refers to physical devices or components made by one company for another to sell under its brand. This can range from small parts to complete, ready-to-use devices.
Examples include:
- Rugged mobile devices for warehouses, logistics, and field work.
- POS terminals in retail.
- Barcode scanners for inventory tracking.
- OEM components like processors, memory chips, and camera modules.
Many OEM devices come with OEMConfig for business use, with durability features or enterprise software compatibility making large-scale deployment faster and easier.
Challenges in managing OEM devices
While OEM devices are designed to be reliable and high-quality, managing them at scale can be challenging for businesses. Companies using large numbers of devices from different OEMs often face several common issues such as:
1. Different operating systems and versions
Not all OEM devices run the same software or OS version. For example, two rugged tablets from different manufacturers may have different Android versions or firmware, making it difficult to apply consistent settings, updates, or security patches.
2. Update delays
OEMs release software updates, firmware patches, and security fixes at different times. Some updates may take weeks or months to reach devices, leaving them potentially vulnerable to threats or performance issues.
3. Limited IT control
Some OEM devices offer restricted access or limited management options. IT teams may struggle to enforce policies, restrict apps, or control features without additional tools.
4. Security risks
Without proper updates and monitoring, OEM devices can be exposed to vulnerabilities especially risky in industries like healthcare, finance, or logistics that handle sensitive data.
5. Complex inventory management
Managing multiple device types, models, and configurations from different OEMs creates operational complexity. Tracking which devices are deployed, updated, or require support can be time-consuming without a centralized system.
6. Need for OEMConfig with MDM
Many OEMs provide OEMConfig apps that allow Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to apply advanced, manufacturer-specific settings remotely. Without Mobile Device Management support for OEMConfig, businesses may struggle to unlock the full configuration and security capabilities of their OEM devices.
Seamlessly manage your OEM Devices with Scalefusion’s OEMConfig support
Scalefusion makes it easy to manage OEM devices of any type whether they run on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, or are rugged, industry-specific hardware. Everything is brought together in one centralized platform so IT teams can save time and cut complexity.
Key highlights include:
- OEMConfig support for leading brands
Works seamlessly with OEMConfig for Zebra, Honeywell, Lenovo, and other major manufacturers allowing you to instantly apply advanced, manufacturer-specific settings without complex scripts or manual work. - Flexible enrollment options
Enroll devices via QR code, Zero-Touch Enrollment, Apple DEP, or bulk methods for large rollouts. Setup is quick, helping IT teams prepare devices for use in minutes. - Remote management and troubleshooting
Monitor device health, push updates, change configurations, and even take remote control to fix issues without physically handling the device. This minimizes downtime and boosts productivity. - Strong security controls
Enforce passcodes, encrypt data, and remotely lock or wipe lost devices to ensure business data stays safe. - Unified dashboard for all devices
Manage, monitor, and control every device across locations from a single, intuitive dashboard, no switching between tools required.
Choose Scalefusion to manage your OEM devices
Scalefusion provides OEMConfig support for major OEMs like Zebra, Honeywell, Lenovo, and more making it simple to apply manufacturer-specific settings without technical hassles.
Get out-of-the-box support for multiple OEMConfig apps, including:
- Zebra OEMConfig (Legacy & MX versions)
- Honeywell UEM Connect
- Lenovo OEMConfig
- Other OEMConfig apps that follow the Android Managed Configurations standard.
When you add an OEMConfig app to Scalefusion, the platform automatically fetches and renders the schema, enabling IT admins to configure OEM-level features without dealing with XML files or scripts.
Key advantages include:
- Automatic schema parsing for both simple and nested configurations
- Easy, UI-based setup of complex features (e.g., scanner profiles, touch sensitivity)
- Version compatibility guidance and schema refresh support
No more headaches with OEM device management. Book a free demo or start your 14-day free trial today to see how Scalefusion’s vast OEMConfig support makes managing OEM devices effortless.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between OEM and ODM?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) makes products using another company’s design, while ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) handles both design and production. Simply put, OEM builds your idea, ODM creates the idea and the product for you.
2. What does OEM and aftermarket products mean?
OEM products or OEM parts are often made by the original brand or its authorized supplier, ensuring exact fit and quality. Aftermarket parts and products are produced by third-party companies, often as cheaper replacement parts, but quality and compatibility can vary.
3. Why is it important to have the right OEM partner?
Choosing the right OEM partner ensures consistent product quality, reliable supply, and compliance with industry standards. A trusted OEM helps businesses maintain brand reputation, reduce risks of defects, and speed up time-to-market. The right partner also offers better technical support and scalability as your business grows.
4. What are OEM solutions?
OEM solutions are products, components, or software created by an Original Equipment Manufacturer and integrated into another company’s offerings. These solutions allow businesses to deliver high-quality, ready-made parts or systems without building them from scratch.
5. What are some examples of OEM partnerships?
Examples of OEM partnerships include car brands sourcing engines or electronics from specialized manufacturers, smartphone companies using chipsets from Qualcomm or MediaTek, and computer manufacturers integrating Intel or AMD processors.
6. Do OEMs operate only in the automotive industry?
No, OEMs are not limited to the automotive industry. OEMs play a major role in electronics, healthcare, IT hardware, aerospace, and industrial equipment. They supply components that brands integrate into their products, ensuring quality, compatibility, and faster production.
