Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
Also known as: OEM
An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a company that produces parts or products that are used in, or sold as, another company's finished goods.
An OEM makes the components or complete products that other businesses buy — sometimes to build into their own products, sometimes to resell under a different brand. In procurement, buying OEM parts means sourcing genuine components made by or for the original producer, as opposed to third-party or aftermarket equivalents.
OEM sourcing matters where fit, warranty and reliability are critical, such as machinery spares and electronics. Buyers weigh the assurance of OEM parts against the often lower cost of compatible aftermarket alternatives, considering warranty terms and total cost of ownership.
Frequently asked questions
- What is an OEM?
- An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a company that produces parts or products used in, or sold as, another company's finished goods.
- What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts?
- OEM parts are made by or for the original producer and match the original specification, while aftermarket parts are made by third parties as compatible alternatives, often at lower cost but with varying quality and warranty.
Related terms
Distributor
A distributor is a company that buys products from manufacturers and resells them to businesses or retailers, holding stock and handling logistics in between.
Read definitionBill of Materials (BOM)
A bill of materials (BOM) is a structured list of all the raw materials, components and quantities needed to manufacture or assemble a product.
Read definitionMRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations)
MRO refers to the goods and supplies used to keep an organisation's equipment and facilities running — maintenance parts, repair items, tools, safety and consumables.
Read definitionExplore related across the knowledge graph
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