Digital podium OEM/ODM cooperation guide: product definition, BOM and batch delivery

Digital platform OEM/ODM is not OEM, but product definition and delivery cooperation

Many brands find factories to talk about digital platform cooperation. The first sentence is "I want to put up a card, how much is it". This understanding of the OEM/ODM think too simple. The digital platform is not a small commodity that can be labeled casually. It integrates touch screen, computer, microphone, audio, control and external interface. It needs to work with interactive whiteboard, projection, video booth and recording and broadcasting system, and also meets the installation conditions of different classrooms. What the brand really needs is not just a Logo location, but an educational product that can be sold, delivered, and supplied for a long time.

The essence of digital platform OEM/ODM is a continuous cooperation process in which brand parties and manufacturers jointly define products, confirm BOM, complete prototypes, batch delivery and after-sales support. The brand defines who the product is to be sold to, what teaching scenarios to solve, and what price to set; the factory is responsible for structural design, electronic integration, software adaptation, certification compliance, and mass production. The two sides in the cost, MOQ, certification, intellectual property rights, prototype testing, batch consistency, after-sales responsibility and other links to confirm one by one, in order to ensure that the product from the drawings into the classroom stable use of equipment.

1. OEM, ODM and JDM are suitable for what brands

Digital podium OEM/ODM has three common cooperation modes, suitable for brand parties with different capabilities. If you choose the wrong model, subsequent cooperation will be very painful.

Which model to choose depends on the brand's product capabilities, project size and long-term planning. If the brand has a deep understanding of the educational scene and has its own industrial design and software team, OEM is more suitable. If the brand is good at channels and sales and wants to quickly bring products to market, ODM is more efficient. If the brand has specific classroom scene requirements and does not want to develop from scratch, JDM is a compromise.

It should be noted that no matter which mode, the brand cannot be the "shopkeeper". Product definition, BOM confirmation, prototype acceptance, batch consistency, after-sales responsibility, these links should be deeply involved in the brand. Otherwise, if there is a problem with the product, the brand cannot explain to the school and the distributor.

What needs to be confirmed in the 2. product definition

Product definition is the starting point for OEM/ODM cooperation. The brand side needs to define not only Logo, but complete products. Take the Qtenboard QM series digital platform as an example, its product definition covers the following dimensions, brands can refer to this framework, combined with their own needs to make trade-offs.

Size and structure

It is necessary to confirm the total width, total height and depth of the digital platform, the size and position of the touch screen, the position of the computer host, audio and microphone, the position and quantity of the external interface, the material, surface treatment and structure of the platform, the movement mode, the installation mode and the installation position.

The QM series offers four models and screen configurations: QM-2233JT corresponds to 22 inches plus 19 inches, QM-3233JT corresponds to 32 inches plus 24 inches, QM-4333JT corresponds to 43 inches plus 22 inches, and QM-5533JT corresponds to 55 inches plus 32 inches. The screen is configured as a front display plus a main touch screen, and the podium is made of enterprise-class metal. The brand side can choose the configuration according to the target classroom type: ordinary classrooms and training classrooms can choose small size combination, ladder classrooms, lecture halls and large conference rooms suggest 43 22 or 55 32 configuration.

Touch screen and computer

It is necessary to confirm the size, resolution and number of touch screens, computer host configuration, operating system and storage, supported software and teaching platform, whether OPS or external computers are required, and whether screen projection, annotation and saving are supported.

QM series main screen resolution is full HD 1920 × 1080, touch technology is 20-point capacitive touch, brightness 300 cd/m, contrast 3000:1 or 4500:1, visual angle 178/178, response time 6ms. The main touch screen supports Windows 10, Windows 11 and Pro versions, and the front display screen supports Android 9.0, 10.0, 11.0, 14.0 and 16.0 optional. The brand can choose different system versions and storage configurations according to the target market price positioning.

Audio Video and Control

It is necessary to confirm the microphone type and pickup range, audio power and volume control, video switching and signal source management, whether recording and broadcasting, remote classroom or teaching platform are supported, and whether equipment management and remote operation and maintenance are supported.

QM series built-in speakers, support audio and video centralized control, unified management of classroom and conference room equipment. Built-in reading lamp or desktop lamp, convenient for teachers to view materials in low light environment. The brand side can confirm the audio and video control ability and docking scheme according to the scene requirements such as recording and broadcasting classroom and remote classroom.

Interface and System

It is necessary to confirm HDMI, USB, network and audio interfaces, supported operating systems and software versions, whether to support screen projection, annotation and saving, whether to support recording and broadcasting, remote classroom or teaching platform, and whether to support device management and remote operation and maintenance.

The QM Series offers interfaces such as USB, HDMI, IN-Audio, and microphone input. Network connection supports Wi-Fi 2.4G and 5G, LAN wired network, Bluetooth 5.0 or 6.0, and wireless screen projection. The input voltage is AC 110-240V universal voltage, through CE, FCC, RoHS, WEEE certification. The brand can confirm the certification requirements, interface configuration and software pre-installation scheme according to the target market.

3. costs, pricing and MOQ.

One of the core business issues in OEM/ODM projects is cost and MOQ. If the brand only asks "how much is one", it is difficult for the factory to give an accurate quotation, because the configuration of the digital platform varies greatly, and the screen size, system version, number of interfaces, material, certification and packaging will all affect the cost.

When talking about cost, the brand side should not only compare the unit price, but also calculate the total cost of ownership. Mold fees, certification fees, prototype fees, packaging fees, logistics fees, tariffs, after-sales spare parts costs, will affect the final profit. It is suggested that the factory should be required to provide itemized quotations at the early stage of cooperation, specifying which costs are included in the unit price and which are calculated separately. Ladder quotations should also be confirmed separately by model and configuration to avoid price disputes due to configuration changes in the later period.

Who is responsible for 4. certification and compliance

Digital podiums involve electronic devices that require different certifications for export or domestic sale. The certification is not compliant, the product cannot be marketed, and may even be recalled. In OEM/ODM cooperation, the certification responsibility must be clear in advance.

QM series through CE, FCC, RoHS, WEEE certification, the input voltage is AC 110-240V universal voltage, suitable for different countries and regions of the project. before the cooperation, the brand side needs to confirm the following questions: what certifications are needed in the target market? is the certification the responsibility of the factory or the brand side? who will bear the certification cost? how long is the certification period? who is the certification subject after the OEM? can the certification certificate and test report be provided to the brand side?

If the brand plans to export to the EU, CE and RoHS are the basic requirements; export to the United States requires FCC;WEEE involves e-waste recycling. Domestic sales may require 3C certification or other industry requirements. The brand party shall write the certification requirements into the annex to the contract, specifying who is responsible, the cost and the delivery time. Mass production is not recommended until certification is completed.

How to agree on 5. intellectual property rights and brand protection

In OEM/ODM cooperation, intellectual property rights and brand protection are high-frequency dispute points. The brand side invests money and channel resources to promote the product, and if the factory sells the same product to other brands, or sells it at a low price in the market, the interests of the brand side will be damaged.

The contents to be agreed include: who owns the product appearance, structure and software interface? How to protect the logo and packaging design provided by the brand? Can the factory sell the same product to other brands? How to agree on the exclusive sales area and time limit? How to keep the technical secret and customer information confidential? How to deal with the breach of contract?

It is recommended to specify in the contract that the design, logo, packaging and customer information provided by the brand party shall be owned by the brand party. For deeply customized JDM projects, the ownership of intellectual property rights should be clearly written to avoid later disputes.

How to confirm the 6. BOM and prototype

BOM and prototype are the key nodes of OEM/ODM project. BOM confirmation is not clear, mass production will be a problem; prototype testing is not sufficient, mass production consistency can not be guaranteed.

BOM confirmation

It is necessary to confirm the total BOM of the digital platform, touch screen, computer, audio and microphone BOM, external interface and cable BOM, software and system BOM, packaging and label BOM. BOM to clarify the brand, model and specification of key components, whether to allow replacement materials, replacement material approval process, component life cycle and shutdown management, cost ratio and price fluctuation risk.

It is recommended that the brand party require the factory to provide a complete BOM list and specify which components are designated brands and which can be replaced. For key components such as touch screens, computer motherboards, stereos, microphones, etc., it is best to specify the brand and model to avoid batch product quality fluctuations. Substitute material changes need to be approved in writing by the brand side, can not be unilaterally decided by the factory.

Prototype Validation

The prototype confirmation needs to test the function and appearance, test and acceptance, the consistency of the prototype and mass production, the replacement material and change approval process, and the configuration freeze before mass production. The prototype test items shall at least cover: touch control and display test, audio and video test, interface test, network and screen projection test, heat dissipation test, aging test, drop and vibration test, and software function test.

Each test should have clear eligibility criteria. For example, the touch test should confirm whether the 20-point capacitive touch is normal, the display test should confirm 1920 × 1080 resolution and 178-degree visual angle, the interface test should confirm USB, HDMI, audio and microphone inputs one by one, the network test should confirm that the Wi-Fi 2.4G/5G, LAN and Bluetooth connections are stable, and the screen test should confirm that the connection and exit are normal. The prototype test report is issued by the factory and confirmed by the brand. After confirmation of the prototype, freeze the configuration and enter mass production.

How to manage 7. batch consistency and quality control.

One of the biggest risks of OEM/ODM projects is the inconsistency between mass-produced products and prototypes. The prototype test is very good, but the batch products have problems such as poor touch control, loose interface, poor heat dissipation and incorrect software version. To avoid this situation, it is necessary to do a good job of consistency control in the mass production stage.

It is recommended that the brand side confirm the first piece before mass production, arrange random inspection or factory inspection during the production process, and check the function, appearance, interface and software version before leaving the factory. Each device shall have a unique serial number to facilitate after-sales traceability. If there is a batch quality problem, the factory should be responsible for rework or replacement, and bear the corresponding costs. These contents should be written into the contract to avoid mutual prevarication after problems arise.

How to divide 8. after-sales and responsibilities

After-sales and bulk delivery are the basis for long-term cooperation in OEM/ODM projects. Digital podium involves electronic equipment, software systems and installation services, and after-sales responsibilities must be clarified in advance.

It is necessary to confirm the warranty period and scope, failure response and maintenance process, spare parts supply and replacement arrangement, software upgrade and maintenance responsibility, training and acceptance service scope. who will repair the failure during the warranty period? the factory or the brand? who will provide the spare parts? where will the inventory be placed? who will be responsible for the software upgrade? whether it will be charged? who will perform the training? who will bear the cost? what is the after-sales response time limit and compensation mechanism?

It is suggested to specify in the contract that the warranty period shall not be lower than the industry standard, and the factory shall be responsible for repairing or replacing non-human damage during the warranty period. The factory provides spare parts supply and maintenance support; Software upgrade is provided by the factory, and whether the fee is agreed in advance; The brand party or integrator is responsible for installation and training, and the factory provides technical support and training materials. The time limit for after-sales response and compensation mechanism should also be clearly written to avoid being left unattended for a long time after the school applies for repair.

Responsibility Division Reference

9. Delivery Document List

When an OEM/ODM project is delivered, a large number of documents are required in addition to the product itself. These documents are not only the basis for brand sales and after-sales, but also the certificate of school acceptance and asset management.

It is recommended to include at least the following documents: product specification, BOM list, prototype test report, certification certificate and test report, instruction manual, packaging design document, software authorization document, warranty card, maintenance manual, installation guide, training material and factory inspection report. The brand should file and manage these documents and provide them to the distributor or school when they are delivered in bulk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the digital platform OEM/ODM do? The brand party and the factory jointly define the product, confirm the BOM, complete the prototype, batch delivery and after-sales support. The cooperation mode is divided into OEM, ODM and JDM, and the brand side chooses according to its own ability.

What is the difference between OEM and ODM? OEM is the design or detailed specifications provided by the brand side, and the factory produces according to the drawings; ODM is the mature design and configuration provided by the factory, and the brand side sells it under OEM. OEM is suitable for brands with research and development capabilities, and ODM is suitable for brands who want to launch products quickly.

What needs to be confirmed in the definition of digital podium products? Size and structure, touch screen and computer, audio and video and control, interface and system, certification and compliance, packaging and labeling. A written product specification is recommended.

How to confirm the BOM of the digital platform and the prototype? BOM should specify the brand, model and approval process of substitute materials of key components; the prototype should test the functions of touch control, display, audio and video, interface, network, heat dissipation, aging and software, and freeze the configuration after passing the test.

How to arrange the batch delivery and after-sales of the digital platform? For batch delivery, the order quantity, delivery date, first-piece inspection, random inspection, delivery inspection and batch tracing shall be confirmed; for after-sales, the warranty period, fault response, spare parts supply, software upgrade and training services shall be confirmed.

How to divide the responsibilities of the brand side and the factory? The product definition is led by the brand side, the certification is handled by the factory, the prototype is confirmed by both parties, the mass production is the responsibility of the factory, the installation training is executed by the integrator, and the spare parts and technical support are provided by the factory after sale. It is recommended to write it into the contract annex.

What documents are needed for the digital platform OEM/ODM project? Product specification, BOM, prototype test report, certification certificate, manual, packaging design document, software authorization document, warranty card, maintenance manual, installation guide, training material and factory inspection report.

How to check and accept the digital platform OEM/ODM project? Check and accept according to the prototype standard and contract accessories, covering appearance, function, interface, network, audio and video, software and heat dissipation. Check the model, quantity, serial number and accessories during batch delivery to confirm that they are consistent with the prototype.

What is the MOQ of the digital podium OEM/ODM? Different factories and configurations vary greatly, and need to be confirmed separately by model, screen size and system configuration. It is suggested that MOQ and ladder quotation should be clarified in the early stage of cooperation.

Who will bear the mold fee and certification fee? It depends on the cooperation mode and the negotiation result. Usually the mold fee can be borne or apportioned by the brand, and the certification fee is confirmed by the target market and the type of certification. It is recommended to write into the contract to clarify the cost and whether it is deductible.

Conclusion

Digital podium OEM/ODM is not merely a simple white-label arrangement; rather, it is a collaborative process in which the brand owner and the manufacturer jointly define the product, approve the bill of materials (BOM), develop prototypes, and ensure mass production and delivery. Brand parties and distributors should establish long-term cooperative relationship with the factory based on product definition, cost and MOQ, certification compliance, intellectual property rights, BOM and prototype, batch consistency, after-sales responsibility and delivery documents. It is much cheaper to put these problems in front of the initial stage of cooperation than to remedy them after mass production. Only by choosing the right cooperation mode, setting clear products, and managing quality and after-sales can the digital platform truly become an educational product that can be sold, delivered and supplied for a long time.