OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) applications are oftentimes some of the most rewarding, yet challenging applications L-Tron provides. Here is a bit of background about OEM applications and the process we use when working with an OEM client.
What is an OEM application?
An OEM application is generally defined as one where the products and services that L-Tron provides are incorporated into the customer’s own product, which is later sold. The customer in such a case is considered the OEM. For instance, in the past we have created a variety of barcode scanning applications for companies in the health sciences industry. These applications have called for us to create custom barcode scanning hardware that was incorporated into larger machines and systems.
Our process for working on OEM solutions is essentially a more elaborate version of how we approach every other type of solution and customer, the primary difference being that an OEM solution generally requires a significant amount of research and engineering effort and the end solution is generally custom in nature.
The Process –
Step 1
Understand the Customer’s Application, in Detail
Our team sits with our customer’s engineering team(s) to fully dive into all the details of the application. The more we know about the business objectives, technical objectives, timeline requirements, and budgetary constraints, the better it is for the customer because the proposed solution will be an excellent fit and provide return on investment. Our team will seek to understand:
- Everything about the application that could be useful including the intended use of the end product.
- The subsystems involved.
- The environment that the solution will be used in.
- The workflow surrounding the application.
It is safe to say that our team will essentially become a part of the customer’s engineering team for all intents and purposes. From our experience, it is not uncommon to have a hard time distinguishing L-Tron engineers from the end customer’s while they are all in a room because we have become part of the team.
Step 2
We will develop options to work through with the Customer
Once the application is fully understood and all objectives documented, then we will begin developing some options to work through with the customer. The idea here is to be open to a variety of different ways of solving the problem.
Through this portion of the process, there may be multiple prototypes developed and tested. At the end of the day only one will rise to the top, but it is important to give thought and effort to all possible solutions.
The process of developing and down-selecting solutions is an iterative process and relies on excellent communication and interaction between us and the customer’s team. Learn more about the L-Tron Difference.
Step 3
Select the optimal OEM Solution
Once all solutions have been brainstormed and evaluated, then the optimal solution is selected. This selection process is done working hand in hand with the customer’s team. Ensuring that the consideration and down-selection process is not done in a vacuum is paramount to the success of the application.
By remaining so integrated with the customer’s team and collaborating all along the way, we are able to ensure a cost-effective, technology-driven solution that meets the customer’s requirements and guarantees their success.
If you think you may have an OEM application that we can help with, don’t hesitate to give us a call! (800) 830-9523.
