The Ultimate Resource List for OEMs

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are critical to the global supply chain. Industries ranging from automotive to medical rely on OEMs to produce reliable, high-quality components.

However, today OEMs find themselves navigating a new era of uncertainty. B2B buyer expectations are changing rapidly, and business models are adjusting accordingly. For example, an increase in counterfeit parts masquerading as OEM components means that more OEMs are turning to tracking and traceability practices such as labeling components with durable barcode labels and asset tags to track items throughout the supply chain and verify the authenticity of OEM parts. (Learn more about traceability and why it’s important.)

With many industries in flux, it’s critical for OEMs to stay updated on the latest developments in their field so they can stay agile. Consult these top 50 articles, blogs, organizations, and resource directories to stay abreast of the latest news and best practices for OEMs and keep an eye on the competitive landscape.

• OEM Articles & Guides
• OEM Blogs
• OEM Organizations & Associations
• OEM Resource Directories

OEM Articles & Guides

1. 4 Best Practices to Drive Double-Digit OEM Growth in 2021

@Entytle

Growth is a concern for any industry, but this guide from Entytle shares actionable tips for OEMs to scale up their operations. They argue that data science and agile analytics are the most valuable way for OEMs to grow beyond 2022.

Three key points from 4 Best Practices to Drive Double-Digit OEM Growth in 2021:

• Understand how your customers are using your products
• Use enterprise resource planning (ERP)
• Proactively sell to new customers

2. An Extension of Reach: A Discussion of Full-Service Outsourcing

@mpomagazine

How can your brand cut costs? Outsourcing is becoming an increasingly popular way to save time, cut costs, and improve time to market. This roundtable discussion from MPO describes how OEMs can embrace outsourcing for maximum efficiency.

Three key points from An Extension of Reach: A Discussion of Full-Service Outsourcing:

• More OEMs are working with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs)
• OEMs rely on CMOs in tricky environments, like medical, to keep up with new regulations
• Some CMOs offer direct manufacturing access to OEMs, including co-located employees onsite

3. An OEM’s Guide to Modernizing Operations

@SCBrain

Technology is an essential tool for OEMs, especially in a fast-paced environment like manufacturing. This guide from Supply Chain Brain shows how OEMs can modernize their operations with fewer growing pains.

Three key points from An OEM’s Guide to Modernizing Operations:

• AI, the cloud, and IoT are all essential to OEM modernization
• Product lifecycle services, inventory management, and account management are just as important as product innovation
• Industry 4.0 requires unifying and automating processes

4. Contract Manufacturing for OEM CFOs

@SFMagazineIMA

COVID-19 prompted many OEMs to reconsider how they do business. This guide from Strategic Finance goes in-depth on the topic of contract manufacturing, as well as how OEMs are using it to overcome pandemic-related supply chain challenges.

Three key points from Contract Manufacturing for OEM CFOs:

• OEMs frequently outsource to free up internal space and staff resources
• Outsourcing speeds up time to market and increases volume
• OEMs need to work with their CFOs to ensure outsourcing remains an affordable option

5. Electronics manufacturing industry trends in 2022

@siemenssoftware

Does your company specialize in electronics components? Several new trends are on the horizon for 2022. Ensure that your brand doesn’t miss out by consulting this guide from Siemens.

Three key points from Electronics manufacturing industry trends in 2022:

• Global travel limitations will make it difficult to perform audits or monitor processes
• There will be a significant bump in demand for electronics in the automotive industry
• Frequent changeovers are necessary to overcome supply chain disruptions

6. How OEMs are adapting with intelligent supply chains

Automotive OEMs experienced significant disruptions as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns. Consult this article to see how the pandemic affected automotive supply chains and learn about the steps OEMs can take to create intelligent supply chains.

Three key points from How OEMs are adapting with intelligent supply chains:

• COVID-19 led to greater supply chain transparency
• Artificial intelligence is the best way to get real-time insights into customer demand
• IoT-connected machinery will enable OEMs to remain more agile

7. How to know your business is ready for contract manufacturing

@MSPBJnews

Contract manufacturing is a great way to increase your OEM’s capacity, but is now the right time to contract out your manufacturing? Consult this guide to determine whether outsourcing is the answer.

Three key points from How to know your business is ready for contract manufacturing:

• Contract manufacturing is a true partnership arrangement
• Certifications, like ISO, are a must for contract manufacturing
• OEMs and CMs need to share design, documentation, and other key information to get on the same page

8. Industrial OEM Priorities for 2022 and beyond

@Entytle

 

Entytle conducted a survey of 300+ industrial OEMs from June 2021 to September 2021. Their insights, shared in this guide, reveal OEM priorities for 2022 and beyond.

Three key points from Industrial OEM Priorities for 2022 and beyond:

• OEMs are largely still focused on aftermarket growth, logistics, and the supply chain
• Non-traditional priorities include IoT and eCommerce
• No matter the OEM’s size, they still share the same priorities

9. Industry News Roundup: Despite soaring revenue, OEMs face challenges in 2022

@ritchiebros

Demand (and revenue) is up for OEMs, but challenges are more difficult and numerous than ever before. Check out this guide to see several examples of OEM challenges through the pandemic to the present day.

Three key points from Industry News Roundup: Despite soaring revenue, OEMs face challenges in 2022:

• The price for used equipment and sales increased to unprecedented levels in 2021
• Factory shutdowns and labor shortages threatened Caterpillar’s revenue
• Construction delays in foreign markets, like China, have a tremendous impact on large OEMs

10. It’s Up To Manufacturers to Keep Their Suppliers Afloat

@HarvardBiz

Although it’s tempting to operate in a bubble, OEMs rely on their suppliers to manufacture products. This article from the Harvard Business Review argues that OEMs have a duty to help their suppliers stay in business—or risk experiencing the pinch of the pandemic firsthand.

Three key points from It’s Up To Manufacturers to Keep Their Suppliers Afloat:

• 41 of 44 auto assembly plants in the U.S. closed in March of 2020
• Many OEMs agreed to pay suppliers on an accelerated schedule
• Suppliers often repaid OEMs for their loyalty with preferential treatment and even discounts

11. OEM Insurance: Original Equipment Manufacturer Coverage Guide

@RateForceLLC

It’s an unfortunate reality of business, but insurance is a must to cover your operations against the unknown. This guide from RateForce explains how OEM insurance coverage works for consumers.

Three key points from OEM Insurance: Original Equipment Manufacturer Coverage Guide:

• OEM insurance is optional
• OEM insurance requires repair shops to use only original factory equipment in car repairs
• Weigh the costs to see if paying for the parts outright is more affordable than an insurance policy

12. Original Equipment Manufacturing and Trademark Infringement: A Review of Current Law and Practical Tips for Avoiding Pitfalls

@lexology

Trademark infringement is an expensive but prolific problem for OEMs. Read this paper from Lexology to understand the extent of the problem, as well as practical tips for combatting trademark infringement.

Three key points from Original Equipment Manufacturing and Trademark Infringement:

• Global manufacturing in China can lead to trademark confusion
• OEMs need to be aware of foreign trademarks and patents
• OEMs should register their trademarks in foreign countries, especially those where they manufacture their products

13. Product OEM Strategies: Approaches and Best Practices

@Skimthru_ai

Many OEMs rely on third-party platforms or tools to keep their businesses running efficiently. This guide from Skimthru explains how OEMs can best streamline their OEM strategies with the right approaches.

Three key points from Product OEM Strategies: Approaches and Best Practices:

• Create a shared, holistic strategy for your business and your vendors so you share a common vision
• OEM platforms provide end-to-end solutions for brands, including customer relationship management and HR management
• OEM technology companies provide singular solutions for one specific workflow that an OEM embeds in an existing process

14. Product Regulatory Compliance: The Ecosystem and Participants

@OnRule

Regulation is critical for keeping consumers safe, but it can be a minefield for OEMs. This guide from OnRule explains how OEMs can navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

Three key points from Product Regulatory Compliance: The Ecosystem and Participants:

• Regulators are lawmakers who create industry-specific legislation
• Standards Development Organizations are responsible for developing and maintaining regulations
• OEMs are obligated to test products to ensure they comply with technical standards

15. Raising the Bar: How OEMs Meet the Highest Standards for Servicing Medical Devices

@AdvaMedUpdate

The medical device market is worth billions in the United States alone. Many OEMs service the medical device industry, but comprehensive requirements make it challenging to operate efficiently. Consult this guide from AdvaMed to see how OEMs can meet medical device standards.

Three key points from Raising the Bar: How OEMs Meet the Highest Standards for Servicing Medical Devices:

• OEMs are required to register their facilities with the FDA for inspection
• OEMs are responsible for enacting voluntary recalls
• OEMs must document and approve policies for their operations

16. Strategic interaction of original equipment manufacturers between outsourcing and purchasing in a quality-differentiated market

This academic paper from PLOS ONE shows how reliant OEMs are on contract manufacturers (CMs). Consult this thorough guide to learn how the current OEM environment affects global supply chains as well as profitability.

Three key points from Strategic interaction of original equipment manufacturers between outsourcing and purchasing in a quality-differentiated market:

• “Custom” OEM refers to designing and conducting R&D for key components
• PO mode means OEMs can only buy quality goods from suppliers, instead of making these components internally
• OEMs demanding quality from their CMs can benefit both the OEM and the CM long-term

17. The Equipment Manufacturer’s Guide to Labeling

@MPofCinci

Does your brand produce equipment? If so, you’re required to label equipment with important safety information in many industries. Check out this guide to learn how OEMs are responsible for equipment labeling.

Three key points from The Equipment Manufacturer’s Guide to Labeling:

• There are labeling requirements for equipment in the food, military, medical, and other industries
• Labels are necessary for instructions, security, compliance, asset management, and maintenance
• It’s important for OEMs to use durable labels that will withstand regular use

18. The Significance of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Suppliers for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)

The OEM supply chain is complex—and inefficiencies can significantly hinder an OEM’s ability to stay profitable. This guide from Universal/DeVlieg describes the different tiers of OEM suppliers and how they can affect your business.

Three key points from The Significance of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Suppliers for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs):

• Tier 3 providers provide raw materials, like metal or plastic
• Tier 2 companies produce and supply parts from Tier 3 to Tier 1 companies
• Tier 1 companies have a direct relationship with the OEM and act as their vendor

19. Transforming The Medical Device Industry: Road Map To A Circular Economy

@Health_Affairs

OEMs are essential to manufacturing effective medical devices, but the medical device model can be flawed. Read this guide from HealthAffairs to see how a circular economy can reduce waste and improve the environmental impact of the medical device market.

Three key points from Transforming The Medical Device Industry: Road Map To A Circular Economy:

• Healthcare accounts for 4.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions
• Many single-use medical devices are manufactured by OEMs, only to be discarded after one use
• Much of the medical supply chain focuses on medical devices and pharmaceuticals, but there is more opportunity for change

OEM Blogs

20. Advanced Manufacturing

@ChubbNA

What’s next for the future of manufacturing? Consult Advanced Manufacturing’s blog to learn about US manufacturing’s industry outlook.

Three key articles from Advanced Manufacturing:

• Middle market manufacturers face increasingly intense competition driven by globalization and consolidation.
• Manufacturers’ relationships with suppliers and customers are increasingly interdependent.
• Manufacturers are changing their product and service mix.

21. Automation.com

@automation_com

Automation is key for greater OEM efficiency. The Automation.com blog not only showcases what’s possible with automation but showcases its benefits across a wide spread of industries and applications.

Three key articles from Automation.com:

• Continuous Improvement Is Not Digital Transformation
• Industrial Automation Market Forecasted to Grow Through 2028
• From Digital Transformation to Business Agility

22. AutomationWorld

@automationworld

AutomationWorld is another automation-centric blog with valuable insights for OEMs. Consult their blog for information on robotics, AI, and other automation trends.

Three key articles from AutomationWorld:

• New Industrial Control System Security Threat
• Digital Workflow Tools for Knowledge Transfer Across Operations
• Defining the Digital Twin

23. Automotive News

@automotive_news

While Automotive News isn’t just concerned with manufacturing topics, there are a lot of valuable insights here for OEMs. Check out their Suppliers and Industry Innovations sections to see the latest updates in automotive OEM.

Three key articles from Automotive News:

• VR in the car will disrupt relationships
• Walser tells dealers: Let’s ‘create our own destiny’
• Ford’s EV approach not so revolutionary

24. Automotive World

@automotiveworld

Although it isn’t dedicated just to OEMs, there’s plenty of valuable OEM-related content on Automotive World. Consult this blog to learn about upcoming automotive trends and manufacturing regulations.

Three key articles from Automotive World:

• OEMs opt for partnerships to advance future truck tech
• OEMs will lose the race for user data if they don’t learn from mobile
• OEMs bullish on promise of autonomy monetisation

25. Industrial Equipment News (IEN)

@IEN_Now

Whether it’s software, automation, safety, or the supply chain, IEN offers valuable information for OEMs. If you service industrial clients, IEN’s insights are incredibly useful for overcoming challenges while meeting client demands.

Three key articles from Industrial Equipment News (IEN):

• OEM Recycling: Large Chamber, Electric Shredders Make Quick Work of White Goods
• Key Considerations for Fans & Blowers in the OEM Automotive Industry
• Oil & Gas OEM Delivers High-Reliability Automated Pressure Testing

26. Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN)

@ISHNmag

Safety is paramount in a manufacturing environment. Although ISHN’s blog doesn’t cater just to OEMs, its topics will definitely be of interest to OEMs that need to comply with safety regulations.

Three key articles from Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN):

• Ford claims aftermarket “copy” parts not as safe
• OEM and Aftermarket Parts for Safety Storage Buildings
• Focus on safety standards when creating equipment

27. IndustryWeek

@IndustryWeek

Industry-specific concerns will always be a challenge for OEMs. Consult IndustryWeek’s Operations and Supply Chain categories to stay on top of the latest innovations.

Three key articles from IndustryWeek:

• Automaker Rebound Boosts US Industrial Production in March
• Is Automation Anti-Lean?
• Fixing the Gray Areas in a Green Supply Chain

28. Manufacturing Business Technology

Your business relies on technology to run smoothly. Check out these blogs from Manufacturing Business Technology to learn about U.S. manufacturing and the technology powering it.

Three key articles from Manufacturing Business Technology:

• Food Plant Fires Fuel Conspiracy Theory
• Snapchat’s Flying Camera is Like an Adorable Little Stalker
• How to Bring Manufacturing Back to the U.S.

29. Manufacturing.net

@mnetnews

Whether you serve the aerospace, automotive, or energy sector, Manufacturing.net has valuable content that can help you streamline your operations. Check out their blog to see how supply chain, operations, labor, and other issues can affect manufacturing.

Three key articles from Manufacturing.net:

• Are Supply Chains Too Lean?
• All Those Disposable Masks Might Be Used to Make Stronger Concrete
• China’s Lockdown Could Bite American Consumers Thru Christmas

30. OEM Magazine

@OEMmagazine

OEM Magazine shares OEM-centric content that ranges from technology to products to business operations. Check out their blogs to learn about upcoming trends and changes that affect OEMs specifically.

Three key articles from OEM Magazine:

• New Industrial Control System Security Threat
• Digital Workflow Tools for Knowledge Transfer Across Operations
• The Evolution of OEE and Its Impact on OEMs

31. OEM Off-Highway

@OEMOffHighway

OEM Off-Highway caters to construction and agricultural OEMs. Consult their blog for industry-specific guidance on engines, drivetrains, electronics, and engineering.

Three key articles from OEM Off-Highway:

• OEM Product Roundup: HMI, Power Supply, Integration Platform and Mining Tech
• Planning for Electrification: How to Specify Batteries
• Robot-Ready, Frameless Servo Motors

OEM Organizations & Associations

32. Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)

@AEMAdvisor

AEM unites OEMs that work in the construction and agriculture industries. Consult their website for data-driven industry reports as well as networking opportunities.

33. Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association

@Shortliner

Do you work in the agriculture industry? If so, The Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association is a great place to find resources for your industry. Become a member to join regular meetings, learn about relevant endorsed services, and access industry publications for OEMs.

34. Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA)

@HDMADialogue

The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association is perfect for OEMs that specialize in heavy machinery. This organization advocates for policies that benefit manufacturers and provides members-only publications, forums, and events.

35. International Society of Automation

@ISA_Interchange

ISA is a non-profit that’s designed to advance automation across several industries. Follow its standards and certifications to keep your operations up-to-date with the latest automation technologies.

36. Measurement, Control & Automation Association (MCAA)

@TheMCAAorg

The MCCA provides resources to industrial OEMs. As a member, you can enjoy benefits such as regular webinars, data-driven trends and reports, and even a career center.

37. Medical Device + Diagnostic Industry (MD+DI)

@MDDIOnline

Do you service medical clients? MD+DI is an invaluable resource for OEMs that provide diagnostic products and medical devices. Learn about upcoming product developments and even regulatory changes to stay one step ahead.

38. MERA – The Association for Sustainable Manufacturing

Sustainability is a hot-button issue for consumers, and OEM clients often feel the need to reduce their impact on the environment. Through MERA, you can earn sustainability certifications, attend events, and advocate for sustainable manufacturing initiatives.

39. Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

@MEMADC

MEMA is designed to give vehicle suppliers access to advocacy, networking, and industry research. Consider becoming a member of MEMA to incorporate their best practices into your OEM operations.

40. North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM)

@Nafemhq

Food manufacturing has unique challenges, but NAFEM gives OEMs a centralized place to optimize their businesses. Consult NAFEM for its learning center, national events, advocacy, and more.

41. Organization for Machine Automation and Control (OMAC)

Through OMAC, OEMs can have an impact on the future of automation. OMAC brings manufacturers together to determine professional standards for digital twins, remote access, and much more.

42. Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA)

@OESAConnect

OESA is a valuable resource for automotive OEMs. Attend their events, join peer group councils, or read their industry analyses to get timely information on automotive manufacturing.

43. Process Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA)

Since 1960, PEMA has been a valuable resource to OEMs in the food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and construction industries. As a PEMA member, you can access networking, industry surveys, data-driven forecasting, professional development, and more.

OEM Resource Directories

44. Alibaba

@AlibabaGroup

Famed eCommerce giant, Alibaba, is a surprisingly effective place to connect with manufacturers. Check out their directory to find certified, high-performance manufacturers that are capable of conducting their own R&D.

45. Anixter

@Anixter

Do you manufacture electronic devices? A feature on Anixter can put your OEM brand in front of a range of clientele from across the globe.

46. Automotive OEM

It might not have the glamor of other OEM directories, but Automotive OEM’s subscription database is perfect for sourcing data. Access data on employees or facilities to optimize your automotive OEM.

47. Cosmo Sourcing

@cosmosourcing

Are you revamping your supply chains? Cosmo Sourcing is a valuable directory that helps OEMs find the best suppliers in China and Vietnam.

48. IQS Directory

IQS Directory displays a robust list of industrial manufacturers, which you can search by category or industry. Consult IQS to collect quotes, access supply chain research, and learn more about other OEM manufacturers.

49. Kompass

Kompass is a global B2B directory that helps OEMs find suppliers and buyers. If you want to boost your business, check out Kompass’s data to connect with other professionals across the globe.

50. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Companies in the USA

@Thomasnet

Are you an OEM based out of the United States? Consult this directory from Thomas to find the top OEMs and contract manufacturers in the United States.