When customers approach us at FANNAL for a new display project, one of the first questions we ask is:

“Do you need an OEM solution or an ODM solution?”

Many teams are unsure about the difference—yet this choice determines your project cost, timeline, customization level, and long-term reliability.

In this guide, we explain OEM vs ODM display solutions, how they work, and which option fits your product best.

What Is an OEM Display Solution?

OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer

In display projects, OEM means you already have a design and you need a display manufacturer like FANNAL to:

• Build to your drawings

• Follow your mechanical and electrical specifications

• Use your UI design and your enclosure constraints

• Match your certifications or reliability requirements

Typical OEM Projects Include:

• You provide: display size, resolution, brightness, interfaces, mechanical structure, ID design

• We provide: engineering review, display production, testing, quality control

When OEM Makes Sense

Choose OEM if you:

• Already have in-house display engineers

• Already tested a prototype and only need mass production

• Must follow strict brand or industrial design rules

• Need tight compatibility with your existing system

OEM works best for companies that know exactly what they want.

What Is an ODM Display Solution?

ODM = Original Design Manufacturer

For ODM displays, you tell us your application and requirements—but you don’t need to design the display yourself.

At FANNAL, our engineering team handles:

• Display architecture

• Optical performance design

• Touch panel optimization

• FPC design and interface matching

• Driver board development

• Mechanical structure

• Optical bonding solutions

• Environmental & reliability adjustments

We provide an optimized solution based on your target use and budget.

Typical ODM Projects Include:

• You provide: basic requirements (size, environment, functions, cost)

• We provide: complete display design + engineering + samples + production

When ODM Makes Sense

Choose ODM if you:

• Don’t have a display engineering team

• Need guidance on brightness, bonding, touch, temperature, or interface

• Want to reduce development risk and shorten time to market

• Need a customized display but don’t want to start from zero

ODM works best for companies who need professional support to define the display.

OEM vs ODM: What's the Core Difference?

Which One Do You Need? (Simple Decision Guide)

At FANNAL, we summarize it with one sentence:

✔ Choose OEM if you already know your display.

✔ Choose ODM if you need us to help create it.

Still unsure?
Here are application-based suggestions:

Choose OEM if your product is:

• Already in the market, and you want to switch suppliers

• Updating a version (V2.0, V3.0)

• Using fixed mechanical tooling

• Strict industry-regulated (medical, automotive, e-bike, railway)

Choose ODM if your product is:

• A new device without a display yet

• Moving from a standard TFT to a customized solution

• Intended for harsh environments: outdoor, industrial, medical

• Requiring unique brightness, optical bonding, UI layout, or touch performance

What We Customize in OEM/ODM Display Projects

Since you want it aligned with FANNAL’s real business scope, here is the accurate list:

Display Characteristics

• Size & aspect ratio

• Resolution

• Brightness (500–2000+ nits)

• Contrast & optical performance

• Viewing angle technology (IPS/VA)

Touch Panel (PCAP Only)

• Sensor design

• Controller IC

• Touch tuning for gloves, water, noise

• High EMI environments

Cover Glass

• Thickness

• AG/AF/AR coating

• Shape & printing

• Strengthening (chemically tempered)

Interface

• RGB

• LVDS

• MIPI

• HDMI

• FPC layout & connector type

Backlight & Optical Bonding

• High-brightness LED backlight

• Long lifetime (50k+ hours)

• Optical bonding (OCA/LOCA)

Mechanical Structure

• Mounting frames

• Custom bezels

• Housing compatibility

Environmental & Reliability

• Wide temperature performance

• Vibration & shock

• Anti-UV / anti-moisture

• EMC/ESD protection

Industries We Serve With OEM & ODM Displays

FANNAL works across applications where reliability and customization matter:

• Automotive displays: dashboards, center consoles

• E-bike displays: sunlight readable, rugged, waterproof

• Industrial displays: HMI control panels, PLC HMIs

• Medical touch screens: high stability, long lifecycle

• Outdoor displays: kiosks, EV chargers, signage

• Gym screens: touch-integrated, durable

• Motorcycle displays: high brightness, anti-vibration

• Railway displays: long-term supply, high reliability

• Vending machine displays: PCAP + optical bonding

• Embedded displays: small form factor TFT + touch

Conclusion

Understanding OEM vs ODM display solutions helps you reduce development risk and choose the right manufacturing path.
At FANNAL, we support both:

• OEM for customers with ready designs

• ODM for customers who need full engineering support

Whether your priority is speed, customization, or high reliability, we help build the display that fits your product—precisely and efficiently.

FAQ

1. Which is cheaper: OEM or ODM?

OEM is usually cheaper upfront. ODM may require engineering development but reduces long-term risk.

2. How long does an ODM display project take?

Typically 5–10 weeks, depending on bonding, touch tuning, and mechanical design.

3. Can FANNAL support long-term supply for industrial or medical customers?

Yes. We focus on long lifecycle components and stable supply chains.

4. Are OEM and ODM displays fully customizable?

Yes—especially ODM. OEM follows your design; ODM lets us design for your application.