How to Prepare a Product Brief for OEM and ODM Manufacturing
A clear product brief makes the first manufacturing discussion more useful. Explain who the product is for, where it will be sold, and what support you need. This third part covers the information to prepare and how it connects to NCP’s design, manufacturing, and quality management services.
What should you prepare before contacting a manufacturer?
A useful product brief helps a supplier assess your project and ask better questions. You do not need a finished engineering package to begin, but you should explain what you know and what still needs development.
Include:
- Target customer: Who will use or purchase the product?
- Sales markets: In which countries or regions will it be sold?
- Intended use: Where and how will it be used?
- Main functions: Which features are essential?
- Size and performance requirements: What limits or targets matter?
- Materials and appearance: What preferences are already decided?
- Design information: Do you have drawings, sketches, reference images, or samples?
- Order estimate: What quantity do you expect initially and later?
- Budget: What are your target unit cost and development budget?
- Timing: When do you need samples and the first delivery?
Separate essential requirements from preferences.
For example, a maximum folded size may be essential for transport or storage. A particular fabric colour may be open to discussion. Making that distinction helps the manufacturer suggest alternatives without losing the purpose of the product.
How NCP approaches product development and manufacturing
New Century Products presents its services in three main areas: Product Design, Manufacturing, and Quality Management.
These areas give customers a practical way to discuss what support they need and how the work will move from an initial requirement to production.
Product Design
NCP’s published design process includes reviewing customer needs, developing sketches and drawings, making models, and checking design details.
Its design information also describes 2D drawing, 3D modelling, and consideration of colour, material, and finish. These activities help turn a product brief into specifications that can be reviewed and developed further.
Manufacturing
NCP describes manufacturing capabilities that include metal processing, welding, injection moulding, textile processing, and assembly.
Its supply chain process covers production scheduling, material procurement, material verification, and preparation for delivery. Customers can use these areas to discuss how their design requirements connect to production planning.
Quality Management
NCP’s quality management information covers raw materials, products during production, finished products, and delivery.
The company also describes documented control plans, inspection methods, inspection frequency, and continuous improvement. For a new project, these topics provide a basis for agreeing on the checks needed for the specific product.
Project planning questions
What is a typical MOQ?
There is no single MOQ that applies to all OEM or ODM projects. Materials, component purchasing requirements, tooling, colours, and production methods can affect the quantity a supplier can offer.
How long does product development take?
The schedule depends on the starting design, requested changes, sample revisions, tooling, testing, and material availability. Ask for a project-specific schedule with clear approval milestones.
Avoid common project planning mistakes
Assuming an existing design needs little development
Changes to dimensions, mechanisms, materials, or intended use can affect several parts of a product. Ask the manufacturer to assess the requested changes before setting a launch date.
Leaving approvals undocumented
A conversation about changing a sample should result in an updated specification or written decision. Otherwise, the customer and manufacturer may work from different expectations.
Discussing replacement parts too late
For products expected to remain in use for years, ask about replacement components, product identification, and the information needed to support customers after delivery.
Related guides for your next step
Discuss your product project with NCP
Whether you have a complete design or an early product concept, begin with a clear description of your customers, requirements, and target market.
NCP can discuss your needs across Product Design, Manufacturing, and Quality Management.
Read the three-part manufacturing guide
- 1. OEM vs ODM Manufacturing: Which Model Fits Your Product?
- 2. How to Choose an OEM or ODM Manufacturing Partner
- 3. How to Prepare a Product Brief for OEM and ODM Manufacturing