In the world of spare parts, it is common to come across the terms OEM, OES and IAM in different industrial sectors. These terms are particularly common in the automotive industry, but they are also applicable to other fields such as household appliances, IT, agricultural equipment and aeronautics. Understanding the meaning of these terms and their implications is crucial to making informed decisions when purchasing spare parts or components for any type of equipment or vehicle.
Basic definitions
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
The term OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer". It refers to companies that manufacture parts or components that are then used by another manufacturer to assemble a final product. For example, in the automotive industry, a company that manufactures brakes that are then used by a car manufacturer to assemble a car is considered an OEM.
OES (Original Equipment Supplier)
OES stands for "Original Equipment Supplier". These are companies that manufacture parts or components to the end-product manufacturer's specifications. These parts are often manufactured on the same assembly lines as OEM parts, but may involve additional steps, such as adding the end-product manufacturer's logo, which can increase their cost.
IAM (Independent Aftermarket)
IAM stands for Independent Aftermarket. It refers to the aftermarket for parts that are not affiliated with original equipment manufacturers or end-product manufacturers. IAM parts are manufactured by independent companies and are often designed to be compatible with a variety of makes and models.
Application in Various Sectors
Automotive industry
In the automotive industry, OEM parts are manufactured by companies subcontracted by carmakers to develop parts to their specifications. OES parts, on the other hand, are manufactured on the same assembly lines as OEM parts, but are stamped with the carmaker's logo and packaged in the carmaker's own packaging. IAM parts, on the other hand, are manufactured by independent companies that are not subcontracted directly by carmakers. The quality of these parts can vary considerably, with some being of inferior quality due to price compromises, while others may be of superior quality to OEM parts.
Domestic appliances
In the household appliances sector, OEM parts are those supplied by the original appliance manufacturer, while OES parts may be spare parts supplied by the appliance manufacturer but manufactured by another supplier. IAM parts, on the other hand, are spare parts manufactured by independent companies that are not affiliated with the original appliance manufacturer.
IT
In the IT sector, OEM parts are often sold to computer assemblers and laptop manufacturers who use them to build computer systems. OES parts, on the other hand, may be components specially manufactured for a particular computer manufacturer, while IAM parts are components manufactured by independent companies and sold on the secondary market.
Agricultural equipment
In the agricultural equipment sector, OEM parts are those supplied by the original equipment manufacturer, while OES parts are parts specially manufactured for a particular agricultural equipment manufacturer. IAM parts, on the other hand, are spare parts manufactured by independent companies and sold on the secondary market.
Aerospace
In the aeronautical sector, OEM parts are those supplied by the original aircraft manufacturer, while OES parts may be spare parts supplied by the aircraft manufacturer but manufactured by another supplier. IAM parts, on the other hand, are spare parts manufactured by independent companies that are not affiliated with the original aircraft manufacturer.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between OEM, OES, and IAM parts is crucial to making informed decisions when purchasing spare parts or components for any type of equipment or vehicle. Although these terms are commonly used in the automotive industry, they also apply to other sectors such as domestic appliances, computers, agricultural equipment and aeronautics. Choosing between OEM, OES, and IAM parts will depend on a number of factors, including availability, cost, and the specific requirements of the equipment or vehicle in question.
