Smart Wearable & AI Hardware OEM/ODM Procurement Glossary
Use this glossary to interpret quotations, product specifications and OEM/ODM project discussions. These explanations support procurement conversations; the signed specification and order agreement define the actual scope and responsibilities of your project.
Who this page is for
First-time importers, private-label brands, startup founders and procurement teams comparing smart wearable and AI hardware suppliers.
Star King is a brand powered by Chudong Technology Ltd., serving global B2B smart electronics buyers since 2000. Discuss product selection, branding, packaging and OEM/ODM requirements with our team; functions and project deliverables are confirmed for the selected configuration.
Manufacturing and branding terms
OEM — original equipment manufacturing, generally manufacture to an agreed customer specification. ODM — original design manufacturing, commonly a supplier-developed platform offered with agreed modifications. Private label — supply under the buyer’s brand, with the actual branding and customization scope defined in writing.
White label — a product platform offered for rebranding, with the permitted changes confirmed by the supplier. Customization — any agreed change such as logo, color, packaging, language, configuration or engineering. These terms are not interchangeable guarantees of source-code or tooling ownership.
Commercial and engineering terms
MOQ — minimum order quantity, which can depend on model, components, colors or packaging. BOM — bill of materials, a controlled component list for an agreed configuration. NRE — non-recurring engineering charges, such as design, tooling or integration work that is separate from unit pricing.
Lead time — the agreed interval between a defined starting event and a delivery milestone. Quotation validity — the period during which commercial assumptions apply. Incoterms — agreed delivery rules addressing selected responsibilities and risk transfer; they do not replace the full purchase agreement.
Software and connected-device terms
Firmware — software running on the device. SDK — software development kit, a set of tools and documentation for development. API — application programming interface, a defined way for software systems to exchange requests or data.
OTA — over-the-air updating, where supported. Cloud platform — a remote service used for storage, processing or other functions. Interface availability does not automatically include unlimited service access, ownership of background software or a commitment to every third-party platform.
Testing and production terms
Prototype — a development sample used to investigate design or function. Pilot production — a limited run used to evaluate manufacturing readiness. Golden sample — an approved reference configuration used alongside written acceptance criteria.
Traceability — records linking units or lots to relevant production information. AQL — acceptance quality limit, a sampling-plan parameter when used in an agreed inspection method; it is not a promise that a batch contains no defects. Change control — the process for evaluating and approving revisions.
Compliance and wearable terms
PPG — photoplethysmography, an optical sensing method used in some wearable measurements. IMU — inertial measurement unit, commonly combining motion sensors. BLE — Bluetooth Low Energy, a wireless technology used in some connected devices.
IP rating — a classification of tested ingress protection under stated conditions. CE and FCC — terms associated with applicable market requirements; confirm the actual documentation needed for your configuration. A sensor name or rating alone does not establish clinical suitability or unrestricted usage.
Procurement checklist
Use these points to prepare a reviewable brief and request written confirmation before approving an order.
| Term | Question to ask | Related procurement topic |
|---|---|---|
| MOQ | Does it apply per model, color or packaging? | Quotation comparison |
| BOM | Which revision does the order use? | Change control |
| SDK/API | What access, licensing and data are included? | Platform integration |
| Golden sample | Which configuration is approved? | Production acceptance |
| Warranty | What coverage and procedure are agreed? | After-sales planning |
Frequently asked questions
Does private label mean the buyer owns the product design?
Not automatically. Confirm ownership of design, tooling, artwork and software in the agreement; branding alone does not establish ownership.
Is NRE included in the unit price?
It may be separate or allocated in another way. Ask the supplier to state engineering charges, payment milestones and deliverables explicitly.
Does API access include firmware source code?
No automatic link exists. Confirm API access, source deliverables and licensing as separate parts of the project scope.
Which glossary terms should appear in an RFQ?
Define the terms that affect price, deliverables and acceptance: model, configuration, MOQ, NRE, lead-time start, inspection scope, delivery rules and warranty.
Related products and buyer resources
Official reference resources
Use these sources for further technical or market-specific review.
Discuss your project with STAR KING
Send the product category, intended use, destination countries, estimated quantity, customization and target schedule. Add your acceptance checklist or reference files so the team can discuss a suitable configuration and identify open requirements.
Request a quotation that separates samples, product supply, engineering, packaging and delivery scope. MOQ, lead time and available documents are confirmed for the actual project.
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