An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is a company that produces parts or equipment that are then marketed by another company under its own brand. OEMs play a crucial role in the manufacturing and supply chain process, particularly in industries like automotive, electronics, and computing. They provide the foundational components or products that are integrated into the final product sold to consumers. OEMs can be considered a [[physical channels|physical distribution channel]] because they serve as an essential link in the supply chain, facilitating the movement of goods from production to market. By manufacturing components that are later assembled into finished products by other companies, OEMs enable efficient distribution and availability of products across various markets.