ODM Solutions
ODM process: from concept to mass production in six stages
Each stage has one deliverable and one decision. You always know what you are approving and what happens if you change your mind.
How long does an ODM project take from first enquiry to first shipment?
The total elapsed time for an outdoor gas appliance is driven by three things that run in sequence and cannot be compressed much: tooling manufacture, certification testing at an accredited body, and the pilot run that validates the assembly line. Design iterations happen in parallel with sourcing, so they rarely sit on the critical path. Certification is usually the longest single block, because the test body schedules the slot and a failed test means a design change followed by a re-test. For that reason YBT reviews the certification scheme for your target market at the feasibility stage rather than after the prototype, so the design is built around the standard from the beginning. The figures YBT publishes are averages from its own programmes: a complete new appliance from first concept through testing and certification to mass production takes about two years; a tooled component needs at least 45 working days to first production and about six months for a full development programme; a part that needs no new tooling can be in production within a week. Once in production, finished appliances ship 45 to 60 working days after order and parts in 1 to 2 weeks, depending on quantity.
The six stages
Stage 1. Requirement review and feasibility
You provide: your concept, reference product or existing unit, plus target market, target cost and volume. We give you: feasibility summary, open-issue list and the certification scheme that will apply. Decision point: proceed to design. A complete product is quoted within 1 to 2 months of receiving the brief; assemblies within 1 to 2 weeks; simple parts within 3 days.
Stage 2. Concept and engineering design
3D modelling, material grade selection, gas component specification and design-for-manufacture review by the team that runs the presses. We give you: 3D data, draft BOM and preliminary cost. Decision point: design freeze. Most programmes start from the customer’s drawings; when YBT carries out the design, the development work is quoted separately.
Stage 3. Tooling and prototyping
Stamping dies, forming fixtures and welding jigs made in house by YBT’s two toolmakers, then a functional prototype. Samples are charged per run and paid in full; work starts once the quotation is signed and returned. Tooling paid for by the customer belongs to the customer. We give you: prototype unit and dimensional inspection report. Decision point: prototype approval. Tooled parts reach first production in at least 45 working days.
Stage 4. Certification testing
Submission to an accredited body for the target market. We give you: test report and certificate. Decision point: certificate issued. YBT’s existing heaters are certified CE under Regulation (EU) 2016/426 by Intertek Italia (Notified Body 2575) and cETLus listed by Intertek to CSA/ANSI Z83.26, so both routes are in place; the certification block is the main reason a complete new product averages about two years.
Stage 5. Pilot run
Small-batch build on the production line to validate cycle time, yield, assembly instructions and packaging. We give you: pilot units, yield data and work instructions. Decision point: release to mass production.
Stage 6. Mass production and finished-goods delivery
Full production, assembly, gas-tightness testing, packing and shipment as complete units with inspection records. Finished appliances ship 45 to 60 working days after order confirmation depending on quantity; terms FOB Taiwan port, payment by L/C or T/T in USD with a deposit on order and the balance before departure; indicative capacity about 3,000 finished units a month.
What do we need from you at each stage?
| Stage | What we need from you | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Feasibility | Concept or reference product, target market, target cost, annual volume | Sketch, photo, sample unit, or written brief |
| 2. Design | Brand requirements, preferred gas components if nominated, packaging direction | Written spec or call |
| 3. Tooling & prototype | Written design freeze approval | Email confirmation |
| 4. Certification | Confirmation of the exact market and standard required | Written confirmation |
| 5. Pilot run | Feedback on pilot units, packaging approval | Inspection report or written feedback |
| 6. Mass production | Purchase order, shipping instruction | PO and forwarder details |
Process questions
What happens if the prototype fails certification?
Can we skip the pilot run to save time?
Who owns the tooling after the project?
Start at Stage 1
Send the concept, the target market and an estimated annual volume. That is enough to produce a feasibility summary.
Send us your concept or your drawing
Two separate forms, so you are only asked for what applies to your project.