From concept to finished product: Eletech’s ODM journey to transform ideas into reliable electronic solutions

In an increasingly complex and competitive technological landscape, transforming an idea into a reliable, certified and mass-produced electronic product requires more than engineering skill, it requires method, infrastructure and vision.

This is where Eletech, the Head of the International Design Centres, Research & Development division of Elemaster Group, steps in with its comprehensive Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) model. It is a structured, integrated approach designed to support Customers from concept to industrialisation, offering a full-stack service that bridges design, prototyping, certification and manufacturing, without compromising quality, compliance or time-to-market.

The ODM model developed by Eletech embodies the concept of “Turnkey Electronics”, where each step is optimised to deliver value and performance in sectors where precision is not optional, such as Medical & Healthcare, Railways & Transport, Avionics & Aerospace, and Automation & Energy.

Phase 1 – Requirement analysis and preliminary design

Every successful product starts with a deep understanding of its intended function and context. The first step in Eletech’s ODM journey is therefore a thorough requirement analysis, where the engineering team works side-by-side with the Customer to define technical specifications, application constraints, regulatory needs and commercial goals.

This collaborative process lays the foundation for a tailored development strategy. It is not simply a checklist, it is an in-depth dialogue that allows Eletech to guide the Customer toward optimal decisions in terms of feasibility, materials, production process and lifecycle support.

This strategic phase also includes a preliminary evaluation of sustainability, scalability and maintainability, which will be crucial in later stages such as obsolescence management and after-sales services.

Phase 2 – Integrated hardware and software design

Once the requirements are fully defined, the development phase begins. Eletech’s multidisciplinary team of hardware and software engineers designs a complete, integrated solution. This phase is characterised by the application of best practices in DFM (Design for Manufacturing), DFT (Design for Testability) and DTC (Design to Cost).

These methodologies are not merely optional, they are embedded in the design culture of Elemaster Group, ensuring that every product is robust, testable and economically sustainable from the earliest stages.

In parallel, Eletech performs thermal and mechanical simulations to anticipate operational scenarios and environmental stresses, preparing the product for use in the most challenging conditions. Integration with embedded systems, connectivity modules and UI/UX interfaces is managed to ensure functional cohesion between hardware and software.

Phase 3 – Custom test equipment development

A distinguishing feature of Eletech’s ODM process is its in-house capability to design and build custom test equipment. This includes solutions for ICT (In-Circuit Testing) and FCT (Functional Circuit Testing), tailored to the product’s specific architecture.

At the heart of this capability is the proprietary ELETEST platform, which ensures high precision, traceability and repeatability in test routines, significantly improving detection of potential anomalies during production.

These test systems are developed in synergy with the product, ensuring alignment from the earliest design phases and reducing the risk of undetected faults or compliance issues. This level of integration is essential in mission-critical sectors, where a single failure can compromise safety or certification.

Phase 4 – Rapid prototyping and pilot series

Prototyping is not just about making a first version, it’s about validating, refining and accelerating. In this phase, Eletech produces functional prototypes using its internal facilities for rapid prototyping and new product introduction (NPI), enabling fast iteration and real-world testing of components, PCBs and embedded systems.

This step is followed by pilot series production, a crucial stage for pre-industrial validation of the manufacturing workflow. The pilot series allow for verification of the full assembly process, detection of potential bottlenecks, and adjustment of machine programming or component selection.

This proactive phase ensures that when the product moves into mass production, the process is already optimised, the bill of materials is stable, and all test protocols are in place—reducing waste, risk and launch delays.

Phase 5 – Validation and certification

To meet international regulatory requirements, every product developed by Eletech is submitted to a rigorous validation and certification process. This is carried out in the Eletech internal laboratory, one of the Group’s key assets for ensuring quality and compliance, where EMC, climatic, insulation, vibration and shock tests are accredited in accordance with the recognized International Standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

This phase includes electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), climatic, vibration, dielectric strength and endurance tests, all aligned with sector-specific standards. The ability to conduct this full range of validation activities internally allows Eletech to reduce lead times and respond quickly to any needed design modifications.

Phase 6 – Mass production and supply chain management

Once validated, the project transitions to mass production under the supervision of Elemaster’s global manufacturing facilities. The industrial footprint includes plants in Europe, the United States and Asia, enabling proximity to Customers and optimisation of logistics and delivery times.

Eletech works closely with the production teams to ensure smooth transfer of know-how and test specifications, and manages the supply chain from component sourcing to final assembly.

A proactive obsolescence risk monitoring process is activated early on, allowing for Last Time Buy strategies or redesign planning when needed, protecting the continuity of the Customer’s product lifecycle. The result is a full-stack ODM service where design and production speak the same language, reducing miscommunication, downtime and unexpected costs.

Phase 7 – After-sales support and lifecycle services

Beyond delivery, Eletech offers continuous support throughout the product’s lifecycle. Services include firmware updates, hardware maintenance, failure analysis, spare part management and obsolescence tracking.

This post-sale ecosystem is crucial in sectors where electronic products must remain operational for decades. Eletech positions itself as a long-term technological partner, not only resolving issues but proactively extending product life, optimising total cost of ownership, and integrating upgrades as technology evolves.

A strategic partner for turnkey innovation

Through its ODM journey, Eletech confirms its role as a strategic partner capable of transforming innovation into industrial reality.

By combining design and manufacturing under one roof, and integrating testing, certification, and post-sales support, the division guarantees the delivery of robust, certified, and market-ready solutions tailored to the most demanding application sectors.

Whether in Medical & Healthcare, Railways & Transport, Avionics & Aerospace, Automation, or Energy, Eletech’s process ensures the success of each idea from concept to product, with the backing of Elemaster Group’s technological infrastructure and global footprint.