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MOQ, or Minimum Order Quantity, is one of the key parameters that should be considered from the very beginning of a display-based project. The minimum order quantity affects not only the unit cost of the component, but also logistics, implementation schedule, availability of the selected configuration and production planning.
In the case of displays, MOQ is particularly important because the final component is often not just a standard screen from a catalogue. It may include a specific diagonal size, brightness level, interface, touch panel, protective glass, bonding technology, dedicated cabling, control electronics or other elements tailored to a particular application.
In this article, we explain what MOQ means, what determines the minimum order quantity and how to approach display order planning in both standard and customised projects.
This is Unisystem’s own guide, developed on the basis of questions we receive from our customers. We have collected the answers in one place to help device manufacturers plan purchases, implementations and long-term cooperation more effectively.
What is MOQ?
MOQ, or Minimum Order Quantity, refers to the minimum number of products that can be ordered within a given project, model or configuration. It is the smallest order volume at which it is possible to start production, prepare a specific component version or complete delivery under agreed conditions.
In the case of displays, there is no single universal MOQ. The minimum order quantity depends on the project, display design, component availability, scope of modifications and production requirements.
For standard solutions, MOQ most often results from the conditions defined by the manufacturer. In customised projects, it may differ because preparing a dedicated configuration often requires additional steps – such as selecting a touch panel, protective glass, tape, controller, mounting method or technical validation.
This is why MOQ is always defined individually and specified in the quotation.
How does MOQ affect display orders?
MOQ affects several areas of a project: budget, schedule, logistics and production planning. The earlier it is verified, the easier it is to assess the actual implementation cost and prepare a purchasing strategy for the entire product lifecycle.
In display projects, the minimum order quantity may depend, among other things, on:
- the type of technology, e.g. LCD-TFT, OLED or EPD,
- display diagonal size and resolution,
- brightness level,
- communication interface,
- presence of a touch panel,
- type of protective glass,
- mechanical integration method,
- scope of customisation,
- component availability,
- production and logistics requirements.
MOQ should be checked already at the quotation stage. This helps avoid a situation in which the selected component meets the technical requirements, but its minimum order quantity does not match the project scale, prototyping phase or planned production volume.
Does MOQ differ between the first and subsequent orders?
No – for a given project, MOQ remains the same. The minimum order quantity defined for a specific model or configuration applies both to the first and subsequent orders.
This means that if a specific MOQ has been defined for the selected solution, it should be considered not only for the first delivery, but also when planning subsequent production batches, inventory levels and long-term component availability.
Information about MOQ is always included in the quotation and remains a fixed parameter for a given model or configuration.
Can one order include different display configurations?
Yes – one order may include several variants of the same display model.
These may include, for example, versions that differ in brightness level, interface type, touch panel, protective glass, cabling or other structural elements. This solution is particularly useful when one project includes several versions of a device or when the manufacturer wants to adapt the same base component to different applications.
Are you planning an order that includes several display variants? Consult it with our team. We will help you define the right order structure, clarify individual configurations and prepare the documentation so that the entire process runs smoothly through every stage of cooperation.
Blanket orders at Unisystem – how do scheduled bulk orders work?
At Unisystem, we process so-called blanket orders (bulk orders with a delivery schedule) which in our organisation are referred to as open frame orders. They cover a larger volume of components delivered in batches according to a previously agreed schedule.
This solution is intended for customers who want to secure display availability in advance but do not need to receive the entire order at once.
This model allows you to:
- plan production in advance,
- secure component availability,
- maintain stable commercial conditions,
- improve logistics control,
- reduce the risk of interruptions in device production.
Open frame orders are particularly effective in long-term projects and serial production, where delivery predictability, production continuity and the ability to plan demand in advance are crucial.
For device manufacturers, this is a practical solution that combines purchasing security with delivery flexibility.
Is partial shipment of an order possible?
Yes – partial shipment is possible at the customer’s request. Splitting the delivery into several batches may be a good solution when required by the production schedule, available warehouse space, logistics organisation or phased project implementation.
Details regarding the number of batches, product quantities and shipment dates are agreed individually at the order execution stage. This allows the customer to better align deliveries with their own production process, without having to receive the entire volume at once.
Are you looking for a display for a device you are designing?
Contact our team. We will help you select the right technology, define possible configurations, verify the MOQ and plan an order that meets the requirements of your project.
