By Anna Qiu · Lighting Engineer, VOC Lighting · Last updated: 22 October 2026
Direct answer: BOQ lighting product matching is the process of taking a project's bill of quantities or lighting schedule and returning, line by line, a proposed product or configuration for each entry, checked against light output, wattage, dimensions, optics, CCT, CRI, electrical requirements, installation, controls and environmental ratings. The result identifies compliant selections, deviations requiring approval and unmatched items. Standard configuration options are reviewed before assessing whether OEM/ODM engineering is needed. VOC Lighting runs both stages: send the drawings, lighting schedule or BOQ and receive a matched product list with a priced BOQ. MOQ and production lead time are confirmed for the exact model, configuration and quantity at quotation stage. IES photometric files are available for selected products; documentation gaps and any additional testing are identified during review.
Compare the ranges that get matched most often: LED downlights & spotlights · linear & office lighting · outdoor architectural lighting
A bill of quantities may list quantities, performance requirements, reference brands and model numbers, or a combination of these. Read it together with the lighting schedule, specification and drawings: a BOQ alone may not contain enough detail to establish equivalence. Matching requires a documented comparison of the proposed fixture with the project requirements.
The review follows three routes. The appropriate route depends on the requirements and the available product platform.
| Stage | What it means | Typical outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Matching | An existing product satisfies the line as written | A named model per line, with available supporting documents and any documentation gaps identified |
| Configuration | An existing platform can meet the requirements using supported options | A defined configuration covering output, wattage, CCT, CRI, optics, finish and driver; availability confirmed per model |
| OEM/ODM engineering | Supported catalogue options cannot satisfy the brief and engineering development is feasible | A development proposal with scope, samples, validation requirements, costs and milestones |
For example, a requirement combining a minimal track aperture, a non-standard CCT, high CRI, asymmetric wall-wash optics and DALI control may require a configured or custom-developed solution. Compatibility, thermal limits and supporting documentation must be reviewed before feasibility is confirmed. Private-label branding may also be available on existing products; it does not necessarily require a new fixture design.
Send as much of the following as exists. The point of the list is that each item is a decision the factory cannot make for you — missing requirements are recorded as clarification requests or explicit assumptions for approval before release.
| Input | Why it decides the match | What goes wrong without it |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting schedule or BOQ | Defines what has to be matched, line by line | The match is built on an assumption about scope |
| Drawings & reflected ceiling plan | Shows ceiling type, cut-outs, module patterns and access | Fixtures match on paper and do not fit the ceiling |
| Luminaire output, wattage & lighting targets | Defines the required delivered lumens and power limits; illuminance targets also require layout and room information | Over- or under-lit spaces; a late redesign |
| Dimensions & cut-out size | Determines whether the housing is a like-for-like swap | Ceiling remediation on site |
| Beam angle & distribution | Defines light distribution; glare and the resulting lighting effect also depend on installation geometry | A symmetric optic substituted for an asymmetric one |
| CCT, CRI & SDCM where specified | Defines colour appearance, colour rendering and the required colour tolerance; confirm batch consistency where important | Visible colour mismatch between adjacent fixtures |
| Electrical supply, driver & installation depth | Checks voltage, driver output, wiring and physical clearance | Electrical incompatibility or insufficient space for installation and servicing |
| Installation method | Recessed, surface, suspended, track, in-ground, spike or bollard | Wrong mounting kit shipped |
| Dimming & control protocol | Determines driver selection and wiring | Drivers replaced after delivery |
| IP / IK requirement | IP addresses dust and water ingress; IK addresses mechanical impact. Confirm each requirement separately | Premature failure in service |
| Quantities per line | Confirms the applicable MOQ per model or configuration and any phased-delivery arrangement | A price based on volumes that do not exist |
| Destination market | Identifies applicable market and project compliance requirements for review | Customs or site rejection |
The simplified example below illustrates the review format only. It is not a product offer or evidence of a completed project; model references, performance data and prices are added after verification.
| BOQ line | Requirement | Proposed route | Deviation / evidence status | Approval status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L01 | Recessed downlight to the scheduled output, cut-out and controls | Existing model, subject to document review | No deviation identified after comparison; list exact datasheet and photometric references | Awaiting project approval |
| L02 | Track spotlight with a specified finish and control protocol | Supported configuration, subject to platform confirmation | Record configuration code and verify the relevant documentation; flag additional testing if needed | Awaiting configuration and sample approval where required |
| L03 | Asymmetric fixture within a restricted installation envelope | Unmatched pending engineering assessment | No compliant selection confirmed; assess feasibility, development and validation | Hold pending clarification and feasibility review |
The full quotation also records quantities, unit prices, MOQ, lead time, validity, agreed delivery basis and any sample, tooling or testing charges. A deviation remains open until accepted in writing.
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| CCT | Available CCT and tunable-white options depend on the model, driver, control system and order quantity |
| CRI | Confirm the available CRI grade per model and CCT; CRI ≥90 or ≥95 is subject to platform feasibility and supporting data |
| Optics | Multiple beam angles per family — confirm per model |
| Dimming / control | TRIAC, 0-10V, DALI and Tuya Zigbee depending on series |
| Housing finish | Available colours and finishes confirmed per model; custom finishes subject to feasibility and MOQ |
| Brand identity | Labels, logos and packaging under the customer's brand |
What OEM/ODM does not change: construction and sealing still have to suit the location, photometric performance still has to be documented for the optics you specify, and certification still has to match the destination market. See OEM & ODM lighting services.
| Term | Quotation basis |
|---|---|
| Minimum order | Confirmed per model and configuration. Sample orders, mixed configurations and phased deliveries are agreed separately |
| Production lead time — spike & bollard luminaires | Confirmed at quotation stage for the selected model, quantity, component availability and specification |
| Production lead time — in-ground luminaires | Confirmed at quotation stage for the selected model, quantity, component availability and specification |
| Other ranges | Confirmed per model at quotation stage |
| Photometric files | IES files for selected products |
| Certification | Applicable declarations of conformity and supporting test documentation for selected models; scope verified against the supplied configuration |
| Inspection & freight | Quoted separately — not included in production lead time |
Reference resources for reviewing the evidence pack: photometric file formats and their role in design review are explained at IES: learn about IES files; where DLC qualification is specified, check the exact product listing on the DLC Qualified Products List, which addresses DLC performance requirements and does not replace applicable safety or market-compliance checks. For EU destinations, identify all applicable requirements for the product; one reference is the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU on EUR-Lex, where applicable. The required scope depends on the electrical design and supplied assembly; additional requirements may apply.
If you want to see what a match looks like before sending a BOQ, the following ranges provide starting points for commercial and architectural schedules. Exact availability and suitability are checked per project.
| Range | Where it appears on a schedule |
|---|---|
| LED downlights & spotlights | General and accent lighting — offices, retail, hospitality, corridors |
| Linear & office lighting | Continuous runs over workstations, circulation and perimeters |
| Surface-mounted lighting | Where a recess is not available or the ceiling is exposed |
| Pendant & decorative lights | Feature lighting over tables, atria and reception |
| Magnetic track lighting systems | Review HS26 and the MT26, R18, TB15 and S20 families, alongside the DR5 24V 5 mm system for minimal apertures. These are separate systems: confirm track, adapter, power-supply and control compatibility within the selected family |
| 220V track lighting system | Track applications where the specified mains supply and luminaire driver arrangement are suitable; confirm wiring, accessories and control compatibility |
| Spike lights · bollard lights · in-ground lights · outdoor wall lights | Landscape and facade packages — see outdoor architectural lighting |
Application contexts these packages are specified for: retail & showroom, hotel & hospitality, gallery & exhibition, office and residential & villa.
It is a documented, line-by-line comparison of proposed luminaires with a project BOQ, lighting schedule, specification and drawings. The result identifies matching products, supported configurations, deviations requiring approval and unmatched items. Engineering development is assessed where standard options cannot meet the brief.
Send the BOQ or lighting schedule, relevant specifications and drawings, quantities and destination market. Include output and lighting targets, wattage, dimensions, installation depth, electrical supply, optics, CCT, CRI, any SDCM requirement, control protocol and environmental ratings where specified. Missing requirements are returned for clarification or recorded as assumptions for approval.
Quotation timing is confirmed after reviewing the completeness of the documents, the number of schedule lines and the complexity of the requirements. New development, samples or additional testing may require a separate assessment. Quotation turnaround and production lead time are confirmed separately.
Send the reference model and its specification. A proposed alternative is compared against the documented requirements, including performance, dimensions, controls and installation. Any deviation is identified for review; equivalence and project acceptance are not assumed from a similar wattage or appearance.
Depending on the product platform, options may include CCT, CRI, optics, output, drivers, controls, dimensions, finishes and private-label packaging. Standard configuration and branding options are distinguished from engineering development. Feasibility, MOQ, samples, validation requirements, costs and lead time are confirmed for the agreed scope.
MOQ is confirmed at quotation stage for the exact model, configuration and quantity. Sample orders, mixed configurations and phased deliveries are agreed separately. The quotation states how the MOQ is applied.
IES files and applicable compliance documents are available for selected products. The evidence pack identifies the model and configuration covered, available dimensions and installation information, and any missing files or additional testing required. Review the certification resources and downloads; confirm the exact documentation scope before approval.
Send the BOQ, lighting schedule, specifications and available drawings with quantities and destination market. VOC Lighting reviews the requirements and returns proposed models or configurations, a deviation and documentation status list, and commercial terms for review. Send your project or request a quotation.
Anna Qiu is a lighting engineer at VOC Lighting, working on commercial and architectural specifications and OEM/ODM development for distributors, contractors, lighting brands and design practices. VOC Lighting is a B2B architectural and commercial LED lighting manufacturer based in Foshan, China, with a second facility in Zhongshan, supplying project customers worldwide. See also Top architectural lighting brands in 2026: the specifier's guide and Lumenpulse alternatives for specification-grade and outdoor projects.
