76-Point Quality Inspection Process
Our 76-point inspection process is an essential function of our quality process, ensuring counterfeit detection and preventive measures are in place – so you can trust that product received from Converge has passed a rigorous quality inspection process – assuring product quality and consistency.
At Converge, quality is at the forefront of the electronic components distribution process. All product must pass through our extensive 76-point inspection process, which is based on the industry leading IDEA 1010 standard, before being accepted for sale or consignment and prepared for shipment at all of our global distribution centers.
In addition, every Converge quality inspector is required to undergo IDEA-ICE-3000 certification to become an IDEA certified professional inspector. Currently we have close to 60 certified inspectors on staff – leading the way in protecting the electronics supply chain.
Each level of inspection follows an escalation track of action, beginning with our:
Visual Electronic Components Distribution Inspection
Our experienced and tenured inspectors conduct a visual inspection and authenticity verification of all incoming materials (parts in trays, tubes or on reels).
An overview of the visual electronic components distribution inspection process includes:
- Packaging examined:
- Weighed and checked for damage
- Taping condition inspected-dented package etc.
- Original factory sealed vs. non-factory sealed
- Shipping documents verified
- Country of origin
- Purchase order and sales order numbers match
- Manufacturer P/N, quantity, date code verification, RoHS
- Moisture barrier protection verified (MSL)-vacuum sealed and humidity indicator with specification (HIC)
- Products and packaging (photographed and cataloged)
- Body marking inspection (faded markings, broken text, double print, ink stamps, etc.)
- Physical conditions inspection (lead bands, scratches, chipped edges, etc.)
- Any other visual irregularities found
Once our visual distribution inspection is completed products are escalated to the next level-electronic components engineering distribution inspection for review.
If any suspect parts or discrepancies are found at this level engineering is immediately alerted through our discrepancy alert process.
Engineering Electronic Components Distribution Inspection
Our highly skilled and trained engineers receive the components for evaluation at a microscopic level to ensure consistency and quality. Any suspect parts or discrepancies that are discovered in the visual inspection process will either be verified or discounted by taking a product sampling of the material/parts.
The engineering electronic components distribution inspection process includes:
- Review visual inspection findings and notes
- Purchase and sales orders numbers verified
- Referencing ERAI and internal databases
- Verification of labels (bar codes)
- Manufacturer’s logo and date log verification
- Moisture sensitivity level (MSL) and RoHS status
- Extensive marking permanency tests
- Review and comparison to manufacturer datasheet
- Additional photos taken and cataloged
If all samples pass inspection then parts are released back to the original inspector for receipt in database.
If any of the samples fail or are still deemed suspect after both visual and engineering electronic components inspections, then the discrepancy alert process is followed.
Outbound/Shipping Electronic Components Distribution Inspection
At final level, inspection involves preparing parts for resale or inventory. Products deemed for resale are inspected one last time before being packaged, photographed, weighed, and proper shipping forms are prepared. Delivery and labeling is also verified.
Additional Verification
There are instances where an extra level of inspection may be employed due to the nature of parts or sensitive certifications required by customers. In these cases, Converge provides value added services through advanced component testing that may be done either in-house or by certified service partner to verify product authenticity.
Testing may include:
For more information on our 76-point quality inspection check, contact us.
