Featured Story: The Pursuit of Quality

Monday, 28 May 2007 18:00

The Pursuit of Quality

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• IDEA-STD-1010-A is a comprehensive inspection standard including tools and procedures for quality control in independent distribution and the electronics manufacturing industry as a whole.
• Smith & Associates was among the first IDEA members to adopt the standard in its entirety.

In early 2003, a group of independent distribution executives came together to address common industry concerns.  Their major concern: substandard parts distributed by a few firms that tarnished the image of all independent distributors. These executives, including Lee Ackerley of Smith & Associates, founded the Independent Distributors of Electronics Association (IDEA).

IDEA’s purpose is “…to promote the independent distribution industry through a media advocacy campaign, to improve the quality of products and services through a quality certification program, educational seminars, and conferences, and to promote the study, development, and implementation of techniques and methods designed to improve the business of independent distributors.” (http://www.idofea.org)

In October 2006, IDEA released IDEA-STD-1010-A, a comprehensive inspection standard including tools and procedures for quality control in independent distribution and the electronics manufacturing industry as a whole.  The standard details inspection processes for electronic components, characteristics of good components, and examples of quality and substandard parts.

Members of the Smith & Associates quality team were instrumental in the development and production of the Standard, and Smith was among the first IDEA members to adopt the standard in its entirety.

IDEA-STD-1010-A is not only being utilized by IDEA members but has also been made available for purchase to other independent distributors and electronics manufacturers.  Nearly 30% of the copies have been sold to electronics manufacturers, some of whom are now requiring that independent distributors conform to the standard to remain on the manufacturers’ approved vendor lists (AVLs). 

IDEA’s next initiative is an Inspector Certification program which is set to launch in mid-2007.  “The best component inspectors in the world work for independent distributors,” says Debra Eggeman, IDEA General Manager, “unlike their counterparts in franchise distribution, independent distributors’ inspectors have to concern themselves with more than quantity, part number, and date code.  Inspections that scrutinize component characteristics and specifications to detect nonconforming parts were developed in this industry.”

IDEA also plans to hold Inspection Workshops and Seminars beginning in Q3 of this year to assist inspectors with preparation for the exam and to raise awareness of the IDEA standards and certifications.  Other initiatives are in the works to support quality-conscious, ethical independent distributors and their customers.

Quality is the watchword in electronics manufacturing.  Electronics OEMs and EMS providers closely screen and audit their suppliers; and standards for quality, service, and value across the electronics supply chain are rising.  IDEA members such as Smith & Associates proactively address manufacturers’ demands while delivering the flexibility of the open market.

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