Converge At Forefront Of New Electronic Component Supply Chain Protections

Introduction of counterfeit and substandard parts minimized by stringent 76-point inspection process.

PEABODY, MA – June 2009 – New, more stringent standards have been issued by the IDEA – the Independent Distributors of Electronics Association – to ensure the integrity of semiconductors and other key electronic components used in the manufacturing of electronic equipment. Converge recently announced they not only meet the new standards, but continue to exceed them in all their facilities worldwide.

“We strongly endorse the raising of membership standards by IDEA,” says Converge CEO Frank Cavallaro. “As an industry, we owe it to our customers to uphold the strictest levels of quality throughout the supply chain. The threat of counterfeit and substandard parts can only be defeated with comprehensive, end-to-end discipline among suppliers.”

In its new membership criteria, the IDEA mandates that electronics distributors be ISO 9001 certified by an accredited registrar, be certified to the ANSI ESD S20.20 specification, and have at least one IDEA-ICE-3000-certified component inspector in every distribution facility worldwide. With distribution centers in Asia, Europe and throughout the Americas, Converge is the largest independent distributor of electronic components in the world.

In addition to meeting these tougher requirements, Converge sets the highest bar with regard to quality of any independent distributor with its comprehensive 76-point electronic component inspection process. This process includes the IDEA 1010 standard inspection criteria, as well as additional steps to confirm that moisture sensitivity levels and RoHS compliance are met; ensuring electronic components are authentic and meet original equipment manufacturers’ specifications. In addition to certifications to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards, Converge also has a certified ESD program to the ANSI ESD S20.20 standard that complements internal quality processes and zero-tolerance inspection checks, as well as stringent customer supplier based management and strategic sourcing audit requirements.

ABOUT CONVERGE

Converge is a global supply chain partner for technology-driven companies. The organization’s three business divisions are dedicated to just-in-time distribution of electronic components, comprehensive reverse supply chain solutions and secure IT asset disposition. Founded in 1980, Converge is headquartered in Peabody, Mass., and has offices in Columbus, Ohio; Irvine, Calif.; Singapore; and Amsterdam; along with support centers throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas.

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Contact Information

Mark Romanowski

Marketing Director

Converge

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