This ISO 9001 Quality Certificate smells fishy!

 How to Find Out if an ISO 9001 Certificate is Valid

The first thing you need to do when you are evaluating a potential supplier based on their ISO 9001 certificate is request that they provide you with a copy of the certificate itself. If the company is indeed certified, they shouldn’t have a problem providing you with a copy of their certificate.  When you have it, then you can make the following checks:

1. Only registrars are allowed to give ISO 9001 certificates. An organization cannot self-grant a certificate. So, look for the name of the registrar (e.g., DNV, BSI, ABS etc.).

2. Look for the name of the accreditation body (e.g., ANAB, UKAS, etc.). If you see a stamp from an accreditation body, you can find out if this accreditation body is a member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). If there is no stamp from an accreditation body on the certificate then you should be suspicious as to whether the registrar is competent to audit. A registrar may opt to not seek accreditation, but that may or may not be an indication of their ability and competency.

Here is an excerpt from the ISO web site: “In most countries, accreditation is a choice, not an obligation and the fact that a certification body is not accredited does not, by itself, mean that it is not a reputable organization. For example, a certification body operating nationally in a highly specific sector might enjoy such a good reputation that it does not feel there is any advantage for it to go to the expense of being accredited. That said, many certification bodies choose to seek accreditation, even when it is not compulsory, in order to be able to demonstrate an independent confirmation of their competence.”

3. If there is a registrar name on the certificate, the quickest way to find out if the certificate is valid is to call the registrar directly and ask them to verify that they have issued such a certificate. Explain to their registrar what you are trying to do and they should be able to put you in touch with the specific department that can help with you with such situations.

4. Bear in mind that if an organization certifies Plant A, it doesn’t mean that Plants B and C are also certified. Usually the certificate will tell you exactly which processes and locations are certified. So verify that your vendor’s specific location and processes are certified.

5. Ensure that the certificate has not expired. If it has, then you can ask the company the reason why the certificate is expired.

Valid reasons could be:

    a. They already had their recertification audit but the registrar failed to provide the audit report on time and therefore they were unable to answer the nonconformities on time. In this case you should be able to get a copy of the recertification audit report. I have experienced this situation and the organization truly may not be at fault.

    b. They were not ready for their recertification audit and decided to postpone it. In this case, you should expect to see an audit agenda, describing the new audit date. I have seen this situation also. In this case the organization itself is admitting they have shortcomings. See if they are actually working on improving the system.

6. If you have some time and access to the internet, you can actually go to the registrar web site directly and look for a list of their clients. An easy Google search could use the search words: ISO 9001 registrar. 

Not all registrars are created equal

Like it or not, not all registrars conform to the same audit standards or principles. Simply put, some registrars are better than others. I’m not being biased, but rather speaking from my own experience and what I hear in the ISO standards world.

In the case of an accredited registrar that is operating while its accreditation is under suspension, they are not authorized by the accreditation to give certificates bearing the logo of the accrediting agency (e.g., ANAB, UKAS, etc.) until their auditing practices are up to par with the accreditation body auditing practices and the ISO 9001 auditing standard as well.

When an organization is audited by a registrar that doesn’t have good practices, the only one that stands to lose is the organization, because they are made to believe that their management system is conforming to the standard, when in fact, such a management system may have many opportunities for improvement. In some cases, the need for this improvement is severe. The problem is not just “not conforming to the standard” but rather not getting the full benefit of being certified, which means improving the processes and the business.

Of course, all audits are based on a sampling plan, however if a registrar decides to audit less days than those recommended by the International Accreditation Forum or another similar entity, then you may not be able to truly obtain a representative sample from which to audit.

If it still smells…

A good supplier should be able to help you improve your quality by providing you with excellent products and services.

Miriam Boudreaux is the author  of this article and President of Mireaux Management Solutions, a consulting firm headquartered in Houston, TX.

Quality lessons learned is a service of Electronic Supply Chain Solutions Inc.

Learn to Know the Difference with AS5553

SAE International recently responded to the problem of counterfeiting by completing this
past fall a new standard designed to mitigate the risks of receiving and
installing counterfeit electronic parts. The SAE standard, AS5553:
Counterfeit Electronic Parts; Avoidance, Detection, Mitigation, and
Disposition, which was created by the Counterfeit Electronic
Parts Committee (G-19), standardizes the requirements, practices,
and methods related to parts management, supplier management,
procurement, inspection, test/evaluation, and response strategies when
suspected or confirmed counterfeit parts are discovered.Electronic Supply Chain Solutions‘ President Matthew Heaphy is among the small group of individuals that make up the G-19 committee.
The standard was recently adopted by the U.S. Department of Defense.
How do counterfeit parts get into the supply chain of the aviation
industry, which has a reputation for thoroughness and security? It
begins with simple economics – supply and demand. The volume of
electronics used by the military and the airline industry is miniscule
compared to the public’s use, which includes cell phones, computers
and entertainment systems. Chip manufacturers focus on meeting
these large volume needs and subsequently stop producing the less profitable
aerospace components.
When original equipment manufacturers can no longer buy from an
original component manufacturer, they must go to the open market and
find a broker who can supply the equipment. Counterfeiters are aware
of the shortages and begin approaching brokers with the bogus goods.
Brokers must rely on the word of the suppliers and have no way of
determining if the electronic parts are bogus.
The control plan includes processes to specifically address
counterfeit part risk mitigation methods in electronic design and parts
management, supplier management, procurement, part verification,
material control and response strategies when suspect or confirmed
counterfeit parts are discovered.
The standard calls for maximized availability of authentic parts;
procurement of parts from reliable sources; assuring authenticity
and conformance of procured parts; control of parts identified as
counterfeit; and reporting counterfeit parts to other potential users and
government investigative authorities.
The Counterfeit Electronic Parts Committee has recently begun work
on a new related document, AS6081, Counterfeit Electronic Parts;
Avoidance Protocol, Distributors. Watch for more info as it becomes available.

Looking for info on AS5553? The AS9100store.com has some great information to share!

SAE AS5553: Counterfeit Electronic Parts;
Avoidance, Detection, Mitigation, & Disposition

What is AS5553?

*This AS5553.info website is for information only. We do not market or sell anyone’s product. 
Any links to products for items that may be purchased are provided strictly as a guide to information or content.

SAE AS5553 standardizes the requirements, practices and methods to reduce counterfeit parts entering the supply chain. It provides Requirements and Guidance by outlining actions an organization can take to address the growing problem of counterfeit parts across the entire electronics industry.
You can Buy a Copy of AS5553 from Tech Street.

 

Incorporates recognized best practices in:

Component Management
Supplier Management
Procurement
Inspection
Test/Evaluation Methods
Response strategies when counterfeit components are suspected or detected

Who needs AS5553?

All electronic industries:
Defense, Aerospace, Civil & Commercial

Industry Associations

Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
Best Manufacturing Practices Center of Excellence (BMPCOE)
ERAI, Inc.
Government Electronics & Information Technology (GEIA)
Independent Distributors of Electronics Association (IDEA)

 How bad is the problem?

It is an industry-wide global problem, particularly ind AS&D industries. ERAI, Inc. receives ~200 suspect counterfeit part complaints/month and confirmed more than 2800 brokers selling counterfeit components.

• View NASA PowerPoint on impact of counterfeits
• View SAE PowerPoint on the Counterfeit Parts
• View Business Week Article and video on their investigation

What are the Benefits of AS5553?

More information available:

• Attend the SAE AS5553 Training
• Combat Counterfeits Website
• Article from Military & Space Electronics
• Safe Source Seal Aerospace Sourcing Assurance

ESCS & the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP).

To fight the growing threat of counterfeiting and piracy to the economy, jobs, and consumer health and safety, the business community, led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center, organized itself through a broad-based business coalition, the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP).

Formed in 2004, the CACP has grown to more than 650 members,Click here to view the CACP Membership List making it the largest business coalition of its kind. Electronic Supply Chain Solutions may be  # 279 on the current alabetical member listing, however ESCS was one of the first electronic component distributors to join the CACP back in the early days. The coalition is committed to increasing the understanding of the negative impact of counterfeiting and piracy and to finding real solutions by working with governments, industry, opinion leaders, the media, and consumers. This year, the CACP is focusing on a few primary goals, which we believe will make a measurable impact in the fight against counterfeiting and piracy.

ESCS President Matthew Heaphy III is a expert in the field of counterfeit components and is a voting member of the SAE G-19 counterfeit committee. Working with management of prime contractors and goverment agencies such as: NASA,NAVY JPL we hope to bring about change for a safer enviorment in the electronic distrbution community.

The CACP 2009 Goals:

• Pass, fund and implement all components of the Campaign to Protect America. (Learn more)
• Strengthen state and local anti-counterfeiting and piracy enforcement efforts. (Learn more)
• Conclude a strong and enforceable ACTA and improve existing trade policy tools. (Learn more)
• Promote industry-led, market based, technological solutions to intellectual property protection by all industries involved in the manufacture, distribution and marketing of IP-based products and services.
• Find out what recent goals the CACP has achived below or contact ESCS@727-723-8255 to learn how you can make a difference. http://www.combatcounterfeits.com

Click here to view the CACP Overview

Why does ESCS sponsor www.AS5553.info?

August 2009 the DOD adopted  SAE’s AS5553 standard on courterfeit electronic parts

Electronic Supply Chain Solutions sponsors http://www.as5553.info/ to educate those who are looking to implement a risk mitigation stratagy for counterfeits.

What is AS5553?

The Aerospace AS5553 Standard – Counterfeit Electronic Parts; Avoidance, Detection, Mitigation, and Disposition was developed by the G-19 committee of SAE International, and has just been issued in April, 2009.The standard is designed for adoption by aerospace and military manufacturers and contractors, providing uniform requirements, practices and methods to mitigate the risk of receiving and installing counterfeit electronic parts.  The AS5553 standard documents requirements, practices and methods related to:   parts management supplier management procurement inspection, test/evaluation, and response strategies when suspect parts are discovered. The AS5553 certified contractor or manufacturer must flow down the relevant requirements of the standard to all their sub-contractors and parts suppliers.

Benefits of AS5553

There is no process or standard of operation that can absolutely prevent a company from receiving or installing a counterfeit part.  The AS5553 standard, however, provides a framework for risk assessment that pinpoints potential problem areas and ensures management has an understanding of what specific risks exist of receiving counterfeit components.  This allows informed decisions to be made on the level of risk for any given component procurement requirement, and to weigh that risk against other alternatives.  If the risk is deemed excessive, the project team may accept a longer lead-time delivery or seek a re-design to utilize only franchise or original component manufacturer supplied parts.In addition, the AS5553 standard provides clearly defined expectations that can be communicated to suppliers for their performance.   AS5553 certified companies provide their customers with the objective assurance that a disciplined quality management approach is being applied to all phases of their operation impacting the ability to mitigate counterfeit parts risk.

THE BIG NEWS is……….

The SAE International G-19 Committee created SAE AS5553–Counterfeit Electronic Parts; Avoidance, Detection, Mitigation, and Disposition to standardize requirements, practices, and methods related to counterfeit parts risk mitigation. Shown is the electronic engine control system of a Rolls-Royce Trent 500.
The U.S. Department of Defense recently has adopted AS5553–Counterfeit Electronic Parts; Avoidance, Detection, Mitigation, and Disposition. SAE International had issued the standard earlier this year. In response to an increasing volume of counterfeit electronic parts entering the aerospace supply chain, SAE in 2007 created the G-19 Committee to develop a document standardizing requirements, practices, and methods related to counterfeit parts risk mitigation. The resulting product presents solutions in addressing counterfeit electronic parts issues across a large cross section of the electronics industry by requiring those who adopt it to develop and implement a counterfeit electronic parts control plan. The control plan includes processes to specifically address counterfeit part risk mitigation methods in electronic design and parts management, supplier management, procurement, part verification, material control, and response strategies when suspect or confirmed counterfeit parts are discovered. Electronic Supply Chain Solutions President Matthew Heaphy III is one of the 20 members that currently make up the G-19 committe and discussions with Matthew Heaphy III an expert on counterfeit components can provide your company with the tools needed to Combat Counterfeits

To contact ESCS call 727-723-8255 or send your questions to email Matt@escsinfo.com

Supplier Verification

The AS5553 standard imposes an obligation on manufacturers to verify that all supplier operations are in conformance with the flow down requirements of the standard.  This burden is greatly reduced where suppliers are certified to the aerospace AS9120 standard.An AS9120 quality certification provides objective evidence of a distributors conformance to supplier management, split lot traceability and inventory control documentation.  Manufacturers can then focus their verification efforts on the additional requirements of the AS5553 standard, such as ensuring appropriate inspection and testing processes are being consistently applied.   Learn more about the AS9120 standard here.

NASA Mandates Compliance

NASA has already mandated compliance with the Aerospace AS5553 standard.  NASA Policy Directive NPD8730.2C – “NASA Parts Policy”, was issued November 3rd, 2008, and applies for all NASA operations.View the Policy Directive here.

NAVAIR Requires Contractor Compliance

The Naval Air Systems Command included compliance with the AS5553 standard for all bidding contractors in the recently issued Statement of Objectives for the Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System.Section 3.8 requires submission of a plan for “component compliance certification” that must be in accordance with the AS5553 standard.   It’s a reasoable bet that future government projects will also hold contractors to the AS5553 standard as well.

Those looking to mitigate the risks of counterfeiting are looking to ESCS

ESCS President Matthew Heaphy III an expert in counterfeit electronic components and consults those in need.

ESCS Online Workshops  -Provide Counterfeit Risk Mitigation

How far along is your company in developing a robust counterfeit risk mitigation strategy? ESCS hosts a range of workshops, each targeted to addressing one specific aspect of how your company can implement policies and procedures tailored to your specific operational environment. “Bite-sized” 30 minute workshops.  Each is structured to present key information that is always thought-provoking, and that allows for questions and interactive discussion. Up to 15 locations may participate in a single workshop.  From individuals at their own desks to conference room groups, ESCS uses GoToMeetingTM conference technology to give you the flexibilty your organization requires. Best of all, there is no cost or obligation. At ESCS, we know that when you have an appreciation for our quality expertise, you will also understand the value of utilizing our quality services for your most challenging procurement needs.

Currently Available Workshops

WORKSHOP:  “Counterfeit Industry Overview”

This workshop presents a review of the global development of electronic component counterfeiting, and allows opportunity to delve into specific areas that directly affect your company’s operations.  What types of components are you buying?  How active are counterfeiters with these parts, and how can you be sure you’re catching the types of fakes they produce to meet your type of component demand?The workshop also reviews available objective and subjective data on what’s actually happening in the industry today.  What are companies really experiencing, and how are they reacting?  What are the strategies they are putting in place, and how relevant might these be for your company?

WORKSHOP:  “Risk Assessment – Your Current Situation”

You can’t make a plan without a clear understanding of the problem!  This workshop take you through a process to review what your company’s actual counterfeit experience has been as well as a look at the current level of protections (or lack thereof) embedded in your procurement, receiving inspection and vendor management policies.

WORKSHOP:  “Distributor Selection & Management”

“Vendor Reduction” might be the buzz-phrase everyone’s using; but is that really an adequate response?  This workshop looks at the benefits of vendor reduction, and helps you outline criteria you will use to evaluate current and prospective suppliers from the perspective of what will best help to mitigate counterfeit risk while still giving your procurement operations the flexibility they need.You’ll take a look at quality certifications such as ISO 9001 and the Aerospace AS9120, and understand the difference between “compliant” and “certified”.  The subjects of inspection and traceability, as well as vendor performance reporting are also covered.

WORKSHOP:  “Performance Management – Plan, Do, Check, Act!”

Every plan for organizational change is only as good as the process used to get it done combined with the follow-up included to ensure success.  This workshop walks you through how best to apply the tried and true methodology of “Plan, Do, Check, Act” in relation to development and implementation of your counterfeit risk mitigation strategy.

ESCS MITIGATES YOU RISKS

What People Are Saying

“Thanks, ESCS, for getting our whole quality group energized and focused on the changes we need to make.” Bill W., Florida“We had six managers in four locations, and it couldn’t have been easier to get us all together with ESCS’s use of GoToMeeting functionality.  And we actually got it done on our lunch break, within the 30 minutes!” Janice L., Arizona

“LUNCH n LEARN” is Preferred

To date, most of the ESCS Counterfeit Mitigation Workshops have been held as a “Lunch ‘n Learn” event.  It’s an easy way to accomplish the goal without the need to schedule yet another meeting in everyone’s busy day.Professor Quality says, “Join me at the next ESCS Lunch n Learn workshop!”

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ESCS Exposes the tricks they play with a counterfeit electronic component photo gallery

The Tricks They Play – A Gallery of Counterfeit Examples

A Growing Business

Counterfeiting of electronic components has become big business in many parts of the world, but nowhere more so today than in China.  U.S. electronics “recyclers” divert containers full of scrapped circuit boards into Hong Kong, where they are smuggled across the border into mainland China.  There the chips are stripped from the boards and become the raw material for the counterfeit industry. Violation of intellectual property rights is rampant and for the most part is simply ignored by local Chinese authorities, allowing trade in counterfeit goods to flourish.These counterfeiters prey on U.S. businesses looking for “bargain” pricing, or brokers who are either unscrupulous enough or simply too inexperienced to properly manage their own supply sources.   Manufacturers facilitate the trade as well by not properly screening their independent distributors, or requiring quality certifications, etc.  Please see our section on “Distributor Qualifications” for more information.

Please contact us to contribute an image depicting an aspect of electronic component counterfeiting not represented in the photos below.  Your contribution could help someone else combat counterfeits.

Counterfeit Examples

Some problems are more immediately apparent than others.  A simple observation of the quality of the markings, or even misspelling within the logo can expose the deception, as on the integrated circuit depicted here.  This batch of parts caused burning on the circuit card, resulting in a total loss because the damage was too extensive to rework.Note the misspelling in the logo ‘PHILIS’ instead of ‘PHILIPS’.  The markings were offset printed instead of laser etched.

Another case shows markings that do not meet marking permanency requirements and demonstrateS an attempt to rework recycled parts pulled from boards as be passed off as more expensive, high reliability parts.The marking permanency tests require exposing the parts to three different groups of common solvents used in electronic manufacturing. Authentic parts should not be damaged by this test.

Compare both the top and the bottom markings of the part against a known, good sample.  Check to ensure the finish is even and matches on both faces.In this instance, the marking on the bottom of the part was erased and the finish shows signs of center abrasion.  Additionally, a partial number is still visible to confirm this part had been altered.

A simple plating adhesion test shows that the fake markings were branded onto a new nickel plating over a new gold plating.

This example demonstrates the critical importance of using a quality photographic microscope.The new gold plating disguised the fact that broken leads were reworked by welding new legs to the part and the solder on the unbroken leads was stripped off.  The nickel plating on the lid hid the gold flash that did not belong there.  However, gold does not adhere well to the base metal and is removed by simply peeling with adhesive tape.

These two parts were both laser etched but differ in the font styles and in the marking content.  The date code 0028 parts were breaking apart during the constant acceleration test at the 30,000g level and had a high failure rate during the hermetic seal test.They also differed electrically with the date code 0028 part failing every test.

When parts are sanded, it will usually leave some microscopic evidence of a directional abrasion pattern.Here you can see not only the sanding marks, but a bottom indented marking (most likely country of origin) that has been not quite entirely sanded off.

Sanding of parts is generally done by hand, so may show imperfections from poor handling.The upper left edge of this part got a beveled angle sanded into it.

This photo shows the internal markings of the above part, by doing a de-lid.The 0028 date code was a valid QPL period for the Analog Devices part; but the mask number shows the wrong part number, ‘AD7581’ and not the correct ‘AD7582’.This type of counterfeiting occurs when a hard to locate part can be replaced with a part more readily available from scrap.

This part had a slight discrepancy in printing, where the lower case ‘r’ in ‘StrongARM’ was lower than all the other letters.

With a known good part, you can compare the indents on the molded plastic casings.These two parts have idential part number markings, but one has 3 versus 2 indents, and the position and shape of the indents are different.

Often the original markings are sanded off before re-marking with the counterfeit information.  If there are very shallow indents, they can actually be sanded off in the process.Notice the lower part is missing the very shallow indent present on the right-hand side of the top, authentic part.

Original molding indents are always clean with sharply defined edging. When “black-topping” is done to paint over the original markings, the indents will often show signs of excess black-topping material.Here you can see the indent has been nearly filled, with material almost totally obscuring some of the edging.

If a remarked part lacks the proper indents, some counterfeiters attempt to create them through various etching techniques.  This can be detected if the indent surface shows lines or other signs of the etching process.Inspection of this part under a microscope revealed the evidence of etching.

X-ray photography provides another inspection and diagnostic technique to reveal issues.This x-ray shows that all the wires are swept and broken in this part.

This x-ray of another part shows that all the wires are missing inside.

Do your suppliers have the inspection experience needed to mitigate your risk of receiving counterfeits? Have you purchased your copy of the A2Z  Inspection & Test Protocol and Inspection Check List?

The ESCS “A2Z Inspection & Test Protocol”.

Component Inspection  – Your Front Line Defense in Counterfeit Avoidance

You can’t catch what you’re not looking for.Inspection can’t be your only line of defense; but your ability to avoid counterfeits is only as good as the inspection processes used to detect them.  When sourcing components through the independent market, how do you ensure a competent and consistently applied inspection process is being used? What standard should you hold your distributors to? How can you know it’s being done right, every time? What in-house inspection do you need in your receiving function? To answer these questions, you need an understanding of current industry best practices, and a realistic assessment of your company’s unique operational requirements. Below we outline current industry practices, initiatives and resources available to you in developing a policy that will most effectively protect your company’s supply chain.

What needs to be inspected?

Components ordered directly from the manufacturer or an authorized franchise present the least risk, yet it’s still prudent to perform in-bound visual inspection.  It’s not unheard of for an authorized distributor to accept returns which are then co-mingled with stock received directly from the manufacturer.  Your receiving group needs a clear standard of visual tests to be performed.Components ordered through an independent distributor should be subject to a more in-depth inspection process, and be further tested for authenticity and functionality.  This should be completed before the parts are shipped to you, and your purchase order conditions should explicity state your testing and documentation requirements.Read this brief ESCS “Infomin” on purchase order conditions.

What inspection and testing can be done?

Various standards and checklists have been defined to determine component authenticity and confirm functionality.  In general, these fall into four classes: Logical assessment – confirming manufacturer, date code, and QPL Visual inspection – evidence of remarking, re-use and other tricks Destructive testing – marking permanency, de-lidding, x-ray, etc. Functionality testing – performance to mil-spec and manufacturer’s specifications

Available inspection standards & check-lists

To date, there is no auditied inspection standard for testing of electronic components to confirm authenticity or functionality.  There are, however, some resources available that attempt to define the specific visual and invasive test methods that can form the basis for a sound standard of inspection.Electronic Supply Chain Solutions has taken “the best of the best” in available component inspection testing methods, and has combined that with their own experience-based knowledge of electronic component inspection.  The result is a very comprehensive testing protocol that is available for all manufacturers and distributor’s use. What the ESCS Protocol Contains Evaluating electronic component authenticity requires a methodical progression through a range of possible testing processes.  Beyond a basic list of visual and marking tests, how can you know what other tests should be performed? When should you have a “de-cap” done? Is a solder test needed? Should you require 100% testing of all parts, or is a sample enough? If you’re inspecting a sample only, how large of a sample size should you use? What “flags” should lead to more comprehensive testing, and what should that include? The ESCS A2Z Inspection & Testing Protocol provides the step-by-step requirements to help you mitigate the risk of counterfeit components entering your supply chain. It not only defines all steps of the inspection process; but also the conditions under which additional testing should be required, and what that should include. Order the ESCS A2Z Inspection & Testing Protocol to validate component authenticity, and to know when 3rd party functionality testing is needed to ensure your components perform to the original manufacturer’s specification.  Select a competent test house, and ensure they perform the test procedures recommended by ESCS in the A2Z Inspection & Testing Protocol. How to Get a Copy The complete ESCS A2Z Inspection & Testing Protocol is available for $275.  Ask us how you can receive a full rebate of your cost by doing business with ESCS.At CombatCounterfeits.com, we promote open information sharing of all resources aerospace and military manufacturers need to develop a sound counterfeit risk mitigation strategy.  The ESCS A2Z Inspection & Testing Protocol is, however, a proprietary process, and is protected by copyright law.Purchase the Electronic Supply Chain Solutions A2Z Inspection & Testing Protocol This comprehensive document outlines not only the full array of inspection and testing methods that should be applied to verifying component authenticity, it differentiates how to handle components received directly from the manufacturer or their authorized franchise distributor from the more comprehensive testing appropriate to inspection of components received through the independent distributor market. Electronic Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. has combined the experience of years in the business with the “best of the best” in electronic component inspection and testing methods.  The result is the ESCS A2Z Inspection & Testing Protocol. Make sure your component inspection covers everything from A 2 Z… The ESCS A2Z Inspection & Testing Protocol.

Combat Counterfiets at your Company

An Industry Resource Center Explore this site. Share it freely, use it to educate, or as an information source and research tool in developing risk mitigation strategies.  Here you will find information and counterfeiting tricks and examples, resources on quality systems, inspection protocols, industry standards and certifications, counterfeit reporting and much, much more.

The battle to combat electronic component counterfeiting requires on-going attention and diligence.  ESCS believes education and training, along with the development of strong industry standard best practices is the most effective approach to mitigating counterfeit risks.

CombatCounterfeits.com should be just one of your tools in the battle.  Please check the “Other Resources” section of this site for information on government and industry associations who are active in the fight to combat counterfeits.

This site is updated frequently.  Please check back regularly for current news and information.

QLF & Counterfeit Work Shop Brings…. Awareness to the Need to Combat Counterfeits.

Many representatives from prime contractors
returned home from the QLF, and Counterfeit Workshop in California in
October with new found knowledge and a large quantity of business
cards. As a reminder. Electronic Supply Chain Solutions is both a
franchised and stocking independent distributor with quality and
counterfeit avoidance as its cornerstone. Inaddition to being a member of the QLF Quality Leadership Forum, ESCS sponsors quality web sites www.Combatcounterfeits.info   www.AS5553.info   www.AS9120.info  www.escsinfo.com and our main website of www.escs9120.com  links you to the many productivity products designed to provide you the information you need to make sound business decisions. ESCS has had 6  AS9120 aerospace audits, is a member of GIDEP, ERAI, CACP Coalition Against Counterfeiting & Piracy  and our President, Matthew Heaphy III is one of 20 voting members of the SAE G-19 committee that addresses aspects of preventing, detecting, responding, to and counteracting the threat of counterfeit electronic components.

Our motto is “Vendor reduction starts by adding ESCS” There was a major consensus that using non-franchised suppliers increases the risk of counterfeits and pairing down your list of independents or brokers that maintain both a QMS and a counterfeit mitigation strategy to meet AS5553 is paramount moving forward.

If you missed NASA’s last QLF, ESCS’ President Matthew Heaphy III was a speaker on the topic of Aerospace Sourcing Assurance where he introduced our Safe Source Seal Program that is the only audited inspection program that addresses the origin of in coming electronic components. Visit www.SafeSourceSeal.com to learn more. 
F.Y.I A  DINOXLITE USB Microscope is a great investment!

 In a time when all procurement professions are trying to mitigate risks our company is leading the way with innovative web products that increase productivity, lower costs, and provide solutions to many of the bottle necks and obstacles that are part of your supply chain.

Spend some time viewing our web sites to arm your self with the information you need to combat counterfeits while mitigating risks at your company.