Counterfeiters never stop – they are constantly developing new techniques to pass off non-authentic product as the real thing, and, as they grow more advanced, we have to outpace them to safeguard the supply chain.
Houston, TX (PRWEB) December 09, 2013
Smith & Associates, the largest independent distributor of electronic components, today announces the certification of its headquarters’ inspectors to the newly-developed CCCI-102 standard. This program was created by Components Technology Institute, Inc. (CTI), the authority behind the stringent Counterfeit Components Avoidance Program (CCAP-101), a respected company certification for safeguarding the electronics supply chain from non-authentic parts. Smith collaborated with CTI in its recent development of this new standard, with the goal of defining heightened, third-party specifications that will provide more stringent inspector qualification than existing certification exams.
The purpose of the CCCI-102 program is to provide a formal program to train and certify inspectors who are employed by CCAP-101 certified independent distributors in the due diligence practices necessary to detect counterfeit electronic components. The program encompasses in-depth training on counterfeit electronic component detection, as well as practical testing of inspectors’ inspection capabilities and their knowledge of past and evolving counterfeit characteristics.
CTI’s first certification class for the CCCI-102 program was administered to Smith & Associates’ inspection team on November 16, with all 31 inspectors tested receiving certification to Level I of the new standard. Additional training and examinations continued on November 17, with three advanced Smith inspection personnel achieving CCCI-102 Level II certification. Overall, the training and evaluation covered an array of topics, including microscopic inspection, visual inspection of markings and leads, correct use of sampling, safeguarding moisture sensitive components, and anti-counterfeiting procedures, of decapsulation and die inspection, acetone, and X-ray & XRF testing plus use of solderability tests to assure lead quality. Plans are currently in development for securing CCCI-102 Level I and Level II training and certification for the inspectors at Smith’s other global hubs in Hong Kong and Amsterdam.
“It was an honor for us to work so closely with CTI to develop a new standard that we felt there was a distinct need for in the industry,” said Art Figueroa, Smith’s Vice President of Global Operations. “Counterfeiters never stop – they are constantly developing new techniques to pass off non-authentic product as the real thing, and, as they grow more advanced, we have to outpace them to safeguard the supply chain. With the expanded training and verification provided by the CCCI-102 inspector certification, we look forward to doing our part to combat the insidious and constantly-evolving counterfeit threat.” For more information on the CCCI-102 certification, contact CTI Inc. 256-536-1304.
About Smith & Associates
Founded in Houston in 1984, Smith & Associates is a leader in the independent distribution of semiconductors and electronic components to electronics and high-tech manufacturers. Smith offers shortage sourcing for commodity and obsolete parts, innovative purchasing and inventory management solutions, redistribution of excess inventory, and component stocking for warranty and repair programs.
A privately-held company, Smith & Associates employs more than 350 people worldwide, with annual revenue in excess of US $450 million. Smith's regional hubs in Houston, Hong Kong, and Amsterdam are ISO certified. In addition, sales and purchasing offices are located in Austin, Silicon Valley, Guadalajara, New York, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, and Denver. For more information, see http://www.smithweb.com/ or, to reach a Smith representative 24 hours a day, please call: 1.800.HOUSTON or +1 713.430.3000.
For more information, contact:
Mark Bollinger
Smith & Associates, V.P. of Marketing
+1 713.430.3000
mbollinger(at)nfsmith(dot)com