Thursday, November 21, 2013

QTSL Certification Makes A Difference When Partnering With An Electronic Component Supplier

The Defense Logistics Agency and Maritime’s Qualified Testing Suppliers List (QTSL) certification is awarded to electronic component suppliers who value quality assurance and state-of-the-art detection procedures against counterfeit electronic products. The Defense Logistics Agency awards a small selection of suppliers each year that work directly with government and military systems. In its constant efforts toward quality assurance, Long-Island based Harry Krantz Company received the QTSL certification after a comprehensive audit with the Defensive Logistics Agency in March 2013. By the Defense Logistics Agency’s standards, Harry Krantz Company is a qualified distributor eligible to supply Federal Stock Class (FSC) 5961 and 5962, military and commercial grade product.

QTSL products are from suppliers, such as Harry Krantz Company, who implement top of the line anti-counterfeit programs that adhere to industry and international standards. In order to earn the certification, each company must undergo a thorough and extensive evaluation that monitors their quality management system and inspection methods. If you are looking to partner with an electronic component supplier, such accolades are an extra seal of assurance that you are working with a trusted company. If you are unsure what to look for, many electronic companies seem very similar. However, it is important to get a deeper look at their procedures and certifications. Common anti-counterfeit detection methods that are important to look for are X-ray screening, lab testing, physical examination and DNA marking.

Proper inventory management and a large inventory selection are also strong points when comparing electronic companies. When partnering with an inadequate supplier, consumers are putting themselves and their own clients at risk. Hiring an experienced supplier that is certified by the Defense Logistics Agency, or other national or local organizations, adds an extra peace of mind. As a consumer, you want to be reassured that these necessary procedures are in place.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

What Does QTSL Certification Mean For An Electronic Component Supplier?

When an electronic component supplier is deemed eligible for the Defense Logistic Agency and Maritime’s Qualified Testing Suppliers List (QTSL), it says a lot about their ability to maintain quality assurance in every aspect of the company. The Defense Logistics Agency certifies only a handful of distributors that work directly with government and military systems. Before certification, a company must undergo an intense and extensive audit that evaluates their quality management system and inspection procedures. If a supplier is certified by the Defense Logistics Agency, audits are repeated every three years to make sure a company is consistent with their effective tactics.

According to the Defense Logistics Agency, QTSL products are from suppliers that practice solid counterfeit avoidance and quality assurance procedures that measure up to the highest of both industry and international standards. When it comes time to choose an electronic component supplier to partner with, certifications like this can make a big difference. Within the electronic industry, counterfeit items are a growing concern for both distributors and consumers.  Knowing that a company holds such a prestigious certification in counterfeit avoidance speaks volumes. If a counterfeit item enters your supply chain, you are putting your both your business and your clients at great risk. Knowing that a company has been evaluated and certified by a national agency based on their quality assurance procedures also says a lot for their company. Proper inventory management, state-of-the-art products and consistent customer service solutions are not always easy to come across and are the keys to a successful business in the electronic industry.

Harry Krantz Company is a qualified distributor eligible to supply Federal Stock Class (FSC) 5961 and 5962, military and commercial grade product.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Why CCAP-101 Certification Is Important For Independent Distributors

In the electronic component industry, anti-counterfeit programs are essential. While the production of counterfeit components in a multi-billion dollar problem, companies handling electronic components must take all the precautions possible to ensure they are authentic and safe before they enter the supply chain and more importantly the hands of a consumer. Electronic component distributor must practice counterfeit avoidance procedures on every item that enters their supply. Procedures range from X-ray screening, lab testing, DNA marking and more. Some distributors take an extra step by applying for national certifications in anti-counterfeit programs such as the Counterfeit Component Avoidance Program (CCAP-101) certification through the Components Technology Institute in Huntsville, AL.

Counterfeit electronic component distributor pose a huge threat to companies and consumers. When an item becomes obsolete, counterfeit copies are usually produced because the item is more difficult to find, but counterfeit components are not just isolated to obsolete parts. If a counterfeit electronic part is unknowingly accepted by a distributor, their business is at risk for a loss of revenue. The consumer who ultimately purchases that part is also at risk. Electronic components are necessary to almost any industry, but counterfeit components are especially harmful when they are distributed within military and government systems. With the rise in counterfeit parts and the potential danger they cause, it is wise to work with a company that is certified. Before becoming certified, distributors must pass a thorough audit performed by the Components Technology Institute. The evaluation examines every aspect of the distributor’s quality management procedures and capabilities against counterfeit components. Certified distributors must utilize state-of-the-art counterfeit avoidance tactics, like X-ray examinations and lab testing. Certifications are active for 12 months before the distributor must be re-evaluated for renewal, and can be revoked or suspended at any time if an independent distributor is found to be carrying counterfeit items.