A comprehensive initiative to achieve IDEA (Independent Distributors of Electronics Association) certification for all its electronics distribution centers worldwide has been started by Converge, punctuating its long-standing leadership in quality control.

The rigorous IDEA inspector's certification exam have alrdeay been completed by Converge's component quality engineers in the company's Singapore facility.

The IDEA certifications, according to Frank Cavallaro, CEO of Converge and IDEA board member, complement the extensive checks and balances already in place in the company's electronics supply chain services.

Including the Semiconductor Industry Association, industry experts, agree that piracy and fraud are on the rise and pose a threat to international commerce. To fight fraud in the global electronics supply chain, United States and the European Union have recently proposed the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) as a response to this severe problem.

Cavallaro adds: "These industrywide initiatives are important". "But every company in the supply chain can help protect the system by going beyond the minimum standards for quality control. Individual diligence can prevent errors and keep substandard parts from moving downstream. That's our approach."

With its facilities which are certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and ESD S20.20 standards, Converge's dedication to quality assurance is evident. Converge has developed, in addition, an internal quality-control process that is even more exhaustive than the industry best practices developed and promoted by IDEA. There are few independent distributors to employ tenured electronics engineers in its distribution centers, and Converge is one of them. Highly trained inspectors, such as those with IDEA certification, are expert at identifying potential quality issues and suspicious parts.