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Inspectors Certificate Exam Application (IDEA-ICE-3000)

Grievance Form

IDEA-STD-1010 Errata List

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IDEA White Papers

Substandard Parts List

RoHS and Pb-free Part Marking Status

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Welcome to the Independent Distributors of Electronics Association (IDEA)

IDEA is the leading resource for independent distributors to find relevant quality information and to participate in advancing industry ethics, ensuring customer satisfaction, establishing standards, and promoting education.

Recent Industry Related News
RoHS 2—Ready Or Not, Here’s What’s Coming Product Design & Development (December 16, 2008) Chip Makers Face Longest Decline in History, Gartner Says PC World (December 16, 2008) Proposed RoHS Revisions Released IPC (December 9, 2008) Proposed New RoHS Directives Explained ElectronicsWeekly.com (December 3, 2008)

Mission Statement

The Independent Distributors of Electronics Association (IDEA) is a non-profit trade association representing quality and ethically oriented independent distributors of electronic components. The purpose of IDEA is to promote the independent distribution industry through a media advocacy campaign, to improve the quality of products and services through a quality certification program, educational seminars, and conferences, and to promote the study, development, and implementation of techniques and methods designed to improve the business of independent distributors.

IDEA Member Status

Status of each IDEA Member's formal incorporation of IDEA-STD-1010 and the number of active Inspector Certifications issued to each IDEA Member Company.

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Membership Requirements

Learn what being an IDEA member means. Learn what is required to be an IDEA member.

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Exclusively for IDEA General Members

General Public Access

IDEA Products

American Electronic Resource, Inc.
“We are a member of every organization and every search engine related to electronic components and there is no other group of distributors, than those which are part of the IDEA group, that can be trusted to deliver quality parts every time. All of the other industry organizations allow membership based on limited qualifications. IDEA is the only organization which has strict guidelines for membership and are constantly creating new ways to make their members better. Our adoption of the IDEA-STD-1010A standard and certification of our QC department to the IDEA-ICE-3000 has helped us tremendously in the fight against the counterfeit dilemma. If you want to be sure to get quality electronic components stick with the list of distributors at www.idofea.org.”
Robb Hammond
AERI
www.aeri.com
Advanced MP Technology
“Advanced MP Technology has been a founding member of IDEA for the past 5 years, since IDEA’s inception. During this period of time, we have seen it quickly evolve into a well recognized and highly respected entity in the Independent Distribution Channel. IDEA, which started as a simple nonprofit organization in our industry, has become a reliable forum, not only for members’ collaboration, but also as a unique foundation for quality guidelines and reference publications. The fact that Advanced MP Technology has been in business for over 30 years as an approved supply chain partner and preferred distributor to top OEM and EMS customers worldwide, provides us many opportunities to frequently converse with top players in our industry. From these conversations, we have found that many of them are either fully aware of IDEA or have some information regarding IDEA and its valuable role in our industry. Because membership in IDEA requires specific qualifications and criteria, being a member definitely adds to its member’s credentials. We feel it is tremendously beneficial for non-member, qualified distributors to apply, participate and become a member of this organization in order to take advantage of the programs and benefits IDEA has to offer."
Homayoun (Homey) Shorooghi
Advanced MP Technology
www.advancedmp.com
Certified Components Group, Inc.
"IDEA has helped promote an elite class of ethical and professional independent distributors like ourselves who endeavor to separate themselves from the poor quality brokers. IDEA has provided a great inspection certification program which enables component inspectors to distinguish good from bad. IDEA also created an inspection standard that is now being applied not only by other independents but, by some manufacturers. Upon applying this inspection standard, these manufacturers will come to realize that some of the products they are receiving from their brokers, (although functioning) are most likely used or refurbished parts!"

Jose Cortez, QA and Purchasing Manager
Certified Components Group, Inc.
www.callccg.com
Converge
“As a global supply chain partner for technology-driven companies, our business requires nonstop vigilance in screening parts for potential problems. Whether it’s intentional fraud in the form of counterfeit parts, or substandard components, these both can have a direct impact on the success of our end customers. Integrating the IDEA standard (IDEA-STD-1010-A) and the IDEA Inspector Certification (IDEA-ICE-3000) program into Converge’s established systems and processes was a natural compliment to our robust quality and environmental programs, all adhering to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and ESD S20.20 standards.”
Frank Cavallaro, CEO
Converge
www.converge.com
Eagle Technology Solutions
"For many years now, there have been various "Industry" associations, most of which focus on negativity. The IDEA creates positive solutions through hard work and excellent people, they have really “Raised the Bar” head and antlers above the others. The IDEA is a pro-active organization geared towards quality, which in turn elevates their Member Companies well above the rest of the field. The IDEA-STD-1010-a and Inspector Certification are monumental towards maximizing quality control in today's marketplace, not only for Independent Distributors, but also for OEM's, CM’s, EMS providers and Franchised Distributors. Only less than 40, yes I said less than 40 Independent Distributors are members of the IDEA. The IDEA expects their members to provide nothing less than "World class customer service" to the industry. I guess that explains why there are less than 40 members to date. Many of our customers are familiar with the IDEA and are shrinking their AVL’s to include of course, Authorized/Franchised Distributors, and, only Independent Distributors that are IDEA members. Think about it, whether you are using an Independent Distributor to decrease costs, or for shortages; Why would anyone purchase components from an Independent Distributor that is not a member of the IDEA?"
John Irvine, Owner
Eagle Technology Solutions
www.etsgi.com
EDX Electronics, Inc.
Michael Carpino, Marketing Director at EDX Electronics, Inc. states “We actually challenge our customers to qualify all of their independent electronics suppliers as IDEA members. Once our OEM, CEM and EMS provider customers see Standard 1010 they quickly realize the importance and relevance of the standard. There really is no other inspection standard that addresses the complexities of counterfeit and refurbished part detection.” “I believe the standard and IDEA are beginning to taking hold with our quality conscious customers.” “As a matter of fact we recently received a vendor notification letter from a large customer that stated specifically:
1. Suppliers must be part of the Independent Distributors of Electronics Association (IDEA)”
2. The IDEA-1005-D Inspection Process Guidelines checklist must be adhered to, refereed to on the Certificate of Compliance, and be available for audit.”
“They even went as far as to include a copy of IDEA 1005-D with the letter.” “That was ok with us, because not only are we members of IDEA we have IDEA Certified Component Inspectors on staff. “Just one more way IDEA is changing the landscape of independent distribution.”

Michael Carpino, Marketing Director
EDX Electronics, Inc.
www.edxelectronics.com
Electrospec
“The challenge that independent distributors face is that many large companies are reducing their number of suppliers. Independent distributors have to compete with each other to become the non-franchised distributor of choice for aerospace, defense, and spaceprime/OEMs. Being a member of the IDEA allows Electrospec to utilize known counterfeit/substandard parts, incorporate a new quality system (IDEA-STD-1010-A), and share information & techniques with other distributors who are committed to continuous quality improvements.”
Darren Summer, VP Sales & Marketing
Electrospec
www.electrospec.com
Florida Circuits
“Florida Circuit instituted the IDEA 1010 standard in 2007. We have found the techniques and process invaluable in training our Quality Team in the inspection of components. As a part of our pursuit of 'continual quality improvement' Florida Circuit has integrated the 1010 standard into our ISO process as a work instruction. We currently have two inspectors in process of obtaining their certification to the IDEA Inspector Certification (ICE-3000) as well. We strive to refine and improve our Inspection standards and IDEA has been a substantial part of our improvements.”
Stacy Freels, Operations Manager
Florida Circuit, LLC
www.floridacircuit.com
Impact Components
“Impact Components has been a member of IDEA since its inception. Membership in a trade organization that focuses on quality and good business practices had obvious benefits. Over the last five years, more and more OEM's and CM's are inquiring about IDEA and are increasing awareness of the necessity of dealing with IDEA members. We have had several customers make AVL decisions based upon IDEA membership as a criterion. We are pleased to offer added value to our customers though application of IDEA-STD-1010-A and the best practices contained within it, and proud to call ourselves IDEA members.”
Ray Ford, Managing Partner
IMPACT Components
www.impactcomponents.com
MIT Distributors
“MIT Distributors joined IDEA to be a part of a quality organization that is setting standards in a portion of the electronics industry that has never seen standardization. We adopted the IDEA STD-1010-A into our quality system and we are directing our inspectors to become certified through IDEA-ICE-3000. We have taken these steps because they are necessary for the market in which we work today. Recently, we have seen several customers require membership in IDEA as well as documentation that states we follow the IDEA STD-1010-A. The real value that MIT has seen has been in the area of shared expertise and experience within the IDEA organization. With a quality organization and quality members working toward the same goal, we can fight the current and future counterfeit issues head-on.”
Tom Gilbert, President
MIT Distributors
www.mitfind.com
North Shore Components
“The surplus market is inundated with counterfeit components, and the entire electronics industry needs to join the effort to raise awareness of this problem and share knowledge to enhance detection efforts. As the authoritative voice of independent distributors, the IDEA is leading this effort with its IDEA-ICE-3000 Professional Inspector Certificate Exams, IDEA-STD-1010-A inspection standards, and other educational programs and services. Here at North Shore Components we are dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical standards in our industry. As a committed member of IDEA, we have integrated IDEA policies throughout our quality systems, and we wholeheartedly support your efforts to serve the greater good of the entire electronics supply chain.”
Joseph Ruggiero, Vice President
North Shore Components, Inc.
www.nscomponents.com
PC Components Company, LLC
“PC Components Company recently incorporated IDEA standard 1010 (IDEA-STD-1010-A) into our quality system and also required that our Quality Control Manager take the new IDEA Inspector Certification Exam (IDEA-ICE-3000). The new techniques adopted allowed us to detect a shipment of Agilent HDMP-2689 optical transceivers that we believe is refurbished and remarked, and to stop this shipment from entering the supply channel. Our company has been so pleased with the new inspection processes that we now require all of our eligible quality inspectors to become IDEA certified.”
P. Steve Gregory Calabria, President/CEO
PC Components Company, LLC
www.PCComponents.com
PCX Inc.
“We have found that the collective consciousness and intelligence represented by the IDEA programs is a powerful foil against the scourge that is non-conforming and counterfeit product. Namely we have found that the IDEA inspection standard disseminates the tools as well as knowledge needed to safeguard the OEM/CEM clientele effectively. We support the mission of the organization wholeheartedly and applaud its ongoing effort to educate and improve what is commonly referred to as the ‘Independent’ electronic component channel.”
Gil Aouizerat, CEO
PCX, Inc.
www.pcxco.com
SG Industries, Inc.
“SG Industries, Inc was one of the original members of IDEA and attended the early meetings in San Clemente, CA. From there SGI helped form the basis for several of the processes that are now accepted standards in the industry and for IDEA members. SGI continues to support IDEA, and leads the industry in terms of quality control and logistics for the receiving, shipping, and long term warehousing of sensitive electronic components. We believe IDEA to be an excellent group of committed companies that represent some of the highest ethics and standards in the open market. SGI is ranked in the Top Ten Global Independent Distributors list based on the success we have had over the past 13 years. By being an early adopter of new business procurement solutions, SGI has added value to IDEA. The future will bring consolidation and only the companies that adhere to globally accepted standards across all areas of their business will survive. IDEA will play a key role in determining who the winners will be. SG Industries continues to work with government and industry leaders, and whole heartily supports the principles and goals of IDEA.”
P. Schuyler Glidden, President/CEO
SG Industries, Inc.
www.sgidirect.com
Smith & Associates
"Membership in IDEA and the opportunity to participate in setting industry inspection and certification standards has added a new dimension to our QualityFirst program. As concern surrounding the emergence of counterfeit parts continues to grow, customers are recognizing and at times even requiring compliance to IDEA standards. IDEA membership adds to our credibility and helps support our commitment to quality."
Marc Barnhill, Chief Trading Officer
Smith & Associates
www.smithweb.com
SMT Corporation
““SMT initially had 2 of our senior Component Inspection Technicians take the IDEA ICE-3000 inspector’s exam back in March 2007. They found the exam to be broadly comprehensive and very well thought out and prepared. They felt that the test had thoroughly challenged their investigative inspection skills while at the same time enhancing the quality of their inspection work here at SMT. Our Quality Manager, Kim Costa, was so impressed with the experience that in August 2007 she requested 2 more of our senior inspectors take the test as well. SMT currently has 4 certified Component Inspection Technicians who have passed the inspectors exam, and 4 more that are currently in the 30 day process of taking the exam as well. Together with the use of the IDEA 1010 standard there has never been another quality tool that provides a measurable gage for quality inspection ability coupled with in-depth reference material and “best practice” recommended inspection technique. This was long overdue for our industry.
SMT’s hugely positive experience with the results of the exam certifications allows me to say that I feel all companies distributing or utilizing electronic components (OEM’s, CM”s, EMS providers, Franchised and Non-franchised Component Distributors alike) that have employees involved in an incoming/outgoing QC inspection processes, should have all of these employees tested and certified with the ICE-3000 exam. As a quality conscious supplier of critical and high-reliability products to the global electronics industry, I know that SMT has benefited tremendously from both the certification exam and the 1010 Standard. If additional comprehensive testing products become available from the IDEA Organization, SMT will be among the first to utilize these powerful tools as well.”
Tom Sharpe, Vice President
SMT Corporation
www.smtcorp.com