Leading the fight against counterfeit components
Recognizing that the best defense against counterfeit components is to employ state-of-the-art deterrence measures, North Shore Components is working with leading experts in counterfeit detection and avoidance to continually review and improve its quality systems.
With today’s electronics marketplace being flooded with counterfeit or deceptive components, avoiding component counterfeiting is becoming critically important, as non-conforming components can have a detrimental effect on production and assembly, warranties, and personal safety.
To ensure product authenticity and integrity, North Shore Components maintains a “zero tolerance” policy towards counterfeit components. This policy has been supported by significant investments in quality management systems that are certified by ISO 9001:2008, AS 9120, ANSI/ESD S20:20-2007 and the Component Technology Institute’s CCAP-101 Counterfeit Components Avoidance Program. North Shore Components also combats counterfeiting with two levels of inspection: a standard 72-point inspection to IDEA-STD-1010A conducted by IDEA-ICE-3000 trained and certified inspectors and CTI CCAP-101 certified inspections. To further ensure product authenticity, North Shore Components continually evaluates all vendors through ongoing audits, questionnaires, on-line reviews and feedback. All policies and procedures are also continually updated through a continuous improvement philosophy that features ongoing employee education and training programs.
One of few companies its size to offer comprehensive in-house counterfeit detection testing services, North Shore Components’ expanded capabilities include high power microscopes and permanency marking tests to verify device markings and detect altered date codes or label resurfacing. In addition, powerful X-Ray equipment and digital photography examine sample products for potential counterfeiting. There is also a new state-of-the-art decapsulation machine that allows inspection of the die in samples to authenticate a match to OCM designs.
To further protect product quality and integrity, North Shore Components employs ESD flooring, workstations, mats and testing equipment to prevent static discharge, strapping machines and vacuum sealers to protect components during transit, and fully automated solderability testing equipment to ensure reliable electrical connections. In addition, the company partners with third party leading test labs to offer full parametric and functional electrical testing required for CTI CCAP-101 Certification.
