DISTRIBUTION
Supply chain checks The ideal scenario of fully and regularly auditing all the suppliers in the chain often cannot be justified financially. A more realistic approach is to create a supply chain matrix, and focus the audits on the high-risk suppliers with which a manufacturer has experienced issues in the past. This should include those in the supply chain responsible for supplying safety-critical parts such as fuses, plugs or electrical cables. Another issue in the supply chain is that
very often the final products supplied are not the same as those ordered. For example, a product exhibited at a trade show may subsequently require a reduction in production costs to win a big order and this leads to an adaption of the final product and its components, and a degradation in the quality of the final product compared to the original sample. Ideally, testing should be done before the
product is shipped to provide the evidence that it complieswith all functional and regulatory requirements, and the buyer should insist that this be a condition of sale. Factory inspections can also be carried out to check the authenticity ofmanufacturing facility as sometimes the quality of products inmass- production are not of the same standard as
those submitted for testing and certification. One important tip is to save valuable time
by selecting products, which have already been tested and certified, asking for pre- production samples and compliance documentation for evaluation. Such products may carry a price premium, but they will help to protect brand reputation and save costs further down the line when validating the evidence becomes more burdensome. It is also important to ensure that any factory you deal with outside the EU or UK has a Quality Management System in place, such as ISO 90001, and is regularly audited by an independent third-party. Pre-shipment and post-shipment inspections that take random samples from boxes will also ensure that the goods meet expectations before taking delivery. Before the products are sold in the EU or UK markets, samples should be sent for a ‘spot- check’ so that they, and their test and certification evidence, can be verified as being compliant. Ensuring the correct testing and inspections are completed at an early stage minimises the risk of customers complaining about a product and enforcement authorities insisting on it being withdrawn from the market.
Increased awareness Ensuring compliance and avoiding fake goods across the supply chain may at first appear a complex task. However, investing in the validation of products will reassure importers, distributors and retailers that their supply chain complies with applicable legislation and that consumers are protected. The good news is that, along with an increase in fake goods and certificates, the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) industry is also experiencing increasing demand for testing and certification services. According to a report from Research and Markets, the rise in demand for TIC services is due to increased regulations and number of referenced standards by governments and international standardisation institutions. This could also be attributed to the fact that consumers have a greater appreciation of quality and safety in the products that they consume. Manufacturers must also understand the need to demonstrate quality and maintain their credibility through certification of their products.
TÜV SÜD
www.tuvsud.com
WHY CHOOSE
CYCLOPS? •Extensive Stock Holding
Cyclops Electronics stock and distribute top quality electronic components worldwide.
We offer a number of services including obsolete, passive as well as hard-to-find components.
•Highly Trained Dedicated Account Managers
•Committed to Combating Counterfeiting
•On Time Delivery •Money Back Quality Guarantee
•Specialists in Obsolete and Hard to Find Components
Telephone: 01904 415 415 Email:
sales@cyclops-electronics.com
www.cyclops-electronics.com SEPTEMBER 2021 | ELECTRONICS TODAY 15
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