Getting ESD 20:20 Certification for Safer and Consistent Manufacturing

Electronics has become one of the leading industries in the world, which should not come as a surprise, given the rising popularity and ubiquity of devices such as smartphones and tablets. To meet increasing demands for these trendy devices, the OEMs that put them together and brand them will need to source their parts from even more manufacturers. If you own a manufacturing or electronic supply company, this could mean more business opportunities for you to capitalize on.

Of course, manufacturers and part suppliers cannot just churn out parts with abandon; they need to ensure that they are creating components in the approved manner before sending their products over for final assembly. They need to secure permits and required certifications. Many OEMs choose to work only with suppliers who have an ESD 20:20 certification, to ensure that the parts used were manufactured with the highest quality standards. A certification like this is important in keeping the quality of all products across the board within consistent levels, among other advantages.

Applying for Certification

To apply for such certifications, manufacturers can seek out a certifying agency like ISA. This is because industry certification organizations, such as the ISO, only develop the guidelines, and let external certification agencies handle the actual testing. These external ISO certification bodies will audit the operations of a manufacturer and determine if the producer is meeting set standards. To the uninitiated, these auditing bodies appear to be nothing more than strict inquisitors, however those in the know understand that certifying agencies serve as valuable business partners and consultants. The assessment and advice of an auditor can help small, unaccredited businesses push towards better business practices and eventually certification.

The Importance of Certification

At first glance, it might seem unfair for manufacturers to abide by worldwide standards when they should be able to do their own thing. Certification, however, is not about coercing parts suppliers into doing things they do not like, but rather about encouraging manufacturers to strive for excellence. It can be reassuring for OEMs to work with manufacturers that are recognized for quality, risk management, environmental management, and so on. Having certifications is a sign that a manufacturer has passed strict safety and efficiency protocols, which can be a huge plus for OEMs looking for a reliable parts supplier.

(Source: Are you ISO-Certified?, importexport.about.com/)

(Source: ISO Certification Definition, ehow.com)