The State of the Industry from the Perspective of the Independent Distributors

Anne Poncheri [InterCEPT]

Abstract:

Independent Distribution is a critical link in the supply chain for obsolete and hard to find parts. Independent Distributors provide a method for OEM excess parts to be returned to the supply chain. Have you every wondered what it’s like in the trenches when you are the compliance or quality manager of an Independent Distributor? We polled over ten independent distributors and asked them questions related to the current state of the industry; are counterfeit parts increasing? Are the counterfeit detection tests and inspections adequate? What are their biggest concerns? This presentation will provide a summary of their answers, followed by a panel discussion of quality or compliance managers from several Independent Distributors.

 

Moderator:

Anne Poncheri is a partner at InterCEPT (International Counterfeit Electronics Personnel Training). Through the ERAI website, InterCEPT provides web-based training programs designed for the unique needs of the electronics industry. The training is designed to address the industry standards, test methods and best practices for counterfeit mitigation of electronic components. Ms. Poncheri is also the principal consultant at AP Quality Consulting and provides consulting for quality management systems and QMS auditing for ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025 and AS6171 test methods. She is a member of the SAE Aerospace G19 Counterfeit Electronic Components Committee, whose charter is to address aspects of preventing, detecting, responding to and counteracting the threat of counterfeit electronic components. She is also a Lead Auditor for ISO 9001:2015 and performs third party audits for an ANAB Accreditation Body.

 

Panelists : 

 

Mark Pollard, Astute Electronics Inc.

With 25 years of experience in the independent distribution channel, Mark has spearheaded remarkable growth for two global organizations. His strategy revolves around prioritizing quality and counterfeit avoidance. Mark played a pivotal role in the groundbreaking achievement of being the first broker to sell to a major franchise distributor, reshaping perceptions of independent distributors in the supply chain. At Astute, Mark has achieved over 10-fold growth in North America and Asia, establishing enduring partnerships with leading aerospace and defense firms. As a forward-thinking individual, Mark aims to harness the collective strengths of industry partners to address significant challenges.

 

 Scott McKee, 4 Star Electronics.

Scott is the Director of Operations at 4 Star Electronics, a leading independent distributor of obsolete and hard-to-find electronic components. He has been instrumental in positioning 4 Star as a trusted supplier to critical industries, including medical, aerospace, and defense. 4 Star has recently relocated to a state-of-the-art distribution center and test lab in Irvine California. With a strong focus on quality and reliability, Scott plays a pivotal role in overseeing the company’s operational strategy, logistics, and supply chain management. Scott has degrees in Economics and Business Administration from SUNY Buffalo, and has worked in the electronics industry in various capacities for over 30 years. He is also a long-time member, and former president, of the IDEA Board of Trustees.

 

Joe Rance, Abstract Electronics.

Joe Rance launched his career in the electronics industry in 1978. By 1980, he had progressed to the role of National Sales Manager in the printed circuit board manufacturing sector, where he worked with all major Department of Defense prime contractors, the top three U.S. automotive manufacturers, and leading companies in telecommunications and industrial markets. He then spent a decade as a manufacturers’ representative, collaborating with engineers in both automotive and commercial sectors and supporting key contract electronics manufacturers (CEMs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Since 1995, Joe has specialized in independent electronic component distribution, consistently developing and implementing procedures for counterfeit mitigation and detection. In 2010, he became the Quality Assurance Manager at Abstract Electronics, an AS9120-certified independent and franchised distributor of electronic components, connectors, and hardware.