American Made Advocacy: New Congress, New Opportunities
The Government Circuit: News on Defense Electronics, Europe, and Sustainability
Defense Speak Interpreted: SWaPing Nanosatellites for Defense Systems
Counterfeit Detection Course: It’s the Real Deal
July 9, 2024 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Anthony (Tony) Bryant is a trained expert in component counterfeiting techniques who has been collaborating with IPC on a new intermediate-level course on counterfeits. Tony is in final preparation to launch this course and shared his reasons for the course, as well as information about its content and value to EMS companies.
Nolan Johnson: Tony, tell me a little about yourself in the context of this course.
Tony Bryant: In my 35 years working with counterfeits, I have witnessed firsthand the pervasive issue of substandard and counterfeit electronic components. My journey began in the U.S. Navy, where I saw firsthand the consequences of equipment failures.
Upon transitioning to the civilian sector, I pursued advanced training at some of the military's leading electronics institutions, including ACI Technologies Inc., formerly known as the American Competitiveness Institute (ACI) in Philadelphia.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the problem of counterfeiting escalated significantly. In the 2020-2021 timeframe, I personally encountered 19-20 instances where parts that had been previously identified, rejected, and confiscated by the government resurfaced in the supply chain. This recurring cycle of non-conforming materials poses a persistent threat to the industry.
As a result, I developed this intermediate-level course designed not only for test technicians and quality inspectors but also for procurement professionals and engineers who play a crucial role in managing electronic components. By equipping these individuals with the knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate counterfeit risks, we can collectively combat this growing challenge.
Johnson: What are some of the topics in the class?
Bryant: The course delves into some key topics, including the scope and consequences, supply chain impact, detection and prevention, mitigation and management, legal and regulatory frameworks, and finally, proper disposal.
Through this comprehensive training, participants will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively address the threat of counterfeit electronics, safeguarding their organizations, and ensuring the integrity of critical supply chains.
Johnson: Tony, who would you expect to take this course?
Bryant: Professionals who are working in any sector where component failures can have severe consequences—for example, supply chain professionals in high-reliability organizations, such as aerospace, defense, medical, and critical infrastructure sectors, which include the transit system, automotive industry, and so forth.
Regulatory compliance officers, quality assurance, and quality control personnel will normally undergo the training. Now, engineers and procurement sourcing specialists can do that as well. One emerging area is the healthcare industry. Historically, they’ve refused to believe they have counterfeit parts in their organization. The thing is that everyone has problems with counterfeiting.
To read this entire conversation, which appeared in the July 2024 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
One World, One Industry: Mapping the Future of the Electronics Workforce
02/21/2025 | John Mitchell -- Column: One World, One IndustryWhen we think of everything that impacts the world economy, I can’t help but think of electronics. They impact everything. As you have heard me say over the past few years, electronics is no longer a vertical, it’s a horizontal. As practically every industry sector relies on natural resources like water and fossil fuels, they also rely on a manmade resource—electronics. From agriculture to automotive and AI to aerospace, I can’t think of any industry that does not rely heavily upon electronics as it maps out the future.
Jaltek Sponsors Employee Through Senior Leader Apprenticeship Programme
02/17/2025 | JaltekJaltek is thrilled to be sponsoring Business Development Manager, Jack Groom through his Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship programme, at the University of Bedfordshire. Jack started the course in September 2023 and last month he received his Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration and in March he will complete and receive the Senior Leader Apprenticeship.
Dr. Jennie Hwang to Deliver Two PDCs at IPC APEX EXPO
02/04/2025 | Dr. Jennie HwangDr. Jennie Hwang, chair of the AI Committee of National Academies/DoD AI study, Chair of National AI Institute of NSF, and Committee of Strategic Thinking for Engineering Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence of NSF, brings broad-based information and insights through an integrated perspective to the AI course.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
01/31/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007The year is off to a roaring start across the globe, but especially in the U.S. We’ll all be carefully watching the changes in policy, legislation, and enforcement coming out of Washington D.C., in the coming weeks and months. One thing is clear, though. No matter what your opinions or political affiliations are, things will change. That said, it is impossible to look at last week’s news and draw any conclusions about how everything will equilibrate in the end. Frankly, it’s just too soon for that sort of analysis. In the meantime, here are last week’s five top stories. If you’ve read nothing else about the industry this week, read these.
SMTA Expands Access to All Online Training Courses for Members
01/27/2025 | SMTAThe SMTA is excited to announce a significant enhancement to its member benefits, effective from January 2025. Active members will now enjoy complimentary access to all online training courses included as part of their membership package.