“We’re systematically evaluating each aspect of our quality control process,” noted Quality Assurance and R&D Manager Chris Sinibaldi. “This comprehensive approach augments our existing commitment to quality, which is an ongoing and constantly evolving effort. Quality serves as a backdrop for our business, permeating all levels of the remanufacturing process, from testing a component when it comes through the door to meeting with team members after it ships to discuss results and strategies for improvement.”

By deploying innovative quality techniques, which Depot has coined Process Optimization, the company plans to grow its business and improve on its already impressive first pass fill rate of 97%. Other indications of success include lowered internal nonconformance and warranty rates, which currently stand at <2.0. Root cause evaluations and corrective action plans are developed for all warranty returns. The results are fully automated and integrated into a new comprehensive software package that helps to administer and monitor company-wide improvements.

According to Sinibaldi, all repair procedures will continue to be standardized and improved to ensure that each repaired part meets or exceeds its manufacturer’s specifications. “Many quality programs are not documented,” said Sinibaldi. “They are not compliant with standards such as ISO 9000 which takes the quality control process full circle.” To reinforce Depot’s stringent quality standards, the company recently implemented a Supplier Certification Program to keep its suppliers aligned with and up-to-date on Depot’s quality initiatives.

“Our commitment to quality affects our business in positive ways,” observed Sinibaldi. “Having confidence in our ability to produce quality products--and the track record to prove it--means that we can extend product life through extended warranties and superior service.”

Producing quality products is an area in which Depot America has proven expertise. The company evolved from a three-person startup in 1988 to a multimillion-dollar industry leader headquartered in an 80,000 square foot facility. Depot America recently expanded its staff of 200 to include a new professional who will work specifically on documenting Depot’s ambitious quality initiatives.

“To our knowledge, we’re one of few companies amongst our competitors that has a separate group strictly devoted to Quality Assurance”, observed Sinibaldi. “This helps us achieve our most important measurement of success: customer satisfaction and retention.”

Depot America was founded in 1988 on a powerful combination of foresight, expertise and an unyielding commitment to innovation, quality and support services. Years of steady growth and many satisfied customers demonstrate our dedication to superior customer service and excellence in hardware technology, thus expanding and perpetuating our company's impressive record of success. Today, Depot America is recognized as one of the leading hardware service sources in the industry. For more information visit http://www.depot-america.com or call 800-648-6833, ext.267.