What is IPC/WHMA A-620 and Who Needs an IPC 620 Certification?

The IPC/WHMA-A-620 is a quality standard that describes the Requirements and Acceptance for Cable/Wire Harness Assemblies. It was created as a joint project of the Association Connecting Electronics Industries (IPC)  and the Wire and Harness Manufacturers Association (WHMA). Since its creation and subsequent release in 2002, the A-620 has become the industry’s yardstick of quality for cable and wire harness products.

The IPC/WHMA-A-620 is one of several IPC Certification programs. It is an industry developed program for individuals and companies engaged in the manufacture, use and installation of cable and wire harness assemblies. It encompasses training, certification and the supply of instructional materials. The main purpose of this standard is to enable qualified candidates to develop accurate skills of determining acceptable and unacceptable wire harness assemblies according to the A-620 standard.

Persons who undergo and successfully pass the IPC 620 training are expected to obtain these skills:

• Use the quality standards of IPC/WHMA-A-620 to determine which cable or wire harness products are acceptable or rejects
• Interpret and share the objectives of the IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards
• The ability to explain terminologies and definitions related to cable and wire harness manufacturing and quality standards

Who Needs an IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification?

The IPC/WHMA-A-620 training and certification program is designed for implementation by manufacturers of cable and wire harness assemblies. It is available to persons with at least 5^th grade level in terms of reading and writing. Furthermore, candidates should also be familiar with common connector terms as well as practices in EOS/ESD. Connector and wire harness assembly is available as an optional part of this IPC training program.

Successful participants of the IPC/WHMA-A-620 CIT training and certification program will be awarded with certificates and recognized as Certified IPC Trainers. This gives them the qualification and authority to train and certify operators and quality inspectors in the cable and wire harness manufacturing.

What Beneficial Factors can an IPC/WHMA-A-620 Training and Certification Deliver to the Electronics Industry?

The A-620 training and certification facilitates cross-channel communication between OEMs and wire harness manufacturers.

The A-620 IPC certification standards are currently implemented by original equipment manufacturers and wire harness manufacturing companies in 42 countries around the world. Its training materials are published in 12 different languages.

Being a universal standard, the A-620 IPC training is able to facilitate effective communication between OEMs and manufacturers.  This make the two players work together effectively even if certain projects involve unique build specifications.

The A-620 certification promotes compliance and enhances quality.

The A-620 is a world-class training and certification program recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and other quality-certifying bodies around the world. It promotes standardized operations and helps cable and wire harness manufacturers to excel in terms of quality and productivity.

It builds customer trust and enhances customer satisfaction.

Today, many OEMs are more confident and at ease with A-620-certified manufacturers. The latter’s knowledge and capability to provide value-added services are the leading factors that make manufacturers more efficient and reliable.

An A-620 certification confirms the validity of a wire harness manufacturer.

There are lots of cable and wire harness manufacturers, but not all of them are not as committed to meeting customer requirements as the A-620-certified companies. These are the manufacturers that excel in terms of knowledge and skills, quality management system, and commitment to promote lasting business partnerships with customers.

It is a manifestation of your willingness to invest in industry professionals.

An A-620 certification is proof of your willingness to invest in educating your key production employees as to what’s acceptable and what’s not. This will eliminate the possibility of having low-quality products in your deliveries and improve your reputation and trustworthiness in the electronics market.

As a manufacturer of cable and wire harness products, quality is a very important aspect of your business. It is an indispensable attribute your products must carry in order to win customer trust and earn a fair share of the market.

In the electronics industry, gimmicks and stunts are not necessary in order to catch customer attention. Producing high-quality products by being compliant to internationally recognized IPC standards such as the IPC 620 is what really matters. This will make you win the trust of customers – and earn the recognition of the electronics market.

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