USAID Independent Auditor Gives WCE Quality Thumbs Up as Refurbisher
There’s a misconception that refurbished computers – especially those destined for developing countries – are outdated, “clunkers”, have used up their usefulness. That’s not really the case any more. We see ‘refurbished’ electronics for sale all the time. Refurbished “used” computers and other technologies may not have the same speed as the newest models but – if they are approved for resale by suppliers – they’ve most likely gone through a comprehensive, diagnostic quality assurance inspection – refitted with new parts, tested and ready for a ‘second life’.
This is true for computers provided by World Computer Exchange. In August 2010, an independent auditor conducted an onsite audit at the request of USAID.
WCE quality assurance process is standard operating procedure by each of our chapters. Each donated computer goes through a standard checklist and prep process before being considered for shipment. The checklist evaluates the condition of the machine and outlines what needs to be repaired. For those computers that don’t pass, the working components are used for spare parts. Next, computers are prepared for the installation of the operating system. WCE uses Ubuntu OS, unless otherwise requested. This is because it is free, virus free, offers easy access to drivers, is more stable and supports Linus software. Besides Open Office, WCE offers educational, agricultural, health, cultural, environmental content, in English, Spanish, French or Arabic, that can be preloaded on each of the computers. Computers ready for shipping are loaded on to pallets and tightly wrapped in plastic – an industry-standard shipping practice.
The August visit of WCE’s Boston facility by the independent auditor for USAID evaluated our workflow processes, consistency of hardware type, packaging of computers, and overall quality of the computers. The evaluator inspected 10 percent of the computers, conducting a rigorous four stage inspection of each of the computers. WCE received high marks with 17 of 18 computers passing. As the evaluator noted, the lone computer was only in need of a minor fix. A testament to the high standards WCE has instituted. To quote the evaluator, “A tremendous amount of work can care has gone into the preparation of these systems by WCE volunteers. This work conforms to industry best practices…”.
WCE Tech Manager, Gene Vinson has been guiding this process, He had been working with our Chapters to make sure that each of our Chapters have a lead technician and our standard operating procedures are consistently adopted.
