Certified - The Process
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There is a difference between a refurbished computer and our Certified computer. Our equipment undergoes the most stringent testing, auditing and cleaning procedures in the industry.
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Systems are verified for functionality and performance. Monitors are tested for clarity, brightness and color range. Every component from the system board to the mouse is checked to ensure that it works at manufacturer specified levels.
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Any unit that passes our battery of tests and diagnostics gets wrapped and put on the shelf, ready for sale. When it is sold and before we ship it we run it through our entire process again and only then do we consider the computer Certified.
1st Touch
- Certified computers are the brand name products you know and trust. Our systems originated from end of lease corporate customers, ensuring they are the highest quality corporate-grade models from clean office environments.
1) Unique ID Asset Tag
- Every computer gets a unique Asset Tag number. This number is labeled, barcoded and scanned into our system allowing us to track every single component, every technician who tested it and any other pertinent information (service work, custom upgrades, quality assurance, etc.)
2) Powerup Test
- Units are placed on our conveyor line and are powered up to make sure no immediate and obvious failures occurred during receiving.
3) Automated Component Check
- Using custom diagnostic software each unit connects to our testing server where every single component is checked and verified. This both ensures that components are all working and that the unit has the same original components it was manufactured with (to ensure proper imaging).
4) Visual Inspection
- Our technicians perform a methodical visual inspection to spot missing faceplates, cosmetic damage, loose fittings etc.
5) Dust Containment
- Cases are removed and our state of the art Dust Containment station uses a combination of pressurized air and suction system to remove every bit of dust from within the unit, including such hard to reach places as power supply and CPU fans.
6) Surface Cleaning
- Using non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaners our cleaning team cleans all external surfaces. Specialized chemicals are used for specific cleaning tasks (sticker glue removal, general cleaning, etc.)
7) Deep Cleaning
- Individual techs hand clean each unit, paying special attention to hard to reach places as well as any visible internal components and any grime missed by the surface cleaners.
8) Custom Imaging
- Whether a custom image was requested or not, all units get a complete hard drive wipe and a fresh server loaded image. This both ensures the full operation of the unit and replicates what most tech coordinators will do upon receiving the unit.
9) Windows Driver Test
- Units are plugged in and allowed to boot up fully to Windows. Every driver is checked for to make sure there are no conflicts or invisible hardware. Basic functions are tested as is the fidelity of the custom image.
- Units that pass the above tests are placed on the shelf ready for sale but they are not yet CDI Certified. Certification occurs during our 2nd touch when a unit is sold and before it ships.
- Failure rates on computers on 1st Touch is 8% for PC's and 22% for Notebooks.
2nd Touch
- While the above testing is already far higher than what the industry standard is, we found that reliability can be improved even more by a 2nd touch.
10) Repeat steps 1-9 above
- When a unit is sold it is removed from the shelves and placed in our testing line AGAIN to undergo all 9 steps before completing certification.
11) Custom Upgrades
- Our A+ certified technicians test every component and perform any custom upgrades requested by customers (increasing RAM, hard drive, adding components, etc.)
12) Final Windows Test
- A final boot into windows ensures that all is well with the unit and that it can boot into windows with no issues, notices or missing drivers. If the customer requested any custom configuration (ie - additional security, software or access levels) our A+ certified technicians perform it now.
