Best ITAD Practices: A Step-by-Step Guide to Efficient IT Asset Disposition
In a business world driven by tech and Big Data, professional IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) is necessary to handle the obsolescence of IT assets whilst destroying any sensitive data and reducing electronic waste (e-waste). The processing of redundant IT assets therefore requires sustainable & secure ITAD services from reputable ITAD companies and adherence to best practices to streamline efficiency.
This guide will outline the key steps involved in efficient IT Asset Disposition so that organisations can remain compliant with data protection regulations, safeguard sensitive data, and reduce e-waste.
1. Assessment and Inventory
Organisations must implement an audit of all devices and IT assets used within the organisation. This includes desktop PCs, photocopiers, server infrastructure, laptops, mobile phones, and any other relevant IT asset used by the organisation in an IT asset inventory as part of its IT asset management strategy.
Categorise all IT assets with records of the asset’s age, condition, and any other relevant metric. ITAD companies can provide detailed IT asset registers that assess the device’s potential value, for example, thus maximising the potential ROI on redundant assets that can be refurbished, recycled, and/or resold.
2. Certification and Documentation
Compliance is one of the most important considerations for organisations in the UK and EU. Data protection regulations such as GDPR (and GDPR UK) require strict adherence and compliance, collection and storage of sensitive data. This includes the handling of redundant IT assets, whereby a failure to comply could lead to unauthorised access to a discarded hard drive, for example, potentially causing a serious and costly data breach.
ITAD companies provide certification and documentation that assist with compliance and accountability such as data destruction certificates and video evidence of asset destruction. Moreover, reputable ITAD companies should always hold relevant qualifications for responsible e-waste recycling such as eStewards, R2v3 Sustainable Electronics Reuse & Recycling, and Weeelabex certifications.
3. Data Sanitisation
One of the primary services provided by ITAD companies is data destruction. Through methods such as hard drive shredding, solid-state media destruction, and secure on-site data destruction, ITAD companies can process large volumes of various data storage media and ensure that all sensitive data is thoroughly destroyed and rendered completely irretrievable.
4. Choosing the Right ITAD Company
When choosing an ITAD company for your organisation, ensure that their data destruction processes are secure and auditable and also prioritise ITAD companies with sustainable practices that reduce needless e-waste.
Choosing a trustworthy ITAD provider can be just as important as implementing an ITAD strategy, i.e. both are equally critical. Wisetek is a leading global provider of ITAD services with a longstanding commitment to sustainable data disposal, secure data destruction, and as a pioneer of the circular economy model in ITAD, an ideal partner for professional ITAD in Ireland, the UK, and internationally.
5. Packaging and Transportation
Whenever IT assets need to be transported off-premises, there is a risk of unauthorised access that can cause a data breach. Make sure that all IT assets are securely packaged and transported with secure logistics for off-site processing.
Wisetek provides secure off-site data destruction, although many clients prefer the peace of mind of on-site data destruction whereby transport is not needed. This eliminates a potential risk vector for data breaches and removes the need to organise logistics since the ITAD company will process all IT assets on-premises and haul away the e-waste for environmentally friendly disposal.
6. Refurbishment Process
Although some IT assets may no longer be needed by an organisation, they may still hold value. Refurbishment and remarketing can be excellent alternatives to disposal of IT assets. IT assets in reasonably good condition or that require some repairs or replacement of components can be fully refurbished to an ‘as new’ condition by Wisetek.
7. Remarketing
Wisetek provides professional IT asset remarketing of usable electronics at the Wisetek Store, providing customers with ‘as new’ refurbished tech devices and reducing e-waste whilst providing a financial incentive to organisations through better ROI on these assets.
Aside from the financial benefits of remarketed IT assets, refurbished electronics are also 100% sustainable.
8. Quality Assurance
Through every step mentioned thus far, quality assurance is essential for maintaining ongoing compliance. This includes auditable data destruction processes, provision of data destruction certificates, as well as providing organisations with chains of custody.
9. Sales & Distribution
For refurbished and remarketed IT assets, the sale and distribution of refurbished electronics includes testing devices before resale as well as providing the organisation with full transparency on device ROI. B2C refurbished electronics must also be transparent with end consumers, clearly alerting them of any flaws or defects before purchasing.
10. Eco-Friendly Disposal
Efficient IT disposal must also be eco-friendly IT asset disposal. The growing e-waste crisis necessitates immediate action, which is why ITAD companies such as Wisetek have embraced a circular economy model that strives for sustainability and a commitment to a Zero Landfill Policy.
11. Reporting & Feedback
Improvement is an iterative process and one that is essential for ITAD companies to continue providing fully secure and trustworthy services. This includes clear and open communications with clients, but it also includes the provision of detailed reports, insights, and real-time tracking solutions that companies such as Wisetek provide.
Professional ITAD Services from Wisetek
Following the best ITAD practices for your organisation can be highly effective at reducing data breaches, maximising ROI on redundant IT assets, and reducing e-waste, as well as for maintaining compliance with data protection regulations now common in many jurisdictions worldwide.
Trust Wisetek for professional ITAD services that deliver superb value and fully secure data destruction for organisations in Ireland, the UK, and worldwide.