As you stare at your computer screen you try to process the information. You attempt to swallow as anxiety builds and your shaky hands struggle to dial your boss’s phone number. Finding out your company is suffering of a security breach, compromising perhaps hundreds of thousands of personal records, is the last thing anyone ever wants to hear.
Managing IT equipment continuously presents challenges and risks. Trying to keep all systems in working condition, manage security and compliance, and stay within a budget can keep many up at night.
With so much time spent keeping up on the most recent technologies and efficiencies many lose sight of the significance of secure and responsible disposal of their IT assets. This list describes why responsible IT asset disposition (ITAD) is so important for businesses.
- Data breach/theft protection
Last year hundreds of millions of records were stolen as a result of insufficient security. With the average incident priced at a hefty $201 and $195 per record in the United States and Germany, and the lowest averaging $51 and $70 per record in India and Brazil, avoidance of this scenario is critical. Luckily when it comes to retired IT equipment data breaches are preventable. Various options for hard drive data destruction are available such as wiping, degaussing, crushing and shredding. When it comes to the disposal of your IT equipment, make sure your working with a vendor who will guarantee disposal of the data along with the device.
- IT equipment remarketing/resale
Just because the device is no longer in working condition doesn’t mean it holds no value. Once removed from the workspace, IT components can be either refurbished, or assessed and remarketed. Identifying this value is best done by a professional with the expertise and familiarity of the secondhand market ensuring you’re receiving the best value for all devices.
- Asset reporting/tracking
When disposing of a variety of devices each with different specifications, asset tracking and reporting can be important to ensure all devices are accounted for. An online portal that can track devices throughout its disposition in real time can provide you with a strong paper trail and leave you assured that all assets have been removed from financial, maintenance and insurance records.
- Software harvesting
McKinsey and Sand-Hill Group estimate that 30 percent or more of IT budgets are consumed by software license and maintenance costs. Fortunately when your computer finally reaches its end-of-life it doesn’t mean the software on that device has no further value to the organization. Occasionally companies deliver electronic assets to their end-of-life management vendor with software remaining on the system. Make sure you or your ITAD vendor removes, deactivates and transfers this software so it can be used again.
- Corporate and regulatory compliance
Every business in every industry must adhere to corporate and regulatory requirements during IT asset disposition. If these devices are handled irresponsibly you can risk penalties, fines and more importantly your integrity. Managing your IT equipment disposal through an accountable, certified and secured process will minimize these risks.
- Corporate sustainability reporting
When discarding obsolete equipment you need to feel assured these items are being handled in an environmentally responsible manner. Industry standards and certifications can provide you with the confidence in knowing your equipment will be managed in a safe, secure and efficient manner. This will then allow you to stop worrying about an environmental disaster and give you more time to focus on everything else.
There are many benefits to responsible IT asset disposition, some easier to identify than others. Please comment below and share your own ITAD insights or experiences.
For a more descriptive high-level overview of the IT asset disposition process, view our webinar recording which discusses everything you need to know about ITAD – View Here.