Network of Audited Facilities
The backbone of Sims Lifecycle Services (SLS) is our strength to provide a comprehensive global IT asset disposition (ITAD) and data center solution immediately ready to provide compliant service. Our clients are able to access our full range of services and project management, worldwide, with only one point of customer contact. To facilitate our global solution, SLS has built a robust subcontractor network to complement our own operational footprint.
It is critical that a global ITAD program meets local needs. Logistics are more cost effective and sustainable when equipment is moved shorter distances for processing. Most laws and regulations governing data security and the environment are regional or country specific. Having a local presence ensures that SLS is best organized to understand and meet those requirements. Additionally, subcontractors allow us to better meet the growing demand for stronger on-site support. This is particularly important for data center projects, where decommissioning and data destruction often happen within a live work environment.
Managing subcontractors to meet SLS standards is not a small task. Our program is managed by a global team using MIDAS (Materials of Interest Downstream Audit System). This unique auditing program allows us to evaluate and manage subcontractors.
MIDAS ensures that subcontractors provide the level of service and security that our clients demand. The program includes a formalized written response to an audit questionnaire developed by our compliance and EH&S teams. Potential subcontractors deemed compliant with the written audit then undergo a comprehensive on-site facility audit that examines a wide range of service, security, environmental, health and safety and certification processes and procedures. Subcontractors are scored based on this criteria, and only those passing are on-boarded to work with SLS.
MIDAS evaluations do not end when a subcontractor is on-boarded. Each one is required to complete and pass annual desktop audits and regular on-site audits. Any subcontractor handling data on SLS’ behalf also undergoes an annual data security audit performed by a third party. To meet these requirements during COVID-19 travel restrictions, SLS developed a virtual auditing process that provides our clients peace of mind that due diligence is being carried out to ensure that we continue to meet the standards set out in MIDAS.
SLS is proud to lead by example, assisting potential and existing subcontractors in strengthening their security, compliance and service standards. This mentoring role is especially important in countries where our clients require service but the pool of potential subcontractors is small. Recently, SLS assisted our subcontractors in Brazil and Chile to achieve R2 certification by educating them about the benefits of R2 and offering suggestions for compliance throughout the auditing process. SLS is proud that our subcontractor is the first R2 certified recycler in Brazil. Expanding and promoting responsible reuse and recycling helps SLS to deliver on our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet.
Our uniquely integrated global systems enable and support services for our clients across every SLS and subcontractor site. Each of our subcontractors works to SLS’ Standard Operating Procedures and follows client’s customized Statement of Work and Service Level Agreements. All of this ensures timely, consistent and compliant service delivery and reporting, whether assets are processed by a subcontractor or at a SLS facility.
SLS is committed to managing our subcontractors so that your ITAD program greatly benefits from the local provision of our global services. We are proud of both our subcontractors and the SLS teams that manage the program. To learn more about the benefits of a single source global ITAD provider, visit https://www.simslifecycle.com/global/.