5 Common ITAD Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

In business, there are certain necessities you must observe if you want to remain competitive, and in this modern era, keeping your computer technologies up-to-date is a must. Grumble all you want about the expense, but this is a clear case of spending money to make money.

Unfortunately, you also have to deal with all the leftover equipment each time you upgrade to newer technologies. While you are likely keen to start using new tech post haste, you probably don’t have the same level of urgency when it comes to IT asset disposition, or ITAD.

This is a big mistake, and you’re likely making others where your ITAD strategy is concerned. Here are just a few major mistakes you’ll want to avoid in order to keep your data secure and meet your legal obligations to protect consumer privacy.

Ignoring the Problem
This is mistake number one. It’s easy enough to toss old computer terminals and devices in a locked closet and let them gather dust, but leaving this problem for later can have serious consequences. What if unscrupulous employees gain access and “reappropriate” company property for their own use, or worse, to sell it? What if your office has a break-in and devices are stolen?

You could end up with a dire situation on your hands if data is accessed, identities are stolen, and/or your current network is breached as a result. Ignoring old devices simply isn’t an option if you take your responsibility toward your company and your customers seriously.

Poor Planning
Having an ITAD plan in place is essential, but the caveat is that you must have a good plan and you have to follow through. You need to define clear policies related to ITAD, including procedures, timelines, oversight, and penalties for failure to comply. If you’re inconsistent on any of these points, there are bound to be errors that could lead to severe consequences for your business and your customers.

Trashing IT Assets
No. Just no. You cannot chuck outdated devices in the trash. Yeah, it’s easy in the short-term, but the long-term consequences will make you wish you’d acted differently. Not only are you risking data breach and identity theft with this course of action, but you’re also breaking environmental laws regarding e-waste disposal in the process. It’s just not worth it.

Lack of Tracking
If you want to make sure every device is properly disposed of (and have some form of proof in case of inquiry by authorities), it’s wise to track devices by serial number so you can note when they’ve been properly disposed of.

Going it Alone
If you have a fully functional IT department with extra time on their hands, maybe you’re in a position to manage the ITAD process in-house, but this isn’t the case for most small and midsize companies. You’ll be glad to hear, then, that a certified ITAD service provider can safely and securely handle IT asset disposition for you, in keeping will all applicable laws, and deliver tracking and proof of disposal with Certificates of Destruction and Recycling.

When you need a reliable partner for ITAD services in Sioux Falls, SD, contact the qualified professionals at SEAM at 605-274-7326 (SEAM) or online to learn more.