5 Crucial ITAD Elements Every Business Needs

IT asset disposition, or ITAD, represents the end of the line for your outdated or unusable computer equipment and electronics. Whether your equipment no longer meets your needs, it’s broken down, or you’ve simply decided it’s time to upgrade, you have to take care in how you dispose of it.

Protecting your business and your customers means taking steps to keep data secure, not only when you’re using it, but when you get rid of equipment that contains confidential information. This starts with having appropriate ITAD policies and procedures in place and working with reliable and trustworthy ITAD vendors.

There are five crucial elements every Sioux Falls business should include as part of their overall ITAD solution. Here’s what you need to know to round out your ITAD strategy.

Life-Cycle Planning
The first thing you need to consider is life-cycle planning. Many companies have a plan for how they will use equipment when they have it, but fail to follow through with planning for intended disposal down the line. In order to minimize risks and proceed in a legally and economically sound manner, it’s best to consider planning for the entire life cycle of electronics, including end of life. This helps to ensure that you operate in a secure manner, meeting all legal requirements, and that you reduce risk factors and even save money in the long run.

Certifications
There are many ITAD companies, but you need to find one that is reputable and reliable to trust with the disposal of your company’s confidential data. This means seeking a certified ITAD service provider. You’ll want to look for certifications from an oversight organization like R2 and eStewards that ensure responsible recycling and destruction practices.

Compliance
Your company may have to comply with a variety of laws related to data security, including federal, state, and local consumer privacy laws, industry regulations like HIPAA, FACTA, and GLBA, and environmental standards related to e-waste recycling. You need an ITAD partner capable of complying with all applicable laws on your behalf. Look for a company that provides options like chain-of-custody tracking as well as Certificates of Destruction and Recycling as proof of compliance for your records and peace of mind.

Security
Ensuring data security when handing over devices containing confidential data is a top priority. You can take steps to keep equipment secure on-site, but what about when it leaves your facility? The right ITAD partner will offer security every step of the way, from locking bins for in-office use, to secure pickup and transportation (or on-site shredding while you watch), to secure storage and recycling.

ROI
The bottom line is always important, which is why your South Dakota company can’t afford to leave money on the table when it comes to ITAD policies. The good news is, you can get some cash back on equipment that still holds value. By using a certified IT refurbisher and recycler, you can remain in compliance with privacy laws while refurbishing and remarketing for some return on investment.

When you need an ITAD solution that covers all the bases, contact the experts at SEAM at 605-274-7326 (SEAM) or online to request a quote and learn more. SEAM provides pickup services, refurbishing and recycling for companies located in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska.