What is ITAD and Why Should You Care?

What is ITAD and Why Should You Care?

Confused by what IT asset disposition is and the level of consideration you should afford it within your business?

Ingram Micro Lifecycle has over 20 years of experience providing ITAD services to enterprises across the globe.

We offer a complete IT Asset Disposition solution specializing in secure chain-of-custody logistics, data destruction, retired asset reuse and remarketing, and responsible recycling. In this article, we cover the basics of what ITAD means and the impacts it has on your business.

Impacts of ITAD

The IT landscape is constantly evolving. Staying on top of regulations is essential for businesses. You must avoid risk exposure and financial damage.

Obsolete technology poses multiple risks. For data protection, wipe any residual data securely.

For the environment, discarded technology in landfill leaks harmful toxins. Securing an efficient, compliant ITAD partner will reduce these risks while recovering value from the technology.

Adhering to data security regulations

It is important that any data is securely removed and destroyed from your obsolete devices. This keeps you compliant with data protection regulations.

Keeping data secure is not only applicable while it is in use within your company but also after the device housing it reaches the end of its useful life.

An ITAD partner mitigates your risk and provides liability coverage protecting against the financial impact of potential asset loss or data breach.

Reducing corporate carbon footprint

he pressure's on enterprises to become accountable for the CO2 emissions and e-waste they produce.

As with data protection, environmental protection is also regulated with financial implications for non-compliance.

Your company's greenhouse gas (GHG) and landfill contributions can affect its reputation. Opting to use a refurbished smartphone over a new one saves 50kg of carbon.

Recovering value from the IT estate

There is potential to recover value from unwanted devices. These funds can go into asset management and security of the ongoing equipment.

Lifecycle services release time and resources for managing both in-life and end-of-life devices.

Sustaining effective infrastructure across on-site and remote

Historically, most organizations weren't equipped to manage remote work on a large scale. COVID-19 changed the approach to work. Many organizations have adapted to maximize the efficiencies and productivity of their workforce.

This includes both remote and hybrid working. ITAD partners have equally evolved. Now their offer includes custom pre-configuration, individual device deployment, and bulk device distribution. This enables IT departments to better support all work environments.

Your ITAD partner

An established ITAD provider will have a range of service options available. You may customize your program based on the data and security scenarios specific to your business.

Choosing an ITAD partner with relevant certifications, such as e-Stewards, ensures the compliant recycling of your end-of-service assets. Your ITAD partner will supply a serialized Certificate of Data Erasure & Destruction for each asset they process.

By partnering with a major provider, and by implementing data security measures as foundational elements of your ITAD program, you will remove risks and protect your business.

A well-managed ITAD provider will reduce risks with a set of high-tech and robust process controls. They will train and manage employees who work with client assets. They’ll use industry and process-specific management systems, and maintain all relevant certifications.

Companies sometimes lose sight of the fact that high-limit liability coverage and even insurance don't reduce the actual risk of asset and data losses. An experienced ITAD provider is not only aware of the risk factors around asset end-of-service, but they're motivated to reduce that risk.

Secure your end-of-life IT assets

Failing to have a responsible end-of-life process in place for your IT assets can have severe consequences, including fines. You also miss the opportunity to capitalize on the benefits outlined above.

Get in touch with Ingram Micro Lifecycle to discuss how our comprehensive ITAD solutions can be tailored to your needs.

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