Certifications are just one way to determine which companies you can and cannot trust with your technology disposal.
Anyone can claim to responsibly and securely dispose of your IT assets. But, before you trust your company’s “DNA” to just anyone, make sure that their data destruction and recycling processes are certified by key organizations in the ITAD industry. These certifications are the only way to ensure your data is protected, and help avoid your company being held accountable for illegal disposal.
Are industry certifications really that important?
Considering the private information and precious and toxic materials your IT assets contain, you can’t afford to partner with an IT lifecycle management firm that doesn’t invest in certifying its processes. It’s one thing to say you safely and responsibly destroy data and recycle hardware. It’s another to invest the time and effort it takes to prove it. Synetic has invested heavily in our processes. We’ve put those systems under the scrutiny of organizations that certify our ITAD processes are secure, safe, ethical and legal.
Unless your IT disposal partner is certified, you cannot be certain of what happens to your data or hardware once it leaves your facility.
Don’t all IT asset recyclers have to be certified?
Absolutely not, which is why many companies working with a recycler are shocked when they receive official notification of a data breach or legal action connected to illegal dumping. The certification process happens in stages. An EPA number on a certificate isn’t enough to ensure the company is protecting your data.
Certification isn’t always enough. The highest level of service must support certifications. Synetic’s technology hardware asset disposition services are easy, accessible and efficient. Tailored services, liability protection and out-of-box centric solutions across all of your platforms and organizational departments are delivered under our audited and certified practices in data security and responsible recycling: NAID and R2.
Earning as many ITAD certifications as Synetic has isn’t easy. In fact, many of them were months or years in the making. But these industry certifications are well worth it to our customers. Combine our certifications with our level of service and you’ll never have second thoughts about whether or not you’re doing the right or safe thing when it comes to managing your IT asset disposal. This is what makes Synetic a leader in our industry—even among the highest certified IT disposal firms.
What It Is:
National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) is the international trade association for companies providing information destruction services. NAID’s mission is to promote the information destruction industry and the standards and ethics of its members.
Why It Matters:
NAID is the standards-setting body for the information destruction industry. Its certification program was developed by information security professionals and is recognized by thousands of private and governmental organizations globally. NAID verifies a certified provider’s qualifications through a comprehensive series of scheduled and unannounced audits.
What It Is:
A cooperative of electronics recycling stakeholders including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state governments, manufacturers, recyclers, trade groups and non-governmental organizations developed R2
Why It Matters:
The R2TM certification demonstrates that your electronics equipment is being recycled with the highest standards for environmental protection, worker health and safety, data privacy, and facility security.
What It Is:
ISO 9001:2015 is the most popular standard in the ISO 9000 series and the only standard in the series to which organizations can certify. Achieving this certification means that an organization follows the ISO 9001’s guidelines in quality for products and services, while fulfilling its own requirements, meeting customer requirements and statutory and regulatory requirements, and maintaining documentation.
Why It Matters:
ISO 9001:2015 is used as a framework through which a quality management system (QMS) is organized. The QMS results in satisfied customers, management teams and employees. It is designed to evolve and continually improves processes, further improving them and leading to cost savings.
What It Is:
ISO® 14001:2015 focuses on environmental management systems, setting criteria under which a system is certified. It provides practical tools for companies and organizations looking to identify and control their environmental impact and constantly improve their environmental performance.
Why It Matters:
Independent auditors verify ISO® 14001:2015 certification, which assures that environmental impact is being measured and improved.
Benefits include:
› Reduced cost of waste management
› Savings in consumption of energy and materials
What It Is:
ISO 45001:2018 was once OHSAS 18001. It acts as a single, clear framework for any organization wishing to improve its Occupational, Health & Safety (OH&S) performance. An organization’s leaders use it to provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees and visitors by controlling factors that might result in illness, injury, or death.
Why It Matters:
ISO 45001:2018 takes risk-based approach to the OH&S management system, as well as ensures compliance with current legislation around the world. This certification lets organizations build a reputation for being a safe place to work, in turn improving employee morale and reducing insurance costs.
What It Is:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs certifies businesses majority owned by veterans of the armed forces.
Why It Matters:
Many enterprises prefer to do business with or are legally required to award a certain percentage of business to certified veteran, minority, women and disadvantaged-owned companies.
What It Is:
International Association of Information Technology Asset Managers (IAITAM) is the only globally recognized membership and training organization offering the highest quality benefits, expertise, best practices, and professionalism to their members in this industry.
Why It Matters:
What we do doesn’t occur in a bubble. Our industry changes. Processes improve. Best practices evolve. It’s our job to stay current in these topics and put that knowledge in practice on your behalf.
What It Is:
Microsoft’s Registered Refurbisher program is for refurbishers wanting to provide professionally refurbished PCs preinstalled with genuine Microsoft products.
Why It Matters:
Microsoft Registered Refurbishers provide you with a professionally refurbished computer that’s more reliable, responsive, and makes everyday tasks easier with a legitimate Microsoft software license to ensure data security and reduce environmental e-waste.