In today's fast-paced tech world, businesses constantly upgrade their IT assets to stay competitive. But what happens to the old hardware? Often, it's tucked away in storage, forgotten and depreciating. Sometimes businesses struggle to recover their assets from exiting employees. So what can businesses do?
What is IT Asset Recovery
IT asset recovery refers to the process of recovering or retrieving technology devices owned by the company that are being used by employees or in use for the general operation of the company. IT asset recovery involves securely removing or destroying data from old or decommissioned hardware to prevent unauthorized access.
This process keeps important information safe, preventing it from getting into the wrong hands. A strong IT Asset Recovery process can help businesses secure their data, maintain their devices, and manage costs.
IT Asset Recovery Process
Every IT asset recovery process will look different based on the company's setup, location of devices, and if the company is using a third-party ITAM provider. A simplified recovery process looks something like this:
1. Identifying: The company and its ITAM provider identify the devices that need to be recovered. If the device is onsite, a plan will be made on how to recover the device and where it then needs to go. If the device is elsewhere, for instance, if it is a remote employee device in another state, a plan will need to be made on how to recover that device. Most ITAM providers can either pick up the device directly or send materials to the location to have the device(s) shipped to them. Your ITAM provider should be able to provide tracking so you can see where your device(s) are at any moment.
2. Assessment: Once the device is received, an overall assessment will be made of the device. Is it broken? Can it be repaired? If it can be repaired, does it need to be returned to the company for storage or redeployment? Or does its value need to be assessed so it can be resold?
3. Data Wiping or Erasure: Before the device is either recycled or reused, all data must be wiped or erased from the device. Depending on where it is going next, it can either be wiped completely or if it is being recycled, it can be destroyed. If your devices are being destroyed, you should receive a Certificate of Destruction. No matter which avenue your device goes through, you should receive documentation and reporting on the erasure of your data and where your device is in the process.
4. Next Steps: Once the data has been erased and the device has been assessed, one of three things will happen.
The device will be repaired, refurbished, and then resold to create revenue for the company. An ITAM provider will have downstream partners that will buy these devices.
The devices will be repaired and refurbished and then sent back to the company for either storage or redeployment. If the company wishes to reuse the device, then it can be redeployed to the company directly or to a new employee.
If the device cannot be recycled or no longer has resale value, it can be securely destroyed and recycled. Disposing of a device inadequately can result in fines, so it's vital companies recycle correctly to avoid data breaches or fines.
Benefits of IT Asset Recovery?
Maximize Value: Your outdated IT equipment may still hold value. Through refurbishment and resale, you can recover a portion of your initial investment. It's not just about clearing space; it's about turning old assets into cash flow. It can also help you maximize cost savings by repurposing IT assets instead of buying new assets.
Ensure Data Security: With growing concerns over data breaches, secure data destruction is paramount. An effective IT asset recovery process ensures that sensitive information is handled securely throughout the process and through disposal. An ITAM provider will strictly adhere to regulations set by NAID and R2V3, giving you peace of mind.
Environmental Responsibility: E-waste is a significant environmental issue. By recycling and repurposing IT assets, you reduce your carbon footprint. ITAM providers will facilitate sustainable recycling of your retiring assets to help prevent assets from being sent to the landfill.
Compliance Management: An efficient IT asset recovery process will help make sure you are adhering to local, state, and federal regulations, along with any data security guidelines. Keeping you protected from fines and data leaks.
Choosing an IT Asset Recovery Provider
To help facilitate your IT asset recoveries, you can partner with an ITAM or ITAD provider. An ITAM provider can create a process for your business when recovering IT assets. When looking for a provider there are a few things you want to look for and consider when choosing.
Fully-Certified: You want an ITAM provider that is certified by different organizations and follows their regulations. For example, you’ll want to ensure your provider is NAID AAA certified and R2V3 certified.
Secure Logistics: An ITAM provider should be able to provide secure transportation of your assets and visibility into the entire IT asset recovery process. This can be reporting tools or portals so you can track assets through an asset tag.
Sustainable: A reliable provider should have a system that avoids sending assets to the landfill. This means having a system to recycle assets or remarket the products to downstream partners.
Why Synetic Technologies?
At Synetic Technologies, we believe in the mantra "Make Every Asset Count." Our IT Asset Recovery services help businesses maximize the value of their retired IT equipment, ensuring secure data destruction, environmental responsibility, and financial returns. Our R2v3 and NAID AAA-certified processes destroy your data, protecting your sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Synetic's premium service extends beyond asset recovery; we redefine the process, turning the recovery of IT devices into a seamless and efficient experience. Starting from the moment a device enters our facility to its ultimate configuration, our focus remains on precision, transparency, and customization. This promise ensures that your company's IT resources are both ready and optimized for peak performance. It guarantees that the resources are not only available but also carefully prepared. This means that your IT systems will be fully functional and operating at their best.