Johannesburg, 22 Jan 2015
Does your current method of computer disposal encounter confusion and concern regarding loss of information due to hard drive theft and high costs? Xperien can assist you with an efficient, logical and affordable solution.
IT asset disposals (ITAD) and decommissioning have not only become time-consuming, but costly, especially in large organisations when implemented without an efficient ITAD policy in place. Legislation prescribes that, for example, a company with 500 computers split over three branches would require:
* An information officer to deal with the protection of personal information (POPI) - there will need to be at least one technician and business manager for the responsibility of each site.
* A decommissioning project would need to be defined to allow synchronisation between the team members and department that require feedback of the items being disposed. This may include the finance department that requires information to allow termination of IT support payment, insurance payments and removal from the asset register.
There are several options to consider:
* Do we centralise the asset before the hard drive information is sanitised?
* If we choose to centralise, then secure logistics will play a major role in compliance to POPI.
* How do we choose a logistics partner that will ensure hard drives are not stolen during transit, and do we have enough volume of businesses to benefit from the economies of scale?
* This would require warehousing; the general rule is less warehouse equals less shortages. Unfortunately, in our society, warehouse staff are blue-collar workers and this presents a challenge when hard drives can be removed from a computer without detection. The storing of decommissioned system must be kept to minimum.
* Will the assets be recycled or donated? This is a process that is cumbersome and is not simply about deciding on either process. If we choose donation, we would have to comply with the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 that prescribes that even though we are donating equipment, the recipient is entitled to equipment that is in proper working condition as well as a warranty. Should we choose to recycle the item, the selection of a partner that understands the environmental risk is essential because the liability is not easily transferable?
The disposal of 500 computers can be a complicated, cumbersome task with several pitfalls if not undertaken professionally.
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