The best place to start is the beginning of course, regardless if this is your first IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) project or your hundredth. An investment in knowledge pays the best interest and knowing the “Four Knows” can help return that interest for your surplus IT equipment.
1. Know what you need
a. Does your company have:
i. A data destruction policy or security requirement?
ii. A no reuse policy?
iii. Any specific reporting requirements?
Knowing your company’s requirements for ITAD projects will ensure all quotes are based within a given framework.
2. Know what you have
a. Do you have:
i. An accurate equipment inventory?
ii. An understanding if the equipment is still functional?
iii. All the peripherals for the devices?
Knowing the project inventory will ensure that project quotes and project timelines are accurate.
3. Know who you work with
a. Have you:
i. Researched R2 recyclers and eSteward vendors?
ii. Performed vendor due diligence?
iii. Asked for a referral?
Knowing your vendor’s policies and procedures will reduce exposure risk and improve vendor selection.
4. Know your projects potential
a. Have you:
i. Received multiple quotes?
ii. Inquired about donation possibilities?
iii. Asked your vendor to work with your VAR?
Knowing the value of the equipment will ensure you don’t get rid of it for free when you should be getting capital back.
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest and knowing the “Four Knows” can help return that interest on your redundant IT equipment.