What Is IT Asset Disposition (ITAD)?

Companies struggling to remain competitive in an increasingly technical world are finding that immense capital resources are being used to purchase new equipment. Properly disposing of old equipment offers another costly challenge. Failure to uphold disposal regulations can result in irrevocable legal and environmental damage. Information Technology Asset Disposition (ITAD) offers a variety of strategies to deal with these difficulties and return part of a company's technological investments.

Auditing and Equipment Reinvestment

IT Asset Disposition can be undertaken by internal IT professionals or external companies. Both alternatives have individual benefits but provide the same basic services. Initially, an ITAD strategy will implement in-depth auditing of equipment and their barcodes, serial numbers and other ID numbers. This ensures that accurate reporting on ITAD implementation can be given. The second process undertaken involves reinvestment in the current technology infrastructure. Minor hardware and software upgrades can prevent the purchase of new equipment for years at a time. This delay allows for needed products to diminish in cost and become more able to perform to company requirements.

Reselling and Recycling Logistics

Those computer devices that are not worth reinvesting typically see two futures. Many are sold to customers who have a lesser need for their computing. This is often the case with large servers as companies grow and upgrade. ITAD professionals always ensure that secure data destruction methods are employed to prevent a breach of secure information. Equipment that cannot be reused or resold is typically sent to a recycling facility that upholds a policy for zero landfill use. This goal is obtained by separating each component within the device and breaking it down to be used in a new manufacturing process.

Liability, Environmental Resolution and Capital Recovery

Implementation of each of the IT asset disposition techniques allows for resolution of issues that can create legal liabilities and environmental damage while returning some of the original investment. During secure data destruction the private and confidential information stored on hard drives and other media is irrevocably destroyed. Zero landfill recycling policies prevent any waste is allowed to contribute to environmental degradation. Furthermore, reselling to outside companies recoups computer costs and prevents chemical use and carbon emissions that occur during the creation of new equipment. The continued reliance on IT asset disposition will increasingly serve companies in the future as they see major financial incentives while offering a valuable service to the environment. Customers and clients will appreciate the powerful security strategies and the "green" approach to company policy. In the persistently digital world, companies will more and more rely on ITAD strategies to get the greatest return on their technology investments.

Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher living in Austin, Texas. He recommends you check out ITAD and Information Technology Asset Disposition.

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