What Is IT Asset Decommissioning And Disposition?

When a company needs to get rid of old or unused technology, they may need to go through an IT asset decommissioning and disposition process. This involves getting rid of all the data on the devices, wiping them clean, and properly disposing of them. IT asset decommissioning and disposition (ITAD) can be a daunting task for IT teams, despite being critical components of IT asset management. It’s important to make sure this process is done correctly, or you could be putting your company’s data at risk.  

What is IT Asset Decommissioning and Disposition? 

ITAD is the process of moving IT assets from one state to another; from operational use to storage, or from storage to end-of-life scrapping/recycling. In order to prevent data loss, data privacy breaches, and potential non-compliance violations, IT teams must ensure that ITAD is conducted safely and securely. 

Decommissioning 

Decommissioning is the process of retiring an asset from service and involves two parts: physical removal and data sanitization. 

Physical removal is self-explanatory; the asset is unplugged and removed from the premises. Data sanitization, on the other hand, is the process of making sure that all sensitive data stored on the asset is destroyed beyond recovery. This is done using accredited data erasure software that adheres to government and industry standards. Once an asset has been decommissioned, it can then be disposed of. 

When is the right time to decommission? 

Decommissioning usually occurs when an asset reaches the end of its useful life or when it is no longer needed by the organization. Once an asset is decommissioned, it should be properly disposed of to ensure that sensitive data is not compromised and to avoid any legal or compliance issues.

There are a few different scenarios in which you might need to decommission an asset:

• The asset has reached the end of its useful life and needs to be retired. 
• The asset is no longer needed by the organization and can be sold, donated, or recycled. 
• The asset contains sensitive data that needs to be destroyed to protect the security of the organization. 
• The asset is non-compliant with regulatory requirements and needs to be updated or replaced.

Disposition 

Disposition is the process of selling, donating, recycling, or destroying an asset once it has been decommissioned. 

The goal of disposition is to ensure that sensitive data is not compromised and to avoid any legal or compliance issues. 

When disposing of an asset, it’s important to choose a disposal method that meets your organization’s needs and adheres to all applicable laws and regulations. 

Types of disposal methods

There are four disposal options for IT assets: resale, recycling, destruction, and refurbishment. 

1. Resale involves selling the asset to a third-party seller. This is a good option if the asset is still valuable and can be sold for a profit. 
2. Recycling means breaking down the materials in the asset to create new products. This is a good option if the asset contains hazardous materials that need to be disposed of safely. Recycling can also help an organization earn environmental credits. 
3. Destruction is a good option if the asset contains sensitive data that needs to be shredded or wiped before disposal. Destroying an asset may require special equipment or services, so make sure you factor in those costs when deciding on this disposal method. 
4. Refurbishment entails bringing the asset back to working condition so that it can be donated or resold at a discounted price, as with our local retail store front. 

Choosing IT Asset Decommissioning and Disposition 

Your organization is responsible for ensuring that their companies’ assets are properly decommissioned and disposed of. This is important not only for environmental reasons but also for data security reasons. If sensitive data falls into the wrong hands, it could lead to identity theft, fraud, or other types of cybercrime.

IT asset decommissioning and disposition are two important but often misunderstood aspects of IT Asset Management. By understanding these processes, you can better protect your organization’s data and stay compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. When disposing of assets, make sure to choose a disposal method that meets your needs and adheres to all applicable laws and regulations.