How to Adjust Your ITAD Process for Global Supply Chain Issues

In a supply chain, each link is carefully connected to the next. When one link breaks, the whole chain is compromised.

Throughout the pandemic, many sailors have been stuck at sea for lengths of time, unable to come into port to load or unload goods. Because 90% of raw materials, parts and goods are transported over the water, these supply chain delays have led to drastic supply chain disruptions.

Add to this the recent natural disasters such as deadly flooding in China, Germany and other major trade centers and manufacturers, distributors and consumers down the line are feeling the effects.

Guy Platten, secretary general for the International Chamber of Shipping, predicts that supply chain disruptions will continue into the fourth quarter of this year.

Consequently, businesses of all sizes must double down on IT asset management efforts in order to continue to operate as seamlessly as possible.

Combat global supply chain issues by extending the life of your electronic assets

Because the current supply chain disruptions make it more difficult to secure new electronic assets, consider ways your organization can extend the life of your current assets.

• Carefully follow manufacturers’ directions

Only operate your laptops, desktops, printers, cell phones, etc. as advised by their manufacturers. What are the ideal operating temperatures for these assets? How often should they be charged? When should you plug them in? Should they be unplugged when they’re not in use? Do they need ventilation to avoid overheating? This is not the time to push the limits of your assets’ capabilities. Take extra precautions to protect them and keep them running in optimal condition.

• Use only approved accessories with your assets

It’s tempting to buy knock-off accessories such as charging cables and charging blocks but saving a little money upfront can lead to much bigger expenses down the road. Generic accessories are typically created for a wide range of models and what works ok for one device may overheat and fry another device. In most cases, knock-offs don’t perform as well and don’t last as long and replacement costs over time far exceed the cost of purchasing approved accessories.

Also, exercise caution when installing software on your devices. Only install the approved OS and compatible software.

Want to learn more about developing an effective, secure and profitable IT asset disposition (ITAD) program for your business? Download our free guide here!

• Install and maintain anti-virus software

This protects your devices and extends their useful life while also protecting your sensitive data.

• Routinely patch software. This keeps software current and minimizes the risk of bugs and security breaches while helping you avoid compatibility issues.

Recognizing the importance of up-to-date software, many organizations maintain an N-1 policy. This policy states that they will only maintain the latest software product or the previous software product.

• Always look into repairing your devices before you replace them

In many cases, electronic assets can be repaired at a fraction of the cost of replacing them. If your laptop, desktop, cell phone or other device isn’t working properly, contact Tech Discounts for a quote! All our parts and repairs are covered by our 1-year warranty. See our list of estimated services and costs here.

Combat global supply chain issues by keeping a keen eye on your inventory 

Even with a small or medium-sized business, it’s easy to lose track of what assets you’ve deployed. An effective IT asset management (ITAM) program can help you manage your end-of-life assets and protect your data. But the benefits don’t stop there. With an ITAM program in place, you can reduce costs and increase efficiency by reallocating electronics and taking advantage of what you already have on hand. This keeps you from making unnecessary purchases or getting into a bind because current supply chain issues prohibit you from making timely purchases.

Learn more about the benefits of successful IT asset management in one of our recent posts!

If your assets can’t be repaired or reallocated to meet your organization’s needs, buy refurbished assets through our partner store, Tech Discounts!

When you purchase electronics through Tech Discounts, you avoid global supply chain issues. You also promote environmental stewardship by reducing your carbon footprint: you reduce manufacturing demands and keep refurbished, like-new electronics out of landfills while supporting a local non-profit doing good work in our community.

All purchases online or through our retail stores are backed by a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee and all computers come with a free 1-year fix-it or replace-it warranty. This warranty can be extended to 2 years for an additional $39.99. If you’re outside the metro area or are interested in shipping, we offer free shipping on all orders over $100.

Pay it forward!

Does your organization have surplus electronic assets? Tech Dump can help you by wiping your sensitive data, making necessary repairs and putting these electronics back into circulation, all while maintaining a tight chain of custody and the highest industry standards for environmental protection and data security.

Thinking about an asset refresh down the road? Start planning now by partnering with Tech Dump for safe, secure and effective IT asset disposition services.

Call us today at 763.432.3117!