All Posts By

John Borrelli

Aug 14
0
full-service reverse logistics

Full-service reverse logistics vs. outsourcing: Who comes out on top?

By | Reverse Logistics Association | No Comments

When shopping for reverse logistics solutions, consider your long-term strategy. While ad-hoc services offer a tempting quick fix, the benefits of full-service reverse logistics may surprise you.

Does it make sense to use a separate provider for data erasure, recycling, and remarketing? Or should you gather everything under one umbrella? Let’s take a deep dive into the pros and cons of outsourcing versus working with a full-service reverse logistics organization.

1.    Compliance

Compliance, above all, drives your search for logistics support. No matter what approach you take to your logistics services, you need to know with complete certainty that services will comply with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.

Doing your due diligence on a logistics provider takes a few practical steps. First, examine the certifications they hold. You are looking for up-to-date confirmation of achieving applicable ISO and workplace safety standards, among others.

Once safety and other standards are covered, look for standards that set providers apart from the pack. The exceptional R2 Standard demonstrates a strong commitment to the circular economy of electronics and reuse of components wherever possible.

Checking certifications is a straightforward exercise. Repeated among multiple companies and staying on top of the various requirements for each entity compounds the time and effort you will need to put into ensuring compliance. On the other hand, with a full-service reverse logistics provider, you have only one organization to evaluate.

2.    Quality

Let’s get directly to the point: you want to find the highest quality services among the many competing providers. With outsourcing, this can quickly get complicated. A quality hard-disk-drive wipe is critical. But what about recycling practices for those HDDs that do not make the cut?

You need to ensure that the logistics provider that handles the recycling practices holds the highest standards for sorting and reusing as many HDDs as possible. The same goes for remarketing. You will need to establish that the quality of remarketing that you want to see stands up to the investment you’ve made in wiping and sorting your HDD.

Across-the-board quality matters. If you are outsourcing to ad-hoc partners, you will have to stay on top of quality to ensure that it does not slip at any point.

Security is another quality control issue. You need well-documented security measures for every step of the process. Maintaining rigorous security through a chain of ad-hoc providers could present a challenge.

Full-service reverse logistics brings all of these quality considerations home under one organization. You can evaluate quality throughout the process, instead of fitting puzzle pieces together in a patchwork of providers.

3.    Consistency

If you can ensure compliance and sort out on the highest quality providers out of the pack, ad-hoc services might offer what you need. Consistency is where you could come up short.

Tying together providers across data erasure, recycling, and remarketing could get you the pricing you need for your bottom line. But can your organization tolerate the significant risk of inconsistency in the ad-hoc model?

Uniform standards, processes, procedures across all locations provide customers with a seamless experience in full-service reverse logistics — because at the end of the day, you need services that you can count on.

A matter of strategy.

Outsourcing to ad-hoc services versus full-service reverse logistics represents a major difference in strategy for your organization. If you prefer a scattershot approach, with constant juggling and negotiations, and you can tolerate some inconsistency, ad-hoc could work for you.

If you are looking for reliability, consistency, and attention to big-picture strategy, full-service logistics offers the solutions you need.

Solutions

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Jun 26
0
off-lease equipment

3 things to look for in an off-lease equipment remarketing partner

By | Reverse Logistics Association | No Comments

Experience in secondary markets, proven commitment to the environment, and secure data-wiping processes are all crucial traits in an off-lease equipment remarketing partner.

Selecting an off-lease equipment remarketing partner is one of the most important decisions you will make as a company executive. Failure to choose an experienced partner can leave your company at risk for costly penalties and may compromise confidential data. Even worse, your company’s reputation could be tarnished indefinitely if you do not choose a dependable remarketing partner.

The good news is that you can minimize these risks by restricting your search to remarketing partners that exhibit three key qualities. By seeking a well-connected, environmentally-conscious firm with sound data security policies, you can help protect your company’s future. When it comes to remarketing your off-lease assets, don’t settle for a partner without the following three things:

1) Deep connections in important emerging secondary markets

Beware of generalist remarketing companies that dispose of your company’s aging IT equipment without offering any return value to your organization. Selecting a remarketing provider with deep connections and experience in secondary markets will help your organization earn a higher ROI. Has your prospective partner realized the potential of secondary markets in Latin America?

Remarketing providers with deep connections in emerging secondary markets often have a strategic approach to handling your off-lease equipment to help maximize your financial returns. They will conduct an exhaustive audit of your IT equipment, noting serial numbers, year of manufacture, and equipment model. With a wide distribution network and processing centers in several countries, they can quickly move product to markets where demand is high. This will help increase your company’s gross profit margin.

2) A commitment to environmental responsibility

“As environmental concerns are on the rise, e-waste disposal has become one of the most critical considerations for the technology industry.”  – Bristol Herald Courier

With the amount of electronic waste projected to hit 49.8 million tons in 2018, it is vital for your company to select a partner that uses safe, environmentally-friendly measures to recycle your e-waste. The remarketing partner you select should meet the following criteria:

  • R2 Standard, the electronics recycling industry’s leading certification, which illustrates a dedication to environmental safety measures and quality control.
  • ISO 14001, ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001

3) A consistent, highly secure data-wiping process for off-lease equipment

Selecting a remarketing provider with a proven track record of proper data-wiping is critical to preventing data breaches. With data breaches costing companies millions of dollars, you can hardly afford not to choose a remarketing partner that uses approved data-wiping procedures. Before entrusting your IT equipment to a remarketing partner, be sure to confirm exactly how they adhere to data-wiping standards in your industry and geographical location. Most importantly, make sure your partner offers data erasure validation to give you the peace of mind that you deserve.

Finalizing Your Decision  

As outlined above, there are three key priorities that your off-lease equipment remarketing partner should have. In addition to these priorities, you should choose a partner with at least a decade of industry expertise and a passion for helping your equipment leasing company grow and prosper. By using care when selecting a remarketing partner, you will help your company enjoy a healthier bottom line and a sound industry reputation.

Mainstream Global, Inc., headquartered in Lawrence, Mass., owns and operates ISO 9001, 14001, OHSAS 18001 and R2 certified processing centers in the United States, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil.  With over 19 years of directly servicing and re-selling assets from top-tier manufacturers, Mainstream Global is the recognized expert.  Our partners rely on us for compliance, security, professionalism, and brand protection, all while providing the best returns and prioritizing global environmental standards. 

Solutions

 

Read more:

How concerned should companies be about 5G?

Video: A day in the life of an IT asset

Equipment management: Five trends to watch in 2019

 

Jun 19
0

Why a growing number of lessors are outsourcing equipment disposition

By | Reverse Logistics Association | No Comments

Outsourcing equipment disposition lets you focus on your core services while achieving maximum resale and cost savings at high speed

An increasing number of equipment lessors are outsourcing equipment disposition to third-party service providers to help them develop and execute sustainable reverse supply chain IT asset solutions. These providers can help lessors manage a portion of the equipment financing and lease lifecycles, which in turn frees those lessors up to focus on their core competencies.

Whether you need help with global remarketing, data erasure, or responsible recycling, a third-party service provider can assist you in meeting goals and increasing your bottom line.

It’s undeniable that teaming up with a third party is a great way to offset some responsibility and improve business processes, but how do all of the benefits actually come together? Below, we’ll take a look at four reasons working with a third-party service provider can be a pivotal business decision.

Four Reasons to Outsource Equipment Disposition to a Third-Party Service Provider

Cost Savings

If you’re trying to build a global network of customers in the secondary market, you’re looking at a process that takes a significant amount of time and funding. A lengthy trial-and-error phase is likely something you can’t afford. Outsourcing equipment disposition not only saves internal resources but also helps achieve maximum resell, something that will have a direct impact on your bottom line.

Leave the granular and specialized work to specialists; you’ll be surprised how much weight is lifted off of your shoulders when you do.

Speed

Third-party service providers like Mainstream Global are experts at what they do—and expertise often translates to speed. A partnership means projects and work get done more quickly and efficiently. We all know that time is money, especially when it comes to moving high volumes of equipment into secondary markets, so why drag out projects when some support could speed things along?

Because these service providers have such a niche focus, they’re well-equipped to work through these complex processes quickly. In-house teams are a great tool to lean on during these processes but outsourcing a bulk of this work can save significant time.

Expertise

Let’s face it: tasks like secure data wiping are best left to the experts. There are a number of best practices that should form the foundation of the process, and neglecting critical safety measures leaves you vulnerable to future exploitation.

The pros are certified in international industry standards. Standardized procedures are crucial to proper data erasure.

Customer Service

When you outsource these processes to a third-party, it frees you up to focus on building customer relationships. Any lender knows that customer interaction and relationship building is key to driving business and profitability—so shouldn’t you be able to focus on that rather than behind-the-scenes humdrum?

Leave specialized tasks like remarketing to third-party vendors so that you can afford yourself the time to build meaningful connections with your clients. Not only will it reduce stress, but it’ll also boost business performance and bolster your customers’ confidence in your business.

Contact us to learn more.

Mainstream Global, Inc., headquartered in Lawrence, Mass., owns and operates ISO 9001, 14001, OHSAS 18001 and R2 certified processing centers in the United States, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil.  With over 19 years of directly servicing and re-selling assets from top-tier manufacturers, Mainstream Global is the recognized expert.  Our partners rely on us for compliance, security, professionalism, and brand protection, all while providing the best returns and prioritizing global environmental standards. 

Solutions

Read more:

When disposing of IT assets, doing it wrong can ruin your company’s reputation

Video: A day in the life of an IT asset

Equipment management: Five trends to watch in 2019

 

Jun 12
0
A Day In The Life Of An Asset At Mainstream Global

5 responses when your equipment leasing prospects worry about data security

By | Reverse Logistics Association | No Comments

Data breaches are costly. In many cases, they’re also reputation-ending, which can be a fearful prospect to IT equipment lessees. The amount of attention that the media devotes to these sorts of breaches can also stir up a fair bit of anxiety.

It’s understandable that data security is a major concern to many IT equipment lessees. Below, we’ll cover five common questions and what you can do to address them to instill lessees’ confidence in your (and your partner’s) data sanitization processes.

Common IT Equipment Lessee Concerns About Data Security

How do we know that you’re working by the book?

We/our partner meet all of the international standards for data wiping— NIST, Department of Defense 5220.22-M, etc.

It’s essential to be transparent with clients about the standards and regulations that your practices meet, especially when you have outsourced part of the lease lifecycle to a third-party provider. Not only does this show prospective lessees that you’re committed to quality and playing by the rules, but it also offers them peace of mind. If you’re operating in accordance with DOD regulations, it leaves no doubt of the high level of services that you provide.

Standardized procedures are integral to sanitizing data properly. Offer information about software certifications and the results of any forensic auditing you may have carried out to ensure security. Show that you have protocols in place for documenting each portion of the removal and data sanitization process.

What if we’ve got a lot to dispose of?

We can process a high volume of equipment—those capabilities extend to high-volume data destruction.

This answer will prove especially simple when your third-party partner offers those exact services. If you do offer erasure services at your own facilities, make sure that lessees understand how their equipment and data will be protected and destroyed during the process. It’s critical that you’re forthcoming about the steps you take to ensure security. Regulations concerning lab access and environmental controls are essential, as are adequate security and surveillance systems.

What if we aren’t comfortable sending our equipment to you?

We have the capability to conduct on-site data erasure.

Some clients don’t feel secure in surrendering control over their data and equipment—and that’s fine. Rather than battling against these natural instincts, you should offer services that allow data erasure to be conducted on-site for lessees.

Those who desire high levels of control and oversight when it comes to the data sanitization process should have the option to witness the process in their own facilities. You’ll need portable and high-volume processing equipment that meets DOD standards to achieve this level of flexibility, but the freedom to partner with more organizations is oftentimes worth it.

How will I know the data is truly gone?

We offer data erasure validation.

It’s critical that you prove to clients that their data has been securely sanitized. You should provide certificates of data erasure for each processed drive (and certificates of destruction for failed drives). Not only does this offer lessees peace of mind, but it also means you have documentation for your own sake.

Establish a company culture that emphasizes relying on global industry best practices and meeting certifications. These certifications speak directly to your wiping capabilities, adherence to standards, and transparency with clients. Consistency and accountability will carry you far.

What about drives that can’t be easily wiped?

We physically destroy, securely transport, and responsibly recycle any drives that fail our processes.

Prospective lessees are right to be concerned about the data security of drives, which fail to respond to the sanitization process. Offer them some peace of mind by having a rigorous plan in place for what to do with those drives. It’s important that you can explain how and why you carry out the processes you do in response to failed data destruction efforts.

We can help you instill confidence in your lessee prospects.

Contact us to learn more.

Mainstream Global, Inc., headquartered in Lawrence, Mass., owns and operates ISO 9001, 14001, OHSAS 18001 and R2 certified processing centers in the United States, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil.  With over 19 years of directly servicing and re-selling assets from top-tier manufacturers, Mainstream Global is the recognized expert.  Our partners rely on us for compliance, security, professionalism, and brand protection, all while providing the best returns and prioritizing global environmental standards. 

Solutions

 

Read more:

Searching for a reverse logistics partner? Then you need to see this video.

IoT generates tons of data. How does it affect product lifecycle management?

A quick guide to best practices for data erasure.

Apr 24
0

How concerned should cable companies be about 5G?

By | Reverse Logistics Association | No Comments

Despite the 5G buzz, some analysts say the perceived speed advantage will be short-lived.

Verizon has its eyes set on introducing competition into the wired internet market with its new 5G Home Service. By offering 300 Mbps service for $50 per month to existing mobile customers, Verizon hopes to make inroads into markets dominated by a single cable-only provider.

AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile are also in the process of rolling out 5G networks in 2019 and 2020. But industry experts from several consulting firms still downplay the risks to cable companies like Comcast and Charter.

But let’s first take a quick look at the potential that 5G offers:

  • Speed: With data transfer speeds as high as 10 Gbps, the next-generation wireless rivals even the fastest fibre-optic networks.
  • Latency: It’s low. And it’s one of the primary attributes of 5G networks. In ideal conditions, latency rates of under a millisecond are possible, making 5G 60 to 120 faster than 4g latencies. Low latency will, for instance, be a boon for cloud computing. When home and enterprise users alike are able to complete complex tasks in real time and access unprecedented amounts of data without suffering high price points and limited storage, some experts argue it will allow for a more decentralized workforce.
  • IoT impact: Since the full realization of the Internet of Things (IoT) depends on the ability to collect data from a myriad of sources, the speed and latency of 5G provides the framework to make it happen.
  • Transparency: In practical terms, it paves the way for smart-city applications, such as smart streetlights, crime detection and reporting, and traffic flow. The impact of “always-on” technology will also be felt in the supply chain, enabling full transparency not only of the item being transported but of all source materials (“Imagine being able to see into the history of a product to see if it contains dangerous or unrecyclable ingredients or packaging. 5G can make that a reality, if we value transparency.”)

The downside? Increased security concerns. Larger networks open up larger surfaces to attack while 5G’s higher data rate could leave networks vulnerable to more powerful Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, according to NetworkWorld.

Technology enhancements could mute threat from 5G

With the help of Docsis 3.1 technology and network enhancements like Full Duplex, enabling speeds of up to 10 Gbps, Charter and Comcast have noted they don’t see 5G as a threat. Several industry experts agreed in FierceWireless:

“By the end of 2020, 5G fixed wireless solutions remain niche despite deployments by more than 50 network operators worldwide,” analysts at CCS Insights wrote in one of their predictions for 2019. “A slew of providers offers fixed wireless access as an alternative to fibre in high-density areas. They follow early launches of 5G networks in the US that take the same approach to providing broadband access in a fixed location. However, such services remain niche, representing only a tiny fraction of total 5G connections in the long term.”

Analysts at Jeffries said, “we expect 5G’s perceived speed advantage will be short-lived.”

Do you have obsolete cable boxes? Mainstream Global can process large volumes in our certified processing centers in the United States and Latin America. By partnering with us, you can take full advantage of our expertise in developing sustainable, best-in-class ITAD solutions.

Contact us to learn more.

Mainstream Global, Inc., headquartered in Lawrence, Mass., owns and operates ISO 9001, 14001, OHSAS 18001 and R2 certified processing centers in the United States, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.  With over 19 years of directly servicing and re-selling assets from top-tier manufacturers, Mainstream Global is the recognized expert.  Our partners rely on us for compliance, security, professionalism, and brand protection, all while providing the best returns and prioritizing global environmental standards. 

 

Solutions

Read more:

Searching for a reverse logistics partner? Then you need to see this video.

IoT generates tons of data. How does it affect product lifecycle management?

A quick guide to best practices for data erasure.

Apr 18
0
product lifecycle management

IoT generates tons of data. How does it affect product lifecycle management?

By | Reverse Logistics Association | No Comments

Connected technology puts renewed focus on the last phase of product lifecycle management — the importance of secure data erasure.  

 Highlights 

  • Data generated by connected technology poses a challenge to organizations.  
  • Study shows many organizations leave their IoT apps open to security breaches. 
  • Pay close attention to what happens during the last phase of product lifecycle management for your IT assets. 
  • Experience, connections, certifications, and flexibility are crucial traits of an ITAD partner.  

The rapid growth of not only everyday connected devices (IoT), but also technologies that enhance manufacturing and industrial processes poses a challenge to company tech leaders. A surprising poll released by the TechRepublic CIO Jury found seven out of 12 members think their organizations are not prepared to handle the large amounts of data collected by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). 

But while the current focus is largely centered on developing useful data analytics strategies, the inevitable next question is: How should this new generation of data-collecting devices be handled when they reach the end of their lifecycle? 

Last phase of product lifecycle management deserves close look 

Not every organization may realize what’s at stake based on an IBM Security and Ponemon Institute study that was recently published in Harvard Business Review. As many as 80 percent of organizations do not routinely test their IoT apps for security vulnerabilities, making it “a lot easier for criminals to use IoT devices to spy, steal, and even cause physical harm.”  

If data security is overlooked while the assets are in use, it is not too late to pay close attention to what happens during the last phase of product lifecycle management for your IT assets.  

Secure data erasure is an undertaking that businesses should not tackle on their own. The removal of all traces of residual data requires an expert partner with certified and proven expertise. An expert data wipe solutions team makes sure your company’s confidential data stays that way. Whether you’re looking for disposition of IoT/IIoT devices or “old-school” hardware, the same principles apply to the final stage of product lifecycle management: 

You need a partner with experience and connections.  

The increase in volume and demand for data erasure is going to attract startup companies trying to capitalize on the growing ITAD market. However, newcomers will not have the deep industry connections and global network of processing centers that you need to get the most out of your retired assets. Take into consideration processing capabilities (Can the organization handle high-volume processing?) and the speed of moving product to secondary markets (Can large volumes be remarketed without adversely affecting market pricing or conditions?). 

You need a partner with the right certifications.  

Standardized procedures matter because consistency in methods and outcomes is critical in secure data erasure. International standards such as the Department of Defense 5220.22-M  and NIST 800-88 — the highest data erasure standard in the United States — establish consistent procedures to optimize security and provide stringent guidelines to ensure that all trace data is removed. Other certifications to look for include: The R2 Standard, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001/OHSAS 18001.  

You need a partner who can offer tailored solutions.  

One size does not fit all. And you shouldn’t have to adjust to a partner with limited capabilities. A range of options give you the opportunity to decide whether you prefer to have the secure erasure performed at your own facility, a client site, or at one of your partner’s processing centers around the globe.  

Bottom line: Leaving data on retired connected devices is a risk you shouldn’t take.   

Mainstream Global, Inc., headquartered in Lawrence, Mass., owns and operates ISO 9001, 14001, OHSAS 18001 and R2 certified processing centers in the United States, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.  With over 19 years of directly servicing and re-selling assets from top-tier manufacturers, Mainstream Global is the recognized expert.  Our partners rely on us for compliance, security, professionalism, and brand protection, all while providing the best returns and prioritizing global environmental standards.  

Read more: 

Why the explosive growth of IoT calls for a solid asset disposal plan. 

A quick guide to best practices for data erasure.  

Landfills can do without obsolete electronic equipment: what to do instead. 

Apr 10
0
reverse logistics partner

Equipment management: Five trends to watch in 2019

By | Reverse Logistics Association | No Comments

When it comes to equipment management, the strong hardware and software markets offer promise for refurbished products.

Budgets in place, we’re halfway through the 2019 opening quarter for equipment management. What does the economic future hold? What factors should we watch to help us make informed decisions on equipment management in the coming year?

Part of the answer is found in the newly released 2019 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook. The report, released by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, paints a mostly favorable picture as we head into 2019. First the good news: Transportation industries like railroad, aircraft, and ships and boats appear strong. Computer hardware and software markets are also poised for growth (That’s good news for Mainstream Global customers).

Among industries where a slowdown is expected for the equipment market, we find agriculture, medical, oil field, mining, and truck transportation, while most of the construction equipment market will see moderate growth rates.

So, let’s dive in and look at some of the evolving economic factors which could affect these trends and the way you should approach equipment management.

Continuing trade war with China could slow the dollar.

One of the few possible hiccups in the economy stems from the trade war with China. Economic uncertainty seems to be taking its toll. The Chinese market is in a slump and looking to worsen over the next 12 months. Residual effects can already be seen in the slight crunch on the Euro (EUR) as European markets begin to slow. The U.S. dollar has yet to be affected, but a slight reduction might eventually take place. Renewed trade negotiations or an easing of tariffs may be enough to ward off a possible downturn of the U.S. economy in the coming year.

Computer hardware and software continues to grow.

The computer hardware and software markets are forecast to expand between 4 and 9%, the same rate we saw in 2018. The continued expansion is good news for Mainstream Global customers as demand for redeployed hardware will remain strong.

Housing market weakens well into 2019.

Housing is the weakest sector in the U.S. economy and looks to remain that way through 2019. Rising costs of labor as well as lumber and other building materials have put a strain on homebuilder confidence. A combination of rising interest rates and elevated home prices have also started to slow consumer demand. Without a break in economic forces — Feds slowing interest rate hikes, soothing of the trade war with China — the housing market isn’t expected to rebound soon.

Labor market to remain strong.

The U.S. labor market is projected to remain strong through 2019, according to the report. The average hourly earnings of private sector workers are up 3.1% over 2018 numbers. Coupled with the prospect of better benefits and more flexibility in attracting workers in their prime back into the labor market, the outlook appears positive. Unemployment hovers around the 3.7% range and new jobs are being added at a high rate.

Consumer spending to remain healthy through 2019.

Consumer spending shows signs of staying strong throughout 2019. Spurred by tax cuts, a healthy labor market, and continuing consumer confidence, spending doesn’t look to slow anytime soon. Only large-scale consumer purchases seem to suffer, especially in the automotive and the housing markets.

So, what does this mean to Mainstream Global customers? The strong markets for both computer hardware and software will provide a robust outlet for refurbished IT assets, leaving Mainstream Global customers with a better ROI.

Let us tell you how we can help you get the most out of equipment management and your retired assets. Contact us today to learn more.

Mainstream Global, Inc., headquartered in Lawrence, Mass., owns and operates ISO 9001, 14001, OHSAS 18001 and R2 certified processing centers in the United States, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.  With over 19 years of directly servicing and re-selling assets from top-tier manufacturers, Mainstream Global is the recognized expert.  Our partners rely on us for compliance, security, professionalism, and brand protection, all while providing the best returns and prioritizing global environmental standards. 

 Solutions

Read more:

Five Certifications: How they help you fulfill demanding ITAD requirements

Think your organization can handle secure data erasure in house? Think again.

All Mainstream Global sites are now R2 certified: What it means to you.

Apr 03
1
reverse logistics partner

Searching for a reverse logistics partner? Then you need to see this video.

By | Reverse Logistics Association | No Comments

Not too long ago, the reverse logistics partner didn’t exist. Companies disposed of their old hardware themselves by giving it away, destroying it, or sending it to a landfill.

But over time, with the explosion of technology into every aspect of life and business and an ever-increasing, much needed, crackdown on data leaks, it no longer made sense for companies to do it on their own. This massive growth in IT gave birth to the reverse logistics partner that specializes in the removal and disposition of IT assets that are no longer needed.

This business type has become so specialized that companies can now realize a positive ROI while maintaining brand protection and downstream compliance by aligning themselves with a quality partner like Mainstream Global.

First, check out this video for insight into our global reach, asset disposal, and disposition procedures, and why Mainstream Global is a great place to work. Then we’ll look at how a partnership with us can provide true value to your business.

What we offer clients as their reverse logistics partner.

Mainstream Global offers three basic categories of service for our reverse logistics partners.

  • First is the secure transportation of your assets to one of our ISO and R2 certified facilities. This step is important because as demand for data security increases, so does the need for the logistics surrounding the transportation of data containing storage devices.
  • Next, we conduct auditing, testing, and screening of all incoming IT assets with comprehensive reporting provided to our partners. Any data storage devices are data wiped and tested in one of our secure labs using our own proprietary process utilizing software that meets or exceeds all global standards for data erasure. All assets that are determined to be resalable for their intended purpose will be cleaned and repackaged in new environmentally sensitive packaging before they move to the remarketing phase. Assets that are determined to be beyond repair are prepared for responsible recycling or — if data containing — destroyed in-house by shredding.
  • Finally, we offer secure warehousing services while the repackaged hardware awaits final disposition, whether that’s remarketing or recycling.

Global connections in IT hardware reseller markets.

We leverage our onsite presence in Latin America to your advantage. Our established relationships and large network of processing and fulfillment centers allow us to move large volumes of product to the Latin American secondary markets.

We not only understand the culture and the business environment, we are experts in the legal and environmental requirements in each country within the region. Regardless of whether your assets are processed in our facilities in Peru, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, or Brazil, you can rest assured that all our sites are R2 and ISO certified. In addition, we maintain international sales teams to connect with businesses throughout the region.  We know these markets inside and out.

Ensuring your data remains protected.

We know the importance of protecting your data and the scrutiny this protection of data goes through. We understand how important it is to maintain trust with our clients about how we securely manage their IT assets. Companies are liable for the security of customer data. We are prepared and that’s why Mainstream Global went through the rigorous process of becoming R2 certified. We remain the only R2-certified partner in five countries throughout Latin America. Our certifications show our dedication to process, safety, and environmental compliance, all of which are crucial to your success.

Expansion of our ITAD services as market demands increase.

We always strive to expand our services to stay a step ahead of market demands. The evolution of IoT devices will pose new challenges and raise the stakes for disposition as these products start to reach their end of life here. With Mainstream Global as your reverse logistics partner, you can meet this new era with confidence, knowing your assets are safely handled, completely wiped, and effectively remarketed or recycled.

Mainstream Global, Inc., headquartered in Lawrence, Mass., owns and operates ISO 9001, 14001, OHSAS 18001 and R2 certified processing centers in the United States, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.  With over 19 years of directly servicing and re-selling assets from top-tier manufacturers, Mainstream Global is the recognized expert.  Our partners rely on us for compliance, security, professionalism, and brand protection, all while providing the best returns and prioritizing global environmental standards. 

Solutions

Read more:

Why the explosive growth of IoT calls for a solid asset disposal plan

A quick guide to best practices for data erasure

All Mainstream Global sites are now R2 certified: What it means to you.

Mar 27
0
disposal of IT assets

When you dispose of IT assets, doing it wrong can ruin your company’s reputation

By | Reverse Logistics Association | No Comments

Your company has made the news! Unfortunately, congratulations are not in order. Companies that experience significant data breaches or improper recycling practices are often subject to big headlines.

It’s a nightmare no one wants.

A company’s data can be leaked in many ways. Employees can walk off with important information they’ve downloaded on the job; a hacker can penetrate the IT system; a traveling employee’s laptop may be stolen. But there’s another aspect that is often overlooked and that leaves companies vulnerable to data theft — the improper disposal of IT assets.

Careless disposal of IT assets: Beware of ‘e-waste hell’

You may be surprised to know that only 15% of e-waste is actually recycled, despite the fact most of the materials used in making electronics, such as copper, tin, iron, aluminum, fossil fuels, titanium, gold, and silver can be recovered and reused or recycled.

Instead, the vast majority ends up in the developing world, often funneled by unscrupulous “recycling” operations out to make a quick buck at the expense of the environment and local citizens. If your brand shows up in a faraway landfill of toxic waste, you will indeed find yourself in “E-waste Hell,” the title of a Dateline NBC exposé on the illegal disposal of IT assets.

Just picture the scene in Accra, Ghana, where Chris Carroll of National Geographic observed, “small children are burning plastics off copper wiring, breaking copper yokes off television sets, releasing lead, cadmium and other neurotoxins and carcinogens into the air, all for the pursuit of little profit.”

Numbers speak for themselves

Here are some statistics that underscore just how much your company — and the environment — can gain from the proper disposal of IT assets:

  • If we recycled one million laptops, we would recover the electricity used by 3,657 homes in the United States in one year.
  • One million cellphones contain 35,300 pounds of copper, 75 pounds of gold, 772 pounds of silver, and 33 pounds of palladium.
  • Reusing a computer can be 20 times more energy efficient than recycling it.
  • The global used smartphone market is worth $17 billion.

Fully insured, certified, accountable, auditable

Aside from the potentially devastating environmental impact and ensuing public relations disaster, the accidental release of data — even from a single retired asset — could plunge your company into disarray and result in heavy fines. With more than 550 laws regulating IT asset disposal, it’s not an everyday undertaking. That’s why it’s so important to partner with highly experienced, fully insured, certified, accountable, and auditable company in IT asset disposition.

At Mainstream Global, our reverse logistics programs comprise an array of services that at every turn protects the integrity of your brand and the environment. Our commitment is manifested by our certifications, including the R2-certification of all our processing centers as well as the international standards published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

With the right partner, your company can tout its green credentials, gain a reputation as environmentally conscientious, and always rest assured your data is safe even after it leaves your facility.

Let us tell you how we can help.

Mainstream Global, Inc., headquartered in Lawrence, Mass., owns and operates ISO 9001, 14001, OHSAS 18001 and R2 certified processing centers in the United States, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.  With over 19 years of directly servicing and re-selling assets from top-tier manufacturers, Mainstream Global is the recognized expert.  Our partners rely on us for compliance, security, professionalism, and brand protection, all while providing the best returns and prioritizing global environmental standards. 

Solutions

Read more:

Why the explosive growth of IoT calls for a solid asset disposal plan

A quick guide to best practices for data erasure

All Mainstream Global sites are now R2 certified: What it means to you.

 

Mar 20
0
best practices for data erasure

A quick guide to best practices for data erasure

By | Reverse Logistics Association | No Comments

Removing data from your retired IT assets is critical.

But how do you know that every trace of sensitive information has been erased? Data wiping is not an everyday undertaking. It requires a fully insured, auditable, certified, and accountable data wipe solutions team.

At Mainstream Global, we adhere to all the best practices for data erasure so we can say with 100% certainty that all data has been securely erased from your hard drives and other IT assets. Let’s take a look at some of the key components of best practices for data erasure.

Meeting all industry standards

Standardized procedures are the foundation of getting the job done right. The procedures stem from a range of global industry standards, such as SERI R2, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and OHSAS 18001.  Our vetted and certified software is ADISA certified and has undergone the most stringent forensic auditing. Third-party auditing is a routine function of our overall process. Hard drives are randomly selected, per contract, and audited independently for data erasure compliance.

Our high-volume processing equipment and data erasure software meets all international standards including, NIST800-88 and the Department of Defense 5220.22-M, data sanitization methods that prevent recovery by overwriting existing information on hard drives and other storage devices.

Disk drives that fail our process are physically destroyed and securely transported to our R2-certified downstream partners for further processing. Certificates of data-erasure or physical destruction are maintained on file and provided to our partners at their request.

Where to erase

If you desire high levels of control, you can choose to have the erasure completed at your own facility. Alternatively, the same high-volume hard-drive data wipe and testing services are provided at our state-of-the art processing centers located around the globe. By handling the data erase process within our facility, it allows us to process larger volumes of drives while still assuring companies the same data protection confidence.

Companies that elect to have their data wiped at our site can be assured we securely manage every step of the process.  Any additional requirements can be worked out ahead of time in the contract.

Ongoing best practices for data erasure

Our secure processing labs have limited access to authorized personnel only for optimized security. All lab areas are monitored by surveillance cameras with video evidence of all processing including physical destruction. Other features are environmental controls and separate security systems for all areas that process sensitive data.

We also provide a certificate of erasure for all drives processed at any one of our sites.  We keep both of certificates on file. You have continued access to those certificates for your corporate documentation.

At Mainstream Global, your peace of mind is always at the top of ours.

Mainstream Global, Inc., headquartered in Lawrence, Mass., owns and operates ISO 9001, 14001, OHSAS 18001 and R2 certified processing centers in the United States, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.  With over 19 years of directly servicing and re-selling assets from top-tier manufacturers, Mainstream Global is the recognized expert.  Our partners rely on us for compliance, security, professionalism, and brand protection, all while providing the best returns and prioritizing global environmental standards. 

Solutions

 

Read more:

Standardized Procedures are Key to Secure Data Erasure: What You Should Know

Think Your Organization Can Handle Secure Data Erasure In-House? Think Again

This is Mainstream Global — Your Edge in Reverse Logistics