Annual Bulk Purges vs. Scheduled Shredding which is right for you?

Many Augusta area businesses find themselves in need of secure destruction solutions, at least every once in a while, and they often are left wondering, which is right for them? Annual purge projects or regularly scheduled shredding? The shortest and easiest answer to this question is “both.” That might seem like overkill, but when you consider how your business uses and archives information, it becomes a little more obvious. If you have to keep records for any length of time, you are likely completing annual purges of outdated information and records, however this doesn’t mean you aren’t generating sensitive documents for regular business use every day.

 

In a recent blog from NAID (National Association for Information Destruction), CEO Bob Johnson takes a closer look at this question. He points to their book Information Disposition as a great reference on how to determine the ins and outs of your records management program, and the article speaks specifically to determining whether or not information is sensitive enough to require regular shredding services. “…when designing an information disposition program, organizations should be mindful to comprehensively account for all potential sources and types of information including memos, duplicate or flawed forms, or even a casual planning note jotted in haste, regardless of whether that information is recorded on paper, computer, a removable solid state flash drives, email, or magnetic tape.” Meaning that even notes or copies of emails and correspondence that are not filed or archived, should be handled with the same level of security as those items that you file in a locked cabinet and shred at the end of every year. Luckily, a records management company like Augusta Data Storage is your one-stop-shop for all things records management, so we’re going to take a closer look at each of these destruction options and their benefits.

 

 

Annual Purges

Annual or semi-annual purge projects are often a key component of any record retention policy. This one-time secure shredding project occurs when you are removing outdated files from your archives or if you have a large assortment of outdated files that you need to dispose of. Many of our clients have purge projects when they relocate OR at the end of the fiscal year, or tax season, as these are often times that require you to sort through and organize a large collection of your files at once.

 

What Happens During an Annual Purge?

  • Records are removed from archives or records storage, based on pre-determined factors (such as date, record type, past customers, etc)
  • Records are sorted and prepared for destruction (removed from binders, large clips removed, etc)
  • Records are destructed on-site via our mobile shredding units OR transported back to our secure shred facility where they are shredded
  • Customers are then presented with a certificate of destruction with a list of items destroyed and a date of destruction for their records.

 

Scheduled Shredding

Scheduled shredding is the safest way to ensure timely destruction of your items. While annual purge projects are often necessary for most companies, scheduled shredding ensures that day to day paper waste does not create additional threats to information security. Scheduled shredding service is completely customizable, from the size of your collection containers, to the frequency of pick-ups.

 

How does Scheduled Shredding work?

  • Customers receive secure collection containers from Augusta Data Storage to place in various locations around their facility.
  • Based on a pre-determined schedule, our mobile shred truck will visit your facility weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or on an as-needed basis, to empty your containers
  • The containers are emptied into our mobile shredding truck and the documents are shredded on site.
  • Once the items are destroyed, the customer is presented with a certificate of destruction for their records.
  • Shredded paper pulp is then returned to our shred facility, baled and recycled to reduce the impact of office waste on the environment.

 

Developing an effective plan to manage your information security can be time consuming up-front but invaluable in the long run. There are tons of options out there when it comes to finding a solution for records management. Augusta Data Storage has been the leading local service provider for Augusta based businesses for 25 years. As our local market area has grown and the needs of information management have changed, we have continued to develop our business to speak to the needs of our customers. Whether you’re planning a one-time purge of out dated records or looking to develop routine shredding services, we would love to talk with you to help you develop a plan of action that best meets your needs.