Have overflowing filing cabinets given you a sense of impending doom? Does the thought of a data breach send shivers down your spine? You’re not alone. For many businesses today, managing paper documents, especially those containing sensitive information, feels like a constant tightrope walk between organization and vulnerability.
This is where off-site shredding swoops in like a data security superhero. Here at Corrigan Record Storage, a trusted AAA-certified member of the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID), we understand the paper trail panic all too well. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the benefits and process of off-site shredding, ensuring your business stays compliant, secure, and stress-free. This blog post will be your weapon of choice, equipping you with the knowledge to conquer the paper trail and keep your data safe.
In-House Shredding Vs. Off-Site Shredding: Choosing The Right Path
While you might be considering an in-house shredder to tackle your paper trail, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the right path:
In-House Shredding:
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost compared to an off-site service.
Cons:
- Security Concerns: In-house shredders may not offer the same level of security as off-site shredding. Sensitive documents could be compromised before shredding, and disposal of shredded materials might not be secure.
- Data Security Regulations: Compliance can be a complex issue, but here’s a simple way to think about it. Imagine a doctor’s office or a financial institution. They have a responsibility to protect their client’s personal information. This is where regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and FACTA (Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act) come in. These are just two examples, and the specific regulations that apply to your business will depend on your industry. Regardless of the regulations, secure document shredding is an essential part of data protection.
- Inefficiency and Cost: In-house shredding requires dedicated equipment, employee time for shredding and disposal, and proper knowledge of regulations. This can be a drain on resources compared to a streamlined off-site service.
- Limited Shredding Capacity: In-house shredders often have a lower capacity than industrial off-site shredders. This can lead to bottlenecks and delays in processing your paper trail.
- Potential for Human Error: Employees tasked with shredding may accidentally mix up documents, forget to shred sensitive materials, or even take shortcuts that compromise security.
Off-Site Shredding:
Pros:
- Fort Knox Security: Off-site shredding offers robust security with NAID-certified providers like Corrigan Record Storage. Secure containers for collection, locked vehicles for transport, and state-of-the-art shredding facilities ensure your documents are protected from prying eyes.
- Compliance Confidence: We handle the shredding according to data security regulations, providing a certificate of destruction for your peace of mind.
- Streamlined Efficiency: Our flexible bin rotation schedules eliminate the need for dedicated equipment, personnel, and disposal concerns. They adapt to your workflow, allowing you to focus on your business.
- Cost-Effective Champion: While the initial cost of off-site shredding might seem higher, it’s often more cost-effective in the long run. Consider factors like maintenance, electricity, employee time, and potential security breaches associated with in-house shredding.
- Environmentally Friendly: Reputable shredding companies like Corrigan prioritize sustainability. Advanced shredding technology maximizes the amount of recyclable material recovered during the process.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Off-Site Shredding?
Let’s address some potential concerns you might have about off-site shredding:
- Loss of Control: Some might worry about documents leaving their premises. At Corrigan Record Storage, we understand this concern. That’s why we prioritize a completely secure chain of custody. Your documents are in locked containers from the moment they leave your office until they are shredded in our secure facility. Our trained staff are background checked and undergo regular security training.
- Scheduling Reliance: Off-site shredding relies on a scheduled pick-up service. Corrigan offers flexible bin rotation schedules to fit your workflow. We work with you to establish a customized plan that ensures a smooth and uninterrupted shredding process.
- Potential Delays: Depending on your shredding frequency, there could be a slight delay between document purging and actual shredding. At Corrigan, we offer a variety of shredding options to address this. For instance, with our frequent bin rotation schedules, there’s a minimal build-up of documents waiting for shredding. Additionally, our convenient drop-off service allows you to deliver documents directly to our secure facility for immediate processing (during designated hours).
Learn More About Off-Site Shredding Services
Conquering the paper trail panic and achieving data security peace of mind is within your control. Contact us today to learn more about how Corrigan Record Storage’s off-site shredding services can streamline your document management and ensure your information is always protected.
