Objectives

IDC's G.R.A.D.E. was developed for the purpose of assisting enterprises in identifying best available options for the retirement of their IT assets. After extensive research and interviews of both the demand and supply sides, IDC analysts selected a series of attributes that constitute a standard IT Disposal Practice, based on current offerings. Note that as in any industry, these practices are expected to evolve, therefore G.R.A.D.E. will also evolve over time.

When analyzing a sound ITAD practice, IDC focuses on two major questions from an enterprise perspective:

 How does a specific ITAD service impact the enterprise from a pure business standpoint?

 How does it impact it from an environmental and sustainability standpoint?

In asking these basic questions, IDC identified the areas in which ITAD has a direct or indirect impact on an enterprise, as highlighted in this chart:

The Seven Areas of Focus in IT Hardware Decommissioning:

In establishing GRADE guidelines, IDC includes five corporate stakeholders involved in IT hardware end-of-life. Each of these stakeholders has specific concerns that are addressed in the due diligence process as we assess companies offering ITAD and recycling services.

Corporate Functions That Are Stakeholders in IT Hardware Decommissioning:

 

To learn more, please contact David Daoud at 508-988-7502

Methodology Statement

The certification process is based on 34 IT Asset Disposal (ITAD)-related functions and tasks and uses a multidimensional weighting system that incorporates the broad offerings of remote applications, onsite services, logistics, in-plant processing, and post treatment. IDC G.R.A.D.E. certification is currently focused on the U.S. market. To receive G.R.A.D.E. certification, a vendor must offer at least 75% of the total point system. To learn about the areas of focus in this certification, download this PDF file. To learn more, please contact David Daoud at 508-988-7502

Basic Prequalification Assessment for Recyclers

 Are your customers asking whether you are IDC G.R.A.D.E. Certified?

 Are you interested in benchmarking your ITAD offerings with best practice?

 Are you considering an IDC G.R.A.D.E. Certification?

 Are you concerned about loss of competitiveness as a result of not utilizing standard procedures?

 Do you understand the metrics that companies and your potential customers may be using to assess their hardware retirement options?

Assess Your Offerings to See if you Meet G.R.A.D.E. Certification Standards

If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, take this assessment test to see where you stand. This assessment is meant to check whether your company meets the basic criteria for IDC G.R.A.D.E. certification. Your answers will be reviewed by IDC's top industry analysts and you will receive feedback about the results.

The focus here is on green recycling, data security, compliance and operational excellence. IDC believes the key points covered in this assessment should be an integrated part of enterprise-class asset disposition requirements for best practice. Note that you must register before you take the survey, so please click here to begin the process, and thank you.