A large local authority in Manchester

Large-scale IT asset backlog with no internal resources to handle secure data destruction.

Organisation

Sector

Public Sector

Challenge

Large-scale IT asset backlog with no internal resources to handle secure data destruction

‘The Data Safe Solutions team handled everything seamlessly. Their on-site service meant our data was destroyed before devices ever left our control, significantly reducing the risk of a data breach. We didn’t have to jump through the hoops and onerous tasks of selecting an appropriate ITAD because everything was completed on-site. Additionally, we were not left at the mercy of an ITAD equipment valuation after the equipment had left our control, ensuring we retained full financial oversight. We also recovered many thousands of pounds from our IT assets. This is the future of secure data disposal.”

The Challenge

The authority faced a significant IT asset backlog with over 1,200 laptops and systems requiring secure data destruction before being retired or resold. The IT department’s limited staffing capacity made it difficult to process these devices while maintaining normal operations. Delays in data destruction posed security risks, compliance concerns, and potential financial losses if assets depreciated further.

A significant IT asset backlog with over 1,200 laptops and systems requiring secure data destruction before being retired or resold.
The IT department lacked the staff capacity to process these devices while maintaining normal operations.
Delays in data destruction posed security risks, compliance concerns, and potential financial losses if assets depreciated further.
Operational inefficiencies and time constraints led to extended delays in processing the backlog, increasing the risk of non-compliance.

Traditional IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) methods would have required transporting devices off-site, increasing the risk of data exposure before secure erasure. The authority needed an on-site, fully managed solution that could handle the entire process without disrupting internal resources.

The Solution

On-Site Data Vaporisation

To eliminate the backlog quickly and securely, the authority partnered with Data Safe Solutions Ltd. Our On-Site Data Vaporisation Service was deployed to:

Completely manage the data destruction process on-site—with zero impact on staff resources.
Process all 1,200+ devices efficiently using our Smart Wipe Engine, allowing for high-speed, simultaneous erasure.
Ensure total compliance with GDPR, NIST 800-88, and other certified standards, providing instant, verifiable proof of secure erasure.
Maximise financial return by ensuring assets retained resale value, enabling the authority to recover many thousands of pounds from securely wiped devices.

The Results

Backlog Cleared in Record Time
Our team processed all devices without requiring internal staff involvement, ensuring full operational continuity
100% Data Security Maintained
Devices were vaporised before leaving the premises, eliminating risks associated with transport
Significant Asset Value Recovered
Once securely wiped, devices were resold, directly benefiting the authority’s IT budget
Instant Compliance & Certification
Full audit trail and certified proof of erasure ensured compliance with UK government regulations