Shredders Go High Tech

During the recently concluded National Association for Information Destruction Inc., mixed in with panel discussion on shredding procedures and new legislation, three companies discussed the changing technologies in the shredding business and how it can benefit the industry.

Three representatives touched on closed circuit television, global positioning satellite tracking and radio frequency identification as steps that are becoming more prevalent in the document storage and shredding business.

Margarette Sibell, with One Point Business Solution Inc., discussed the growth in the use of GPS devices in the shredding business. The biggest growth area for this technology is in outfitting commercial efficiencies. One of the biggest advantages, she noted, is the ability for a company to improve efficiencies with this technology. Along with just finding out approximately where the vehicle is, Sibell added that GPS equipment is able to record such procedures as how often the shredder is turned on, and when the doors are opened and closed. The newer generations of GPS equipment also provides recording capabilities, as well as the ability to send text messages to the employees on the road.

At the same time, the pricing for GPS devices continues to decrease, making it a much more affordable tool for shredding companies.

Charles Kelly, American Digital Security, discussed the way in which closed circuit television can improve the security and operations for plant-based operations.

Like the GPS equipment, Kelly said that prices have been declining. Also, depending on the type of operation a company may have there is a wide range of available systems that can be used. Kelly estimates that the cost can be as low as $1,100 per camera, including a recorder.

Over the next five years, Kelly adds, as HIPPA intensifies, having more closed circuit viewing of a company’s operations will “take a lot of liability off your shoulders.”