May 1, 2012
by Julie Baker
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April 30, 2012
by EquipNet News
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Properly Disposing of Electronic Equipment
When a company no longer has use for a piece of equipment in its original location, doesn’t need or want to move it to another plant, or is unable to sell it because the equipment is obsolete or there are no interested buyers, the company has to decide how to dispose of it. Disposing of technology is not as simple as putting it on the curb. Not only can equipment hold proprietary or classified information that must be properly erased, it typically is full of heavy metals and chemicals that can wreak havoc on the environment and affect people’s health. Lead, which is found in circuit boards, causes brain damage and birth defects. Mercury, which is in switches or flat screens, affects the heart, liver, and lungs. And flame retardants, usually found on plastic casing, affect skeletal systems. When electronics are dumped into landfills, these harmful chemicals can leach into the groundwater and soil, affecting the environment and the people who live in it.
Companies have a responsibility to dispose of electronic equipment in a way that adheres to local and federal environmental guidelines created by the EPA. ISO 14001:2004 is a set of standards put into place by the International Organization of Standardization that helps companies minimize their impact on the environment and comply with local and federal regulations. Currently more than 150 nations have organizations that work toward adhering to these standards. ISO 14001:2004 is not mandated, but it helps companies develop responsible environmental management systems.
Rather than try to work within this set of standards on their own, many companies turn to consultants to help or make sure to work with ISO 14001:2004 registered recyclers that meet the highest standards of electronic waste recycling. If your company is trying to develop an environmental management system to reduce your impact on the environment, contact EquipNet to find out how we can help. Visit our Surplus Technology Resource Center to learn more.
April 27, 2012
by EquipNet News
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EquipNet Videos
Did you know that EquipNet has a YouTube Channel? You do now!
The channel features videos of actual machinery and equipment available for auction or resale. Instead of static pictures, you’ll have the opportunity to see the moving parts moving, and often you’ll see the equipment owner describing and demonstrating the machinery.
There are also how-to videos, like “How to Inspect a Reactor” and “How to Inspect a Heat Exchanger.” You’ll also have the chance to see some EquipNet folks’ smiling faces – Jill Bergeron walks you through “Asset Accuracy: Know What You Have and What It’s Worth”; Amanda Rosenhoover takes you through a “Three Day Chemical Equipment Auction”; and Bill Condon shows you some “Drinkable Yogurt Manufacturing Equipment.” Yum!
In all, EquipNet has more than 300 videos covering demonstration, explanation, and education. Go and have a look around today!
April 25, 2012
by EquipNet News
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EquipNet Online Auctions
When most people think of selling at auction, they imagine being in a room filled with potential bidders, watching numbered paddles being raised and lowered, sitting or standing there until the item they’re looking to sell comes up for bids. And it’s true that some in-person auctions still take place. But come on – it’s the 21st century! EquipNet hosts online machinery and equipment auctions, and jumping in on one couldn’t be easier.
If you go to the EquipNet home page and then click on Auctions at the top, you’ll be taken to a list of current and upcoming auctions. If one catches your eye, you need only click the “more info” button on the right to see all of the items that will be auctioned off, as well as dates, times, minimum bids, current bids, sale currency, and buyer premiums. If it sounds like your cup of tea, all you need to do is register and you’re off!
One other great feature of EquipNet’s online auctions is “popcorn bidding.” If you’re unfamiliar with the term, here’s how it works: If there are any bids within five minutes of the close of the auction, the close time for that specific item will be extended in five-minute increments until there are no bids by the end of the following five-minute block. For example, if listing 1234 receives a bid at 4:56 p.m. on Friday (four minutes before the close of the auction), the close time for that particular lot will be extended to 5:05 p.m. If that lot receives another bid at 5:04 p.m., the close time is extended to 5:10 p.m. If there are no more bids between 5:05 p.m. and 5:10 p.m., the lot will close at 5:10 p.m.
There is no limit to the number of times an auction can be extended. Therefore, EquipNet recommends that you check back often as an auction nears closing time.
So get started at EquipNet’s Auctions page – and get to biddin’!
April 23, 2012
by EquipNet News
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EquipNet eBooks Can Prepare You for Closures
At EquipNet, we’re always trying to keep our clients abreast of the myriad possibilities when it comes to getting rid of machinery and equipment due to closures. To that end, we’ve put together a series of eBooks and case studies with information on three specific closure scenarios.
Plant Closures
When a company closes down a plant, oftentimes there is little consideration given to the equipment inside the building until the last minute, leaving a significant portion of the assets to be sold off quickly for a fraction of their actual value. EquipNet has compiled best practices of companies that have recovered a significant portion of their initial investment before closing their doors. To learn more, download the eBook or read the case study.
Lab Closures
There can be a number of different situations that necessitate shutting down a lab, including funding withdrawal, failure to receive regulatory approval, or changes in company priorities. Sometimes there is little advance warning and a building needs to be cleared out quickly, and it’s important to consider the fate of the valuable assets within. EquipNet has worked with global leaders and small firms alike, compiling a wealth of best practices for closing a lab facility and making the most of the equipment inside. To learn more, download the eBook or read the case study.
Demolition
When closing manufacturing operations, many manufacturers fail to consider a very important factor – the value of the equipment in the building. Sometimes it makes sense to raze the building, equipment and all. Often, however, companies can obtain significantly greater value by developing a deliberate strategy for their equipment. This can result in hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars in additional revenue, and can be the difference between a project that costs money, and one that makes money. EquipNet has compiled best practices with regard to maximizing returns while ensuring the safe and timely completion of a demolition project. For more information, download the eBook or read the case study, and most importantly, contact EquipNet before you engage your demolition contractor.