Ask The R2 Guru

Jonmichael Hands and Steve Mellings are both experts in data security and data sanitization. Jonmichael was one of the authors of the IEEE 2883-2022 Data Sanitization Standard and Steve is CEO of ADISA, the administrator of ADISA ICT Asset Recovery Standard, Version 8. In this episode of Ask the R2 Guru, Roger Greive engages these two experts in a lively discussion of the current state of data storage, security practices, new technologies in data storage/sanitization and how R2 facilities can stay up to date with the latest best practices in this area.

One of the most important documents for any R2 facility is their Data Sanitization Plan. In this episode of Ask The R2 Guru, we’re offering some advice on how to maintain that plan to keep up with changes in your internal operations, new data devices, and changes in technology such as the oncoming wave of devices from the Internet of Things.

Having just completed our 3-year transition to R2v3, we thought it would be a good time to look at the evolution of R2 from its origins to what it has become today with someone who was there from the beginning over a decade and a half ago. Mike Watson was the originator of the material that was the starting point in the creation of the R2 Standard, and he is our guest on this episode. From a conversation over coffee in Austin, Texas to an R2 Standard with over 1000 certified R2 Facilities in more than 40 countries, this is our story.

At SERI, we are more than halfway through the total number of transition audits to the R2v3 Standard. We’ve collected some of the most common nonconformances found during these audits. This podcast presents that list of nonconformances, with some suggestions on how your facility might better prepare for them.

Legal Compliance audits are one of three internal audits required in the R2 Standard. SERI’s R2 Director Mike Easterbrook and R2 Guru Roger Greive will explore the reasons why this internal audit can provide the key to linking an R2 facility’s operations, documentation and mission. There’s also information on audit trails and some hints on how to make your Compliance audit useful and successful.

In this episode of Ask The R2 Guru,  we interview Mike Easterbrook, SERI's new R2 Director, who draws upon more than 15 years of experience with electronics reuse and recycling in providing helpful information for R2 facilities as they become certified to the R2 Standard.

One of the three required internal audits for R2 facilities is for Data Security and Sanitization. Corey Dehmey, SERI’s Executive Director is our guest on this episode. He draws upon his 20 years’ of experience in the Information technology and data security industries to provide insight and suggestions on how R2 facilities can improve their internal audits in this crucial area.

As we continue our series on Building Your Internal Audit Program, R2 Guru Roger Greive interviews SERI's R2 Specialist Sarah Smart. Sarah uses her 20 years of auditing experience to explain the benefits of having a well-established internal audit process.

It's time for SERI’s R2 Guru to introduce you to SERI’s new training series:  Building Your Internal Audit Program. In this overview, we will cover Internal Auditor selection, scheduling your Internal Audits, how to create an Internal Audit plan, and why Internal Audits are so important as your facility prepares for R2v3 Certification.

Logical Data Sanitization is a complex process that requires software to manage and execute. In the first part of a multi-part series on data sanitization we'll begin with some technical details on logical sanitization along with a few suggestions on how R2 facilities can examine the advantages and disadvantages of different software products.

There is a reason why Scope is the first requirement in the R2 Standard. In this episode of Ask The R2 Guru,  we will discuss what a Scope of Certification actually is and how scope is determined by an R2 facility.

One of the most important parts of being an R2 certified facility is knowing how to identify focus materials, and then plan for their safe and effective management.  In this episode of Ask The R2 Guru, we dive into the details of each focus material in the R2 Standard.

We’re almost completed the transition audits for R2v3 and this week, we’re taking stock of what we’ve learned from the more than 700 facilities who have completed their R2v3 audit and who have received their new certificates. Roger Greive, SERI’s R2 Guru, takes listeners through some of what we’re seeing and offers facilities and consultants a bit of perspective, advice, and encouragement.

There are some significant changes in the management of downstream vendors in the R2v3 standard. In this episode of Ask the R2 Guru, Roger Greive offers some background and explanations of the new requirements and has some suggestions on downstream vendor management for R2 Facilities who are transitioning to the latest version of the R2.

R2 facilities transitioning to the R2v3 Standard now have the option to have a remote transition audit. This episode of Ask the R2 Guru explains the requirements to be approved, how to prepare, and what to expect if your facility decides that this option is for you.

More than 600 R2 facilities expect to have their R2v3 transition audit in the first six months of 2023 – creating a scheduling bottleneck for auditors and certification bodies.   SERI is doing everything it can to help R2 facilities avoid scheduling delays in 2023. In this episode of Ask the R2 Guru, host Roger Greive explains the reasons behind the transition bubble and discusses alternative options for R2 facilities that are planning to schedule transition audits in 2023.

In place of a single printed Guidance Document, SERI has developed a Knowledge Base for the R2v3 Standard. In this episode of Ask the R2 Guru, host Roger Greive takes listeners through an audio tour of this essential stop on the road to R2v3 certification.

It's up to you of course, but with a little editing, you can use the various written plans you're created for R2v3 as elements of your marketing and promotional materials. Roger Greive takes you through the process.

Appendix C of the R2v3 Standard requires a written R2 Reuse Plan. This episode of Ask the R2 Guru explains how to use SERI's Reuse Plan Guidance Tool to create your own plan.

In the R2v3 Standard, Core Requirement 7 and Appendix B require that all R2v3 facilities have a written Data Sanitization Plan. SERI has written a Data Sanitization Plan Guidance Tool to help R2 facilities write this plan. In this episode, R2 Guru Roger Greive explains how to use this important and helpful Guidance Tool.

In this episode of Ask the R2 Guru, Roger Greive takes just five minutes to review how to manage the timing of your internal audit, data security audit and legal compliance audits, along with a brief discussion on the timing and closure of any Nonconformances from those audits. Tune in to get these helpful tips.

The R2v3 Standard, for electronics refurbishes and recyclers, contains a number of options that allow R2 facilities to customize the scope of their certification. In addition to ten Core Requirements, there are six Process Requirements also called Appendices. In this episode of Ask the R2 Guru, Roger Greive takes only six minutes of your day to explain how to use the Appendix Determination Tool to accurately reflect the activities taking place at your R2 facility. Roger also describes some of the strategic considerations in determining your facility's scope.