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Owning a
Paper Shredder is Not Enough!
It must be used! You want information security and
paper shredders provide this only to the extent that they are used. An unused or seldom used
paper shredder will not provide the information security you need.
Convenience is critical! The more convenient it is to shred, the more
paper that will be shredded. If shredding is difficult or time consuming it is very unlikely that everything that should be shredded will be shredded.
Location, location, location! People use paper shredders that are conveniently located. The "perfect shredder" in a location that is not convenient will not be used as much as it should.
Capacity, capacity, capacity! Paper shredders must be fast and easy to use.
Shredders must handle all the types and volumes of documents
to be shredded. The larger the paper shredder, the better the chances that all documents will be shredded. Even in the "perfect location" a
paper shredder that is very slow, handles too few sheets at a time, or has its waste container full too often will not be used as much as it should. When
in doubt, buy the larger paper shredder.
Non-stop shredding! When a shredder stops, shredding stops. The proper
paper shredder does not jam frequently, overheat or require frequent emptying. A business reality is that shredding stops for reasons as basic as a full bag. Rather than emptying or changing bags, people will re-evaluate the sensitivity of the document and decide it really does not need to be shredded.
Shred container capacity can be a critical element in paper shredder usage. Ideally, this container should be emptied only once a day. Second shredders are
typically larger than first purchase units. Almost without exception, the second shredder purchased
by a company or individual has higher sheet capacity. This is because the amount of paper that needs shredding turns out to be more than expected. This is learned when the
paper shredder is overfilled, jammed or otherwise recognized as not up to the actual paper volume. (Cummins can help you buy your second shredder first -- to save money, time and to assure proper document security from the
start! Try our paper shredder
selection guide and buy online today!)
Take the time to analyze your paper volume! Your time is very well spent determining who will use the
paper shredder, what types of documents need shredding (correspondence, printouts, complete files, etc.) and the volumes of paper to be shredded. Then allow for future growth.
For more help determining your paper shredder needs, try
our online shredder needs/analysis
questionnaire.
Combine resources and budgets! Often paper shredders are purchased by one department and when installed, multiple departments use them. The result is overload. Or multiple departments each purchase smaller
paper shredders and struggle with paper volume. Had they combined their budgets, one larger shredder could have handled all of their needs, including large volume needs. If you or your department needs a
paper shredder, check with others before buying.
Be careful with paper shredder specifications! Horsepower ratings are frequently based on input wattage, not actual output to the cutters. Many
paper shredders are tested using foreign paper (lighter than US) and run on 220 volt/50 cycle current that provides different results than in your office, shredding your paper. The real test is shredding your paper in the
paper shredder in your office.
Some General Recommendations:
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Put your first
paper shredder next to your copier -- Chances are your copier is in a convenient place. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to put your
paper shredder next to it. That way material to be shredded can be brought to this location when someone goes to make copies. And, "bad copies" of sensitive documents can be immediately shredded.
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Desk-side
paper shredders are great for security -- A paper shredder at the desk of executives, human resource and other persons that frequently handle very sensitive documents is a good practice. As soon as a very sensitive document is no longer needed, it can be destroyed. But the larger, central
paper shredder is still needed for larger documents and for general staff usage.
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Cross
cut paper shredders reduce the bulk -- The shreds from a
cross cut paper shredder reduce the bulk of shredded material significantly so that containers require less frequent emptying. Security is also increased because each document is shredded into more pieces.
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Strip cut
paper shredders are the most durable -- Generally, they handle staples, paper clips and other non-paper items better than
cross cut paper shredders. And strip cut units generally handle more sheets per pass than equivalent
cross cut units.
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Local service becomes important with
paper shredder size -- Check on how warranty and non-warranty repairs are handled, especially for
paper shredders that are difficult to pack and ship for repairs. Remember that while a
paper shredder is away from your office, documents are not being shredded.
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The good news! If you select the right size, type and quality
paper shredder, you may never have to replace it. Properly used and maintained, a quality
paper shredder will outlast your copiers, computers, printers, etc. Some of our customers have used their Cummins shredders daily for over twenty years.
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- Learn About Shred Types -
- Learn About Throat Widths -
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