Every device that arrives at an allwhere depot goes through our device intake workflow. At order placement, you'll be prompted to select how the returning device should be handled: Process or Hold. This article covers what happens when a device is selected for Process.
What "Process" Means
Selecting Process routes the device through allwhere's full intake workflow: physical inspection, diagnostics, data sanitization, and OS reinstallation. Once complete, the device is graded and added to your inventory.
Data Erasure
All processed devices are securely wiped using BitRaser (or Blancco, in some instances), data sanitization software that meets NIST 800-88 Rev. 1 standards. BitRaser is validated by both NIST and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the CFTT program. The erasure process includes:
| Overwriting | All accessible storage areas (HDD/SSD) are rewritten with approved patterns to eliminate recoverable data. |
| Verification | Confirms overwritten data cannot be restored using commercially available recovery tools. |
| Certification | A tamper-proof erasure certificate is generated for each device, providing detailed proof of erasure for audit purposes. |
This process supports compliance with major data protection frameworks including GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2.
OS Installation & Device Preparation
Following successful data erasure, the original manufacturer (OEM) operating system is reinstalled via bootable USB, restoring the device to a clean factory-default state — free of any prior user data, accounts, applications, or configurations.
Devices are then tested to confirm successful boot and basic functionality, graded, and placed into your stored inventory. All device details and grading outcomes are available in the allwhere portal.