Data security has become paramount in the current climate due to the increasing risk of corporate espionage, fraud, and identity theft. Financial statements, employee files, and marketing strategies- all fit the definition of confidential data. Therefore, more and more companies are considering paper shredding as an efficient option for reinforcing confidentiality across their workspaces.
Paper shredders are a convenient way to secure data in workstations. They can be employed to remove all physical documents containing private information about inner workings and client deals. Options like cross-cut shredding promise an efficient step to clearing out all physical data.
If you necessitate proper security for your customer’s information, throwing their data away will not yield adequate results. Alternatively, ripping them manually won’t meet compliance standards. Cross cut shredders are high-functioning devices that destroy into papers fine fragments. You can collect and give them away to authorities for recycling.
In this blog, we shed light on what a cross-cut paper shredder is. Furthermore, we discuss why and how they can bring value to your business.
What Is A Cross Cut Paper Shredder?
A cross cut shredder can sever physical documents into minuscule pieces to diminish evidence of their existence. You will find two sets of serrated blades positioned adjacent. They run simultaneously to cut papers and produce confetti-like shredded pieces.
Once you run the papers through a commercial paper shredder machine, it will be impossible to recreate them.
Most office setups keep paper shredders in their inventory for destroying their in-house confidential paperwork. With an increasing number of companies experiencing security breaches, nobody finds it suitable to preserve data without adequate protection.
Common Uses of Cross Cut Paper Shredders
You can use cross cut shredders to dispose of confidential documents securely. They are arguably the most effective document-destroying technique since you cannot recreate the shredded documents.
- Guarding confidential data: This device can destroy sensitive and confidential documents.
- Adhering to compliance standards: You can use them to maintain adherence to compliance standards.
- Eliminating the threat of data breaches: Cross-cut shredders are highly effective at reducing the threat of data breaches.
- Destroying optical media: These shredder variants are used to destroy optical media, including DVDs, CDs, and Blu-rays.
- Shredding other items: Cross cut shredders can also shred paper clips, credit cards, and staples.
Types of Common Shredding Machines
Various shredder types are available in the market, each promising efficiency and results for different needs.
- Cross-cut shredders promise excellent security by cutting paper both horizontally and vertically, leaving no potential for recreating the documents.
- Strip-cut shredders diminish physical documents into strips- appropriate for non-sensitive data.
- Micro-cut shredders provide the easiest security level. They cut paper into tiny pieces, making them ideal equipment for personal materials.
- If you have a large volume of paper that needs to be destroyed, a heavy-duty shredder machine makes the most sense.
Benefits of Using a Cross Cut Paper Shredder
Every business needs paper shredders to safely dispose of confidential paperwork. They present a fine combination of benefits that make them a must-have.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the exciting benefits of cross-cut paper shredders.
1. High Security
Cross-cut shredders are widely appreciated for providing enhanced security over other available shredder variants. They deliver cross-section paper cuts to produce paper particles instead of shreds.
Using a cross-cut paper shredder makes total sense if your business has delicate or vital documents to dispose of. These could include banking information, social security numbers, insurance documents, and more. The shredder can benefit you by destroying these documents to ensure the security of this information.
2. Save Time and Space
These devices not don’t only introduce an element of security into your work but also contribute significantly to improving it. Cross-cut shredders produce smaller particles from physical documents than strip shredders, so you have more space to use in the disposal bin.
It reduces your effort to vacate the bin when it is filled to the brim. Moreover, certain cross-cut shredders available in the market can tackle multiple materials, including plastic and discs. This can help you avoid the need to invest in multiple types of shredders.
3. Durability
Cross-cut shredders are always in demand due to their durability and impressive functionality. Specific cross-cut shredder models feature built-in motors that don’t necessitate cooling periods, allowing quicker and better material shredding.
Cross cut shredders are also known for facilitating other types of media besides paper for shredding. They work on safely disposing of electronic media, including DVDs, CDs, and other discs and plastics. You can expect sustained performance from these shredders for a lasting period. Moreover, they necessitate negligible time for scheduling repairs or cool down periods.
Key Features to Look For In A Cross Cut Paper Shredder
A cross cut shredder promises to be an excellent tool for averting data breaches and identity theft. However, you must have a detailed understanding of the device before exploring the available in the market.
Now that you know what a cross cut paper shredder is, here’s a comprehensive explanation of its key features. You must prioritize them when exploring cross cut paper shredder options.
1. Storage Capability
You must begin exploring cross-cut paper shredder options by identifying the size and amount of storage you require. Assess your daily paper shredding requirements to realize the ideal shape and size for your workforce. Concentrate on the shape of the device if you have limited space on your desk.
We recommend you invest in a shredder that resembles a standard wastebasket, promising adequate room for the shredded waste. Consider getting a small model to accommodate it in a drawer. Alternatively, you could opt for a freestanding model. It will save you the need to reposition them after each use.
2. Cutting Type
If this is your first time taking an interest in paper shredders, you will be overwhelmed by the different available cutting styles. You must settle for options that suit your needs and business policies. Different cutting styles will present varying security levels for the user. Cross cut shredders have been crowd favorites for a long. You get fast shredding and dependable security.
A cross cut shredder with a quick and efficient cutting function can benefit your business significantly. It will help you throw away unnecessary business documents without compromising their security. This will directly contribute to running and maintaining your business in the long run.
3. Speed and Power
The machine’s speed and power will also be considered when checking out cross-cut paper shredding machines. It is necessary to mention that different machines come with varying power levels. Therefore, those shredders cut a varied number of pages—whether daily or at one time. Shredders that cater to lighter usage would function by cutting 4 to 12 pages.
A paper shredder machine for home is perfect if your purpose is domestic. Ideally, you should refrain from putting too much pressure on the device, or the motor could start malfunctioning. If you require more shredding power and speed, you should target a heavy-duty bulk shredder machine.
4. Jam Resistance
You will face recurring paper jams if you shred a large volume of documents daily or weekly. They can result in putting a stopper to your business pace. It can be highly complex to navigate your way through a paper jam.
There are suitable shredders available in the market that offers additional features to tackle a clogged paper shredder. These shredders provide advanced sensors that suspend the shredding process when the paper load becomes too thick. Other variants will eject paper immediately if they register a probable jam.
5. Status Checking
Apart from the jam-reducing features, you should also look for a good shredding machine that can alert you about its storage status and condition. These machines often come with an indicator light that will communicate when the device runs out of storage capacity.
Your best choice for a cross-cut paper shredding machine must come with a dedicated shredding compartment. This will allow you to access the device inside to assess the remaining storage space. Remember to avoid overloading the shredding machine.
Why Use the Cross Cut Method Over Other Methods?
There’s no denying that data and document security demands total security in the workplace. Therefore, more and more business leaders are investing in efficient paper shredders. You can find various paper shredding methods to dispose of your information.
Cross cut shredding is a go-to method today because it can better your data security. Shredding machines that engage in cross cut methods tear through pages vertically and horizontally. Therefore, they make it downright impossible to recreate the document back together.
You can get 7.5 times more security in cross cut shredding than strip-cut shredding.
Additionally, the cross-cut method promises peace of mind when running a workplace. The improved security levels will allow you to shred your corporate documents without any recognizable trace. It is undoubtedly a fine option for both office and domestic purposes.
You can make your pick from two common types of cross cut shredders.
- Diamond cut – Essentially a cross cut shredding type that promises advanced security levels. They tear through papers at an angle to achieve diamond-shaped pieces.
- Confetti cut – The other type of cross-cut shredding that produces small pieces of paper, sharing resemblances with confetti in shape and size.
How Does a Cross cut Paper Shredder Work?
Paper shredding machines are simple to operate. They are common in most workspaces and function as a tool to dispose of confidential documents. However, there is always a section of new users who lack the necessary understanding to navigate these machines.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to run paper shredders effectively.
1. The Sensors
The latest paper shredding machines come with high-functioning sensors that keep them on even if you are not using them continuously. This will help you save energy while also eliminating the need to turn on the machine manually each time.
Some machines have sensors placed right above the device head that start functioning when the paper is placed near the blades. Additionally, one right at the bottom runs in parallel with the cutting head sensors. They ensure the machine is still and steady before shredding.
2. The Cutting Head and Teeth
The cutting head is the part that draws the paper into the device for shredding. Eventually, the blades start cutting through the paper into small particles. With cross cut shredders, you will see the blades rotating adjacent to each other for shredding the paper. On the other hand, the strip-cut shredders employ their teeth to tear through in the same direction.
3. Finished Product
When you establish a power connection between the paper-shedding machine and the power source, your machine is ready to function. You will see the sensors and the blades indicating to start working at your go. It’s an industry standard for most businesses and organizations to use paper shredders to dispose of confidential content.
Cross cut paper shredding machines bring incredible value to businesses. You can use them to save significant resources at work.
Find Your Perfect Cross Cut Shredder with Network Digital
Undoubtedly, advanced cross-cut paper shredding machines are of incredible use. They have practical features that make the process easier and quicker and ensure considerable information security.
You can count on them to diminish all your confidential documents, including personal data documents, bank statements, and business papers. Now that you have developed a thorough understanding of what a cross-cut paper shredder is, you can make an informed purchase to support your business.
If you are in the market for the best office and heavy duty industrial shredder machine, you must consider Network Digital immediately. They have a rich catalog of shredders that can fit your business needs and your budgetary constraints.
Network Digital allows you to compare different models and evaluate maintenance needs to improve document security. They have developed a sterling reputation for supplying robust shredding machines.
It is necessary to mention that the ideal paper shredding device can secure your business secrets. Additionally, it nurtures a protected work environment to shoot for more tremendous success.