When Should an Asset Be Retired?
Retirement closes an asset’s operational life when it is no longer needed, usable, supportable or economical to keep in service.
Topic section
Retirement & Disposal
Decommissioning, write-offs, transfer, sale, donation, disposal evidence and closing an asset record cleanly.
Asset Decommissioning Basics
Decommissioning is the controlled transition from active use toward storage, transfer, sale, reuse or disposal.
Retiring Data-Bearing Equipment
Computers, phones, storage devices and some modern equipment may contain organizational data or credentials that need separate handling before disposal.
Sale, Donation and Ownership Transfer
Disposition by sale, donation or transfer changes ownership and should close the previous organization’s accountability cleanly.
Asset Write-Off and Loss Records
A write-off is an authorized administrative or financial action; it should not be used as a shortcut for unresolved discrepancies.
Disposal Evidence and Closing the Record
Final disposition records show that an asset left organizational control through an approved path.