How Annex Compares to the Traditional Shredding/Storage Experience

Say goodbye to the inefficiencies and risks of traditional document management. Discover how Annex revolutionizes shredding and storage for the modern business. 

 

Traditional Shredding & Storage 

Despite advances in digital technologies, many businesses still rely on outdated document shredding and storage practices. These methods—while familiar—come with limitations that can put your data security, compliance, and budget at risk. 

Common Challenges with Traditional Providers: 

• Infrequent Pickups & Backlogs 
   Scheduled pickups often lead to document pileups and security vulnerabilities. 
• No Real-Time Tracking 
   Once materials are collected, there’s no visibility into the process—jeopardizing compliance and peace of mind. 
• Hidden Fees & Rigid Contracts 
   Costs escalate with add-on fees for retrievals, certificates of destruction, or minimum volumes. 
• Manual, Slow Processes 
   Locating or retrieving physical records often involves delays and human error. 
• Risk of Physical Theft or Damage 
   Paper records stored in physical warehouses are susceptible to natural disasters, fires, or unauthorized access. 
• Inefficient, Unsustainable Practices 
   Paper-based workflows contribute to unnecessary waste and carbon emissions. 

 

Ready to leave outdated shredding behind? Schedule a free consultation and discover how Annex can transform your business! 

 

Annex vs. Traditional Solutions 

Annex offers a secure, transparent, and cloud-based platform that connects Users with certified Service Providers offering records storage, shredding, and related services. Whether your provider is O’Neil Cloud Hosted (Enterprise Tier) or another certified Service Provider, Annex ensures a superior, simplified experience. 

Feature	Traditional Shredding/Storage	Annex Digital Solution
Security	Lock-and-key storage, vulnerable to breaches	SOC2 compliant encryption, secure access controls*
Document Access	Time-consuming retrievals	24/7 access via cloud*
Cost Transparency	Rigid contracts, hidden fees	Clear, upfront pricing with no surprises
Tracking	No visibility after pickup	Live tracking through Annex*

*applies to Enterprise Tier service providers 

1. Enhanced Security and Compliance 

Annex provides encrypted access, secure data handling, and automated compliance features. Enterprise Tier providers using O’Neil Stratus benefit from real-time audit trails, certificates of destruction, and industry-standard compliance tools. 

2. On-Demand Services vs. Scheduled Pickups 

Traditional vendors often operate on fixed schedules. Annex enables Users to request storage and shredding services on demand through the Annex platform, particularly when engaging O’Neil Cloud Hosted Providers. 

3. Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees 

With clearly published provider fees and centralized billing via Annex, Users benefit from cost transparency and no surprise charges. 

4. Real-Time Tracking & Accountability 

Annex provides status tracking of storage and shredding jobs via the platform for service providers hosted by O’Neil Stratus—enhancing visibility, reducing miscommunication, and simplifying reporting. 

5. Streamlined Digital Management 

The Annex cloud interface supports digital workflows, document uploads, and search—especially when working with O’Neil Stratus-integrated providers. 

 

Tailored Benefits by Industry 

Legal Industry Needs 

Annex supports law firms with compliance-friendly records storage and shredding solutions. Secure digital access help firms manage litigation documents efficiently. 

Healthcare Record Management 

Through the integration with O’Neil Stratus, Annex helps healthcare clients maintain HIPAA compliance via detailed tracking, secure destruction, and encryption. 

Financial & Insurance Firms 

Finance and insurance businesses leverage Annex for managing documents under GDPR, FACTA, or state-level privacy laws. Real-time audit reports and data retention support are built into the platform. 

 

Annex and Regulatory Compliance 

Compliance Standard	How Annex Supports It
SOC 2 Type II	Supported through O’Neil Stratus-hosted providers
HIPAA	Secure shredding and audit trails
GDPR	Role-based access, data deletion support
FACTA	Certified destruction via Service Providers

Annex makes it easier for businesses to meet regulatory demands with tools for tracking, auditing, and secure document handling. 

Top 10 Reasons Businesses Are Ditching Traditional Storage 

1. Real-time document visibility 
2. Encrypted digital storage 
3. Instant access to certificates of destruction 
4. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees 
5. Faster turnaround on retrieval and shredding 
6. Reduced paper waste and environmental impact 
7. Automated compliance reporting 
8. Multi-location accessibility through the cloud 
9. AI-enhanced search and categorization 
10. Easy onboarding and provider selection 

 

Transitioning from Traditional to Annex 

Before: Manual record storage, rigid contracts, and compliance risks 
After: Cloud visibility, dynamic pricing, and security controls 

Transition Checklist: 

• Conduct a document storage audit 
• Identify compliance vulnerabilities 
• Compare legacy provider costs to Annex options 
• Schedule your free Annex consultation 

Ready to experience the difference? Contact us now! 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is digital shredding? 

It uses encrypted deletion and secure destruction tracking. 

How secure is Annex? 

Annex uses SOC2-compliant encryption and verified Service Providers. 

Can I access my data anytime? 

Yes. Cloud access is available 24/7. 

How does Annex save money? 

Transparent pricing reduces operational waste and overbilling. 

Why is shredding essential for business security? 

It prevents data leaks and supports compliance frameworks. 

What happens if I don’t shred confidential documents? 

You risk legal penalties, reputational damage, and data theft. 

How do I get started with Annex? 

You can begin using Annex today by searching for records storage and shredding services near you, comparing providers and purchasing online. 

What if I need to cancel my current shredding provider? 

Annex helps transition records to a new provider. 

Can Annex serve small businesses? 

Yes. Annex-certified providers serve businesses of all sizes.