Digi Z45 Decommissioning Procedure

Goal

Retire a Digi Z45 so it no longer contains site configuration, no longer communicates with customer systems, and no longer generates alerts or appears in operational groups within Digi Axess.

Important

Do not return used products to Digi. Digi does not accept returns of used/installed products. Dispose of hardware and batteries per your local regulations.

Scope

This procedure assumes the Z45 is configured locally (not configured by Digi Axess). Digi Axess is used for monitoring/visibility and may contain device group membership, notifications, or exports tied to the device.

1. Pre-decommission checklist (recordkeeping)
   • Record Z45 identifiers: Serial number, IMEI, ICCID (if cellular/SIM is present).
   • Record installation site and any connections/integrations (SCADA endpoints, VPN/APN, IP allowlists, alert recipients).
   • Decide whether you need to retain Axess history (screenshots/exports) before cleanup.
      
2. Remove the Z45 from service (prevent ongoing communications)
   • If cellular: cancel/suspend the data plan in your carrier/managed connectivity portal.
   • Remove SIM(s) from the Z45 (if accessible) and handle per your security policy.
   • Disconnect the Z45 from the field network as required (power down or remove network connectivity).
      
3. Wipe the Z45 (factory reset – primary decommission step)
    Use the Default switch (not the Reset switch).
   • Orient the device so the back is facing you.
   • Press and hold the Default switch for 5 seconds.
   • Release when the Service and Link LEDs blink orange/red in unison.
   • The device reboots and returns to factory defaults.

Security note: After factory reset, do not leave the device connected to production networks. If the unit must be stored or shipped, keep it powered off and disconnected.

4. Verify the wipe was completed
   • Confirm the device rebooted after the LED sequence.
   • If you have local access, confirm the prior configuration is cleared (interfaces/settings/users reverted to defaults).
   • Confirm the SIM is removed and/or the cellular plan is cancelled (if applicable).
      
5. Digi Axess cleanup (post-wipe account hygiene)

A) Remove the Z45 from Axess device groups (recommended)

• In Axess Admin, locate the Z45 and remove it from any device groups associated with the retired site/use case.

B) Remove the Z45 from notification/contact groups (recommended)

• Remove the Z45 from any alerting/notification groups so it no longer generates emails/SMS/calls or triggers operational workflows.

C) Disable/remove exports/integrations tied to the device (as applicable)

• If you have event queues, data exports, or API polling that includes this Z45, remove it from those configurations.

D) Optional: clear historical sensor data (policy-driven)

• If required by your data retention policy, clear the Z45’s historical sensor data
• Note: clearing historical data is typically permanent and cannot be recovered.

6. Physical removal and disposal
   • Remove the unit from the installation site if applicable.
   • Dispose of as electronic waste (e-waste) per local regulations and your internal policy.
   • If your policy requires high assurance, perform physical destruction after factory reset.

Decommissioning record (recommended)

• Date/time, technician, site
• Z45 Serial / IMEI / ICCID(s)
• Factory reset performed (Y/N)
• SIM removed (Y/N) and cellular plan cancelled (Y/N), if applicable
• Removed from Axess device groups (Y/N)
• Removed from Axess notifications/alerts (Y/N)
• Exports/integrations updated (Y/N)
• Historical data cleared (Y/N, if applicable)
• Final disposition (recycled / destroyed / returned / stored)