The concept of Business Continuity has grown out of the Disaster Recovery planning process, but really is far more encompassing in its scope and purpose, since it covers not just 'how do we recover', but how do we continue operations while we are trying to recover. The Business Continuity plan addresses the requirements and actions needed during a disaster to continue business operations by combining an information technology disaster recovery plan and a business function recovery plan. An IT disaster recovery plan addresses the firm's systems recovery, such as computer back-up, communications (telecomm and data) and other IT systems at the facility. A business function recovery plan details how the company's employees will continue its operations in the event of a disaster

     This covers many more aspects than just restoring data and communications. Everything from facilities damage assessments, personnel/Human Resources functions, vital records, communications, interim operations, business operations and accounting (for insurance and government assistance recovery of costs and expenses once the crisis is over, you need to keep accurate records for accounting), alternate sites, public announcements and communications with off site and off duty employees and ancillary sites, supplies and replenishment, loss of key personnel, and the list goes on and on... Additionally, once you have figured out the contingencies for each possible risk factor (determined in your risk assessment) you need to determine what affects multiple disasters will have on the plan, such as what happens if you:

(a)        not only lose your primary data, but

(b)        the hardware along with it AND

(c)         have a major pandemic or natural/man-made disaster at the same time that causes loss of key personnel or severe staff shortages at the same time AND

(d)        bare necessities such as pharmaceuticals, food and potable water are in short-supply and communications lines are disrupted. 

     The typical plan might allow for one or two of these items, but does it have in effect a plan that encompasses a major and catastrophic failure that denies the use of your primary facility and all of its resources for a short or extended period of time? 

Additionally, a 'plan for the plan' has to be put into place.  A business continuity plan is a living plan, not a static document.  It is often thought that Business Continuity Planning is a project with a finite ending. Creating the Business Continuity Plan is just a part of developing a business recovery program. The process also includes evaluating costs, selecting an alternate site(s), making employees aware of the Plan, updating the Plan and testing the Plan on a regular basis.

Contact us and we can arrange for the subject matter experts with the requisite knowledge and experience to help you develop a comprehensive and effective Business Continuity Plan that will be tailored to the specific needs of your organization.