Archive for the tag 'disaster'

Business Continuity

CTS October 2nd, 2008

The Disaster Environment

Image by eschipul via Flickr

If you’re anything like me then you have a very hectic life trying to run a small business and run a family at the same time. We’re often so busy that we don’t take the time to reflect on what might happen to our business if something unforeseen occurs. Sure, we all take out insurance; but money alone won’t help our business survive if we’re hit by something disastrous. Impersonating an ostrich doesn’t help any either; stuff does happen and fewer than 1 in 5 companies are still in business a year after a disaster.

Planning for a possible disaster in known as Business Continuity Planning. Whilst many people recognize the need for IT continuity in the event of a disaster few take into account all the other aspects of their business. Business Continuity looks at all business processes, both internal and external, and plans so that all business functions can get up and running again as soon as possible.

To start you off here are some pointers to get you thinking about your Business Continuity Plan:

  • Make the plan as simple as possible. If you’re trying to mitigate a disaster you don’t want added complication.
  • Look at the people who might be involved, both inside and outside the company.
  • What business processes might be affected, look at your suppliers, how you supply your clients, how and where you store your products, how you place or receive orders. Look at every aspect of your business.
  • Is there another premises you can operate from?
  • What are your IT needs? Where is data stored, how can it be accessed?
  • What other types of disaster might occur other than the obvious fire, flood and pestilence? For example what do you do if your major supplier fails?

Remember that Business Continuity is the responsibility of everyone in the organization so involve everyone in the planning. This includes your suppliers and your clients; you’re far more likely to retain these in the event of a disaster if they’ve previously bought into your plan and understand what your doing.

Don’t wait for tomorrow; get planning now.

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