The Importance Of Having A Business Continuity Planning (BCP) Plan

Community The Importance Of Having A Business Continuity Planning (BCP) Plan Debra ShannonAugust 03, 2023 Bigstock {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

Has your organization been affected by a ransomware attack or some other type of disaster? If so, you quickly figured out that time is of the essence! Did the organization have a comprehensive and well-thought-out business continuity planning (BCP) plan defining how to handle the disruption? Or did each line of business muscle through, with some areas faring better than others?

Disasters are chaotic so you want to minimize stress as much as you can. If your organization doesn’t have a written BCP plan you can commit to starting one today. The BCP plan documents how the organization will continue to operate (who, what, where, when, and why) during a disaster. Also, how to get back to “normal” operations after the disaster.

Creating A BCP Plan

Bigstock

Some of the key steps to create a BCP plan are:

1. Identify the key risks and perform a risk assessment of the different types of disasters. From natural disasters, major power outages, cyber threats, and other potential risks. What is the likelihood of the disaster and the subsequent impact (enterprise-wide, regional, department-specific, etc.) for your organization? You can create a basic chart such as the following:

2. Perform business impact analysis (BIA). I typically create a BIA questionnaire wherein each department identifies its processes, resources, etc. Since you probably don’t have enough resources to recover everything immediately, you’ll need to prioritize and assign criticality (e.g., mission-critical, essential, and non-essential). Make sure you consider financial, regulatory, and/or legal impacts. Additional BIA info on the Ready.gov site.

3. Create a detailed BCP plan. It should contain information such as potential alternate locations, equipment/supplies needed, and contact information for critical employees as well as key vendors and customers. You may need copies of documents such as procedures, insurance policies, blank paper forms, and even a hard copy of the plan. Additional BCP info on the Ready.gov site.

There are multiple tools to create the plan ranging from Word to specific BCP software solutions. Even if you use Word, creating templates for all departments to use will keep the document consistent and facilitate collaboration. The plan needs to be easy to read and use to facilitate communications.

Bigstock

4. One of the most important steps is to review and test the plan regularly (at least annually). When testing, tabletop testing is good but more rigorous testing such as a simulation is better. If certain departments have more “mission critical” processes, they want to be confident that they can continue during an interruption. Testing is critical and has multiple benefits including:

• Testing helps you identify gaps, weaknesses, or missing/unclear information. Update the plan based on the lessons learned from testing. This is particularly important if some primary individuals are unavailable, and other “backup” individuals who don’t know the process(es) as well are required to do the work.
• Business is continually impacted by changes—some major and others seemingly minor. For example, do you have a sound process to maintain accurate contact information for your employees (especially when you have turnover)? Regular reviews of your plan such as quarterly self-certifications can help you make sure your plan is current and reflects business, regulatory, and other changes.
• Regularly reviewing the plan will help employees maintain awareness and increase familiarity with the plan (which is important during an already chaotic and stressful situation).
• Depending on your organization’s industry, you may be subject to BCP-related compliance requirements. You want to mitigate compliance risk from oversight by regulators and/or government agencies.

You will be affected by some type of disaster—yes, it’s when (and not if) the next disaster occurs. If you have a comprehensive and well-thought-out BCP plan, you’ll be poised to pivot and get through the disruption more effectively.

For more information on the benefits of having a comprehensive business continuity planning (BCP) plan, follow me on LinkedIn!

From Your Site Articles

• How To Prepare For The Next Disaster ›
• 4 Steps To Prepare Employees For The Chaos Of (Unexpected) Emergency ›
• Why You Need A Disaster Recovery Plan Even If You Have A BCP ›
• How Important Is Up-To-Date System Documentation? ›
• Emergency Preparedness: How Prepared Are You When The Next Disaster Happens? ›
• Is Your Organization Prepared For The Next Disaster? ›
• How To Score And Win The Game With A Great Business Continuity Plan! ›

Related Articles Around the Web

• What Is a Business Continuity Plan (BCP), and How Does It Work? ›
• The Importance of a Business Continuity Plan (Plus a Free Guide ... ›
• What is Business Continuity and Why is It Important? ›

importance of business continuity plan {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, Debra Shannon","3":"business continuity plan, bcp, bcp plan, importance of business continuity plan, importance of business continuity planning, business continuity planning, risk mitigation, preparedness, business continuity","2":"community","4":"08/03/2023"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 544324100, 544398580, 544398581, 479660731, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 24925024]} } 8 Ways You're Being SHUT OUT Of The Hiring Process1-hour workshop to help job seekers figure out what's getting them tossed from the hiring processCover Letter 3 Tips For Overcoming Your Biggest Job Search FEARS Jenna ArcandSeptember 28, 2022 {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]} Are you terrified of screwing up a job interview? Does the thought of writing a cover letter horrify you? Are you scared to network with others? What do you even say, anyway? If you're struggling to overcome your job search fears, this live event is for you.

We get it. Looking for work can be scary, especially if you’ve been at it for a long time and haven’t gotten any results.

Understanding which fears are getting in the way and how to overcome them will make all the difference. Sometimes you might not be aware of which obstacle is getting in the way of your goals. If you want to overcome these fears once and for all, we invite you to join us!

In this training, you’ll learn how to:

• Utilize strategies for coping with your job search fears
• Be confident in your job search—from writing your resume to networking
• Face your fears and move forward

Join our CEO, J.T. O'Donnell, and Director of Training Development & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this live event on Wednesday, October 5th at 12 pm ET.

CAN'T ATTEND LIVE? That's okay. You'll have access to the recording and the workbook after the session!

Read moreShow lessjob search fears {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, Jenna Arcand","3":"live events, career events, j.t. o'donnell, jt o'donnell, christina burgio, career advice, career, career growth, professionals, job search, job seekers, job interview, job search tips, job search advice, interview, job interview tips, interview tips, job search fears, overcome job search fears, networking, cover letter, resume, writing a cover letter, job search strategy, job search help, looking for a job, unemployed","2":"cover-letter","4":"09/28/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 376490081, 562457120, 370480899, 376490053, 376489574, 376491143, 376489962, 404327439, 376489624, 479660731, 543270555, 473310813, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19836096]} } Featured The Importance Of Having A Business Continuity Planning (BCP) Plan {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, Debra Shannon","3":"business continuity plan, bcp, bcp plan, importance of business continuity plan, importance of business continuity planning, business continuity planning, risk mitigation, preparedness, business continuity","2":"community","4":"08/03/2023"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 544324100, 544398580, 544398581, 479660731, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 24925024]} } Now Hiring: Remote SysOps Engineer {"customDimensions": {"1":"Work It Daily, Kinsta \u00ae","3":"kinsta, hiring, remote jobs, remote work, remote workforce, remote companies hiring, remote companies 2021, sysops engineer, sysops engineer jobs","2":"popular","4":"05/18/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [370480899, 545998439, 545998440, 473310812, 376489962, 526353713, 545658354, 548352055, 548352058, 543270555, 473333499, 473310813], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548593, 21891195]} } 3 Important Career Lessons Learned On And Off The Field {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","3":"career change, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, career, career challenges, overcoming career challenges, personal branding, personal development, professional development, professional growth, success, career success, pro athletes, tom brady, chris gronkowski, nfl, tiktok, social media strategy, social media, career growth","2":"popular","4":"02/10/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 376489962, 526353713, 376489624, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} } How Ex-NFL Player, Chris Gronkowski, Is Using Social Media To Change Careers {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","3":"2010, Barstool, camera phone, career growth and development, career growth opportunities, chrisgronkowski, cowboys, dallascowboys, dinner, football, free, gronkspike, iceshaker, investor, nfl, nflfootball, nflplayer, nflplayers, nflworkout, payday, rookie, salary, sharing, sharktank, tic toc, tic tok, tick tock, ticktock, tictok, tik tok, tiktok, tiktok.com, trade, trainingcamp, upload, video, video phone, weighin, youtube.com, \u0442\u0438\u043a \u0442\u043e\u043a, \u30c6\u30a3\u30c3\u30af\u30c8\u30c3\u30af, chris gronkowski","2":"popular","4":"01/29/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 526353713, 376489624, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} }