by Alex Roldan
With disasters fast becoming the main threat to our generation, that makes everyone paranoid, it is better to be prepared at all times. What is more worrisome is the effect of such events to business that makes recovery of the economy extremely difficult.
Thus, it becomes more compelling nowadays to find ways on how business could continue to operate when unexpected events occur. Business continuity planning is becoming more imperative in today’s business, and Internet plays a very important role.
The series of calamities that hit the nation recently showed how utterly unexpected events can affect whole industries, and the knock-on effect this kind of events can have across the whole economy of the country.
Many businesses in other countries have recognized the need for improved business continuity measures and increased controls to help cushion the impact of such events. As a result, business organizations such as in the US are coming under pressure to produce effective measures in order to mitigate or at least reduce risks.
What immediately comes into our mind is to make disaster recovery plans. However, it would be best if organizations would raise the bar of their preparedness, and that would be by installing a workable Business Continuity Plan.
As said, with the availability of good Internet connection, the process would be relatively easy. It is about simply ensuring that computer systems return to normal quickly and effectively after disasters. This will certainly optimize organizational flexibility whatever happens.
The continuity plan should be designed to develop, document and integrate procedures, processes and technologies in order that in the event of a disaster, critical business functions can continue with minimal disruption, providing at least the minimum level of acceptable services while the remainder of the organization is being restored.
Unlike disaster recovery plans, business continuity planning is comprehensive. The process is quite simple. Similar to the development of your organization’s information system, each department or business function should be able to identify the restoration requirements needed for the operation to continue. Meaning, the restoration process is not only the responsibility of the IT department but of the whole organization.
Though this is a new concept, many companies in developed countries are now exploring ways on how to establish such a plan. They realized that they would lose tremendously if unprepared for any disaster, be it natural, system failures, terrorism and other types of disasters.
Early experiences from those who implemented the plan, showed positive effects particularly to the value system and attitude of the members of the whole organization in the workplace. It created a culture of ‘preparedness’ among the staff rather than simply specifying a set of procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.
There is no suggested template of making this plan, as organizations differ significantly even those with similar products or services.
All that is needed is the determination to make the business to continue operating even during disasters.
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