Are Your Business Continuity Practices Current?

You probably are familiar with some of the shocking statistics when disaster strikes a business. But did you know, according to Infrascale:

• One hour of not being able to access your mission critical programs costs a small business $8,000 and a large one $700,000 per hour? and
• The average time it takes to access these programs is 18.5 hours?

So let’s do the math: a small business can suffer a loss of up to $148,000 in lost business while an enterprise might experience a deficient of $12.9 million dollars. And the irony of all this is, 44% of respondents from a recent Continuity Central poll stated they lacked manpower resources and budget to put in place the proper plan.

Here are six best practices as identified by Blackberry, Continuity Central, Henry Stuart Publications and the U.S. Government that will help keep you current with your business continuity plan.

Business Continuity Best Practices

• Establish a business continuity planner position.
  This position, even in a small business, identifies the “go to” person in the event of a disaster. This business continuity planner looks at a broad range of scenarios that can threaten the existence of the business from technology to people. This person is also responsible for the training of said policies.

• Identify your “A”, “B” and “C” businesses functions and risk associated with them.
  Be honest about this assessment by determining which functions are at the greatest risk. For example, if your accounts payable and receivable programs are “A” functions but at low risk for interruption, because they are already on the cloud, you are probably alright. However, if the product development site is a “B” function but has cybersecurity concerns, this needs to be addressed in your plan.

• Have one policy for the business.
  Instead of having each department write their own plan, provide one organizational document. This should include:

  • Where employees will go in the event they cannot come to the office
  • The number and type of technology rentals at a temporary location
  • Who needs to report to the temporary location and who can work virtually
  • How future communication will occur until you are back in the building (i.e. text, email)

• Update the plan frequently.
  As things change within your business or industry, or technological options shift, it is important to allow for flexibility within the plan.

• Keep current with procedures and case studies.
  Ready.gov will give you current continuity procedures and resources. Henry Stewart Publications produces a quarterly Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning that outlines new practices in business continuity.

• If management is still hesitant, complete a desktop simulation showing them how it works.
  This simulation can show management how quickly your processes can be brought back online and it validates whether or not your current plan is working.

Hartford Technology Rental Has Continuity Solutions You Can Trust

Don’t wait for a disaster to happen to come up with a plan! Find out now how Hartford Technology Rental can provide your organization with the right technology rentals when you need them. Contact us today at 888-520-5667 or online to discuss your continuity plan.