Business continuity is something that far too many businesses aren’t implementing in a time when natural disasters are growing. But sometimes businesses get nervous thinking about planning for disasters and usually think of the worst possible scenarios first, says CRN. The right philosophy has to be brought to a business continuity plan rather than going in preparing for only major disasters.
Ultimately, businesses might not prepare enough when thinking only about scenarios they can’t measure in terms of what it could bring. How do you go about creating a smart business continuity plan so you’ll be sure it works for the proper disaster scenario?natural disasters are growing. But sometimes businesses get nervous thinking about planning for disasters and usually think of the worst possible scenarios first, says CRN. The right philosophy has to be brought to a business continuity plan rather than going in preparing for only major disasters.
Think of Plausible Disasters First
If your business location is prone to natural disasters, then you have a better idea of what you can do to prepare. However, if you’re in a place that doesn’t typically get natural disasters, it’s better to think first of disasters that are more plausible. During an assessment, you’ll have to scope out the most likely scenarios where you’re the most vulnerable. It might not have anything to do with the weather and more about cyber security or business equipment failure.
This can be determined through an audit where you can prepare accordingly. In the case of technology continuity, though, it shouldn’t necessarily be the first thing on your list to worry about.
Think of the Human Element to Business Continuity
There may be such a concern about keeping your database and office equipment safe that you forget about the human element when disaster strikes. Don’t forget that your employees are going to need special focus during disasters, because they’ll be the ones operating the technology to keep things going. They’ll also have problems of their own you’ll need to address, including finding ways to get to work during a disaster and dealing with the concerns about their own families.
You’ll need to think seriously about what your employees will do during certain scenarios. These things can be set up in advance, along with contingencies for employee backups if the others can’t make it in. You can also incorporate elements of your business that don’t require human beings so you can keep operating if a sizable portion of your workforce are unable to leave their homes. Additionally, implementing mobile solutions are a near imperative so your employees can work out of their homes if they can’t leave there.
With a business continuity plan plotted out smartly, you won’t have to worry about being caught off guard for disasters that are more likely. This isn’t to say you also shouldn’t plan for the unexpected. Here at Continuity Centers, we’ll help you plan for both the expected and unexpected. With our expert analysis, we’ll get you prepared for every possible scenario.
Contact us and we can set up a time for a business audit to assess what needs to be done. We’ll work closely with you and your business employees to craft a business continuity plan that won’t lead to confusion when the time comes to implement it in full.