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An Introduction to Business Continuity

Businesses operate to maximize profit and minimize loss. However, the security offered by this relationship can be lost because of fortuitous events. Unexpected occurrences such as floods, earthquakes, and fires can cause great damage to business. However, there is a remedy to cushion the blow of disasters such as these. Through Business Continuity Planning (BCP), entrepreneurial endeavors can withstand, and in some cases, even flourish despite the circumstances.

What is BCP?

Business Continuity Planning. BCP is the idea that allows for a plan to be formulated that will let an institution to continue to operate in case a disaster strikes. It is quite a flexible concept as it is applicable in situations that range from local occurrences such as fires to national ones like an epidemic. The principle behind BCP is that it systemizes the reduction of risks associated with weakened information management. It is also usually coupled with increased security as well as the reputation of the business when it comes to risk management.

How is the BCP applied?

The processes of the BCP are dependent on the structure of the organization. An establishment that has relatively simple procedures would entail a simpler methodology. These processes may be formulated by any organization through the writing of a BCP manual. In fact, there are some who would insist that this is actually a requirement for every establishment to protect itself from disaster.

There are no set rules when it comes to the BCP manuals, although some industries require certain regulations. The manual may simply be in printed form and can contain a directory of the staff as well as important documents necessary to ensure the survival and longevity of the organization. On the other hand, a BCP manual can be as complex as a detailed account of provisional alternative work sites and plans to establish production areas. No matter what kind of manual is formulated, what is important to remember is that BCP manuals must be realistic and can easily be implemented in times of emergencies.

What are the stages of the formulation of a BCP manual?

Typically, a BCP manual is created in five stems. The first stage is analysis, wherein the situation is objectively assessed to determine the needs of the organization. After the objectives of the manual have been determined, solution design follows. In this step, pragmatic plans are drawn to counter the damage of the disaster. Implementation should then be done. After this, testing and organization acceptance must be done in order to determine the effectiveness of the methodology. Finally, maintenance should be done in order to ensure the longevity of the establishment.

It should be noted that these stages are not to be followed strictly. The stages are neither meant to be exhaustive or exclusive. What is important to remember is that the creation of the manual is dependent on the situation as well as the objectives of the establishment. Thus, it should be organic to the institution and must always be flexible.

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