Understanding the Business Equals Realistic Recovery Objectives!

Whether you are starting to develop your business continuity plan or have a mature business continuity plan one thing is certain – in order to facilitate a viable and cost effective business continuity capability you must have an understanding of the business as the executive level envisions it.  Without that specific knowledge, the probability of ensuring the preferred recovery from a major business disruption is questionable at best – thus impacting the business even further.

Too often I see that the recovery objectives are based on a functional area manager’s or the planner’s individual perception.  Although the manager’s or planner’s perception may be correct, it needs to be verified and blessed at the executive level.  Only then can one put together a viable and cost effective solution for ensuring the desired results – the resumption of critical business functions and the recovery of the business over time.  Only then can you align the required recovery sequence with the required resources – technology (systems, applications & data) and people (alternate workspace & their other needs).

If your organization is currently experiencing mass change – people, products & services, facilities, and business strategies, you must ensure that your business continuity strategy keeps pace in order to meet the expectations of the business, even when time and personnel resources are limited. One can not overlook the continuous need to maintain a thorough knowledge of the requirements for resuming business operations following a disruptive event.   You can ill afford the gap that can be created by a lack of attention to business continuity at time of change.  You may find yourself spending too much or not enough in terms of real dollars to protect the business when the time comes.  It is imperative that the business continuity plan, and thus the recovery time objectives match the expectations of the business and your clients.