Common Gaps in Enterprise Business Continuity Plans

Blog
Aug 12, 2019

Your business is a continuously evolving entity. Different moving parts influence change, create an opportunity for progress, and support growth. When it comes to developing an enterprise business continuity plan (BCP), these moving parts need to mirror the changes. Whether change follows from workforce restructuring, acquisitions, or employee turnover, a BCP must be reviewed annually.

However, regardless of plan reviews, some companies still overlook the most common glaring gaps in their BCPs that can lead to extensive losses. Having worked with hundreds of organizations and orchestrated a myriad of recoveries, our experts highlight the most common gaps in enterprise business continuity plans.

Unclear definition of disaster recovery success and planning by management

A cost-benefit analysis of business continuity can present its challenges.

Checklist doodle

The management may disregard a “what-if” scenario unless there are certain rules and regulations to be followed. What drives the decision-making of company leaders is based on solid financials that profit departments, stakeholders, and the bottom line.

There’s always some uncertainty associated with executing an enterprise business continuity plan. However, benefits that result from BC planning efforts are everchanging and affect numerous departments and operations.

That’s why it’s essential to provide managers with detailed analyses covering the impact of various business interruptions. Industry reports, such as Business Interruption Report, make a compelling case that will convince and encourage company leaders to implement a BCP.

Lack of enterprise business continuity testing and training

The limits of a business continuity plan and its processes often come to management’s attention only after a business interruption. Planning and training helps address the missing parts of the strategy.

Whether it is a tabletop exercise or a simulation walk-through, testing business continuity allows you and your workforce to exercise how to approach an emergency situation. It also helps in finding gaps in the plan to address where it needs improvement.

A common issue that we’ve seen over the years is businesses that have a plan, but don’t make it a priority to test regularly. Such neglect leaves your BCDR plan to get buried under more gratifying things such as profits.

We recommend taking the time to thoroughly test your BCDR plan at least once a year to help you mitigate any risks before a disaster actually strikes.