Business Continuity Guide
BCP elements, priorities, components, and testing.
BCP Elements
Risk Assessment
Identify potential disruptions
Output: Risk register
Impact Analysis
Assess disruption effects
Output: Business impact analysis
Recovery Strategies
Plan response methods
Output: Recovery options
Plan Development
Document procedures
Output: BCP document
Training
Train employees
Output: Competent team
Testing
Validate plan works
Output: Test results
System Priorities
Critical
Must restore immediately
Tolerance: Minutes/hours
Essential
Restore within hours
Tolerance: Hours to 1 day
Important
Restore within days
Tolerance: 1-3 days
Non-critical
Restore when possible
Tolerance: Week+ acceptable
BCP Components
Risk assessment
Business impact analysis
Recovery strategies
Plan documentation
Communication protocols
Alternate facilities
Backup systems
Testing program
Testing Program
Tabletop exercises
Walkthrough testing
Component testing
Full simulation
Annual comprehensive test
Post-test improvement
Business Continuity Checklist
1. Conduct risk assessment. 2. Perform business impact analysis. 3. Identify critical functions. 4. Define recovery priorities. 5. Develop recovery strategies. 6. Document comprehensive plan. 7. Establish communication protocols. 8. Identify alternate facilities. 9. Train all employees. 10. Test plan regularly. 11. Update based on test results. 12. Review annually. Business continuity = keep business running. Assess risks. Prioritize systems. Document plan. Train team. Test regularly. Update continuously."