Important Elements of a Business Continuity Plan
There are many details that must be included in a continuity plan. When you’re creating one, it’s best to start with the important elements to serve as an outline, then add the details as your specific needs are identified.
Each company has different needs depending on the type of business, facility needs, and equipment requirements. But all need to 1) assign responsibilities to management and staff so communication happens immediately, how and to whom, 2) have access to their information, 3) determine a temporary location, and 4) routine updates of the plan.
PEOPLE and COMMUNICATION
The most important element of your plan is your staff and an easy-to-execute communication plan. They go hand-in-hand because without a good communication plan, the designated people will not be able to execute their assigned tasks.
How quickly and precisely they can communicate after a disaster will set all the other elements in motion. Without immediate and precise implementation of your plan, there might as well be no plan at all. Management and staff members must have designated responsibilities, with backups in case those assigned are not available due to vacation, illness or being otherwise unavailable.
Some of the elements to put in place are a call tree so all employees are notified quickly. Other communication procedures will involve notifying customers, vendors and suppliers. Depending on the type of disaster, you might also need to contact public safety officials, your insurance agent and local utilities.
