To ensure Business Continuity in the event of interruptions, whether due to catastrophic events, serious breakdowns or minor incidents, is a fundamental requirement for any organization. The ISO 22301, the world’s first standard for Business Continuity Management (BCM), was developed to help companies minimize the risk of similar interruptions. Putting in place the basic elements of a management system for Business Continuity, companies can maintain Business Continuity even in more problematic and unforeseen circumstances, safeguarding staff and the company’s reputation allowing it to continue to produce and sell. The methodology, in particular the ISO 22301 was developed by a group of experts, representing major industrial sectors and the public administration, to determine the process, principles and terminology of Business Continuity Management.
The management of Business Continuity is a prerogative of any organization, large or small, of any industry. It is particularly recommended for organizations operating in high -risk areas, such as finance, telecommunications, transport public administration and healthcare, where the ability to ensure the continuity of operations is critical to the organization, its customers and stakeholders.
We must pay attention to one aspect: the term “Business Continuity” is sometimes confused with the term “Disaster Recovery”, but the two terms are used in the same way. Nothing more wrong. Disaster Recovery has to deal with the emergency in case of an event which makes technology unavailable. Business continuity takes account of all events that have economic impacts, regulatory compliance or reputational on company, both due to the lack of technological support or lack of infrastructure or personnel. Despite these differences, the two terms are often associated under the initials BC/DR due to their many common considerations.
The Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is the result of a process that helps organizations prepare for disruptive events. Such events might be: a hurricane, a power outage caused by an excavator in the parking lot, flood offices or staff shortages due to a strike by public transport. The Business Continuity Plan is the result of collaboration of different roles. The involvement in this process can range from the design of the emergency measures plan supervision, to provide input and support or be an active participant in the execution of the plan during an emergency.