The way a firm responds to an emergency or other unanticipated occurrence may have a significant influence on how quickly it can resume operations and its future prospects. With the past years being affected by a worldwide pandemic, businesses are in more need than ever of creating a business continuity plan.
Preparing for a disaster entails not just having business continuity plans but also having disaster recovery strategies. Business continuity and disaster recovery plans are two separate types of plans that should be used in tandem since they address many of the same worries.
What is a Business Continuity Plan?
A business continuity plan is a document that outlines how a company will maintain critical functions and operations in the event of a disaster. The goal of such a plan is to ensure that the business can continue to operate, even if some systems or facilities are unavailable.
What is a Disaster Recovery Plan?
A disaster recovery plan, on the other hand, outlines how a company will resume operations after a disaster. This type of plan typically deals with restoring critical systems and files, as well as getting the business back up and running.
It is important to note that both types of plans should not be created in a vacuum. They should be developed in conjunction with each other and with input from all parts of the organization.
Business continuity and disaster recovery planning is not a one-time event. The plans should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that they still meet the needs of the company.
Both business continuity and disaster recovery planning are important for any company. By having both types of plans in place, you can be sure that your business will be able to continue operating no matter what happens.
Differences Between Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Although business continuity and disaster recovery plans seem very similar, some key differences between them make them necessary for every business to have. Here are a few of those differences:
- Business continuity planning deals with maintaining critical functions and operations in the event of a disaster, while disaster recovery planning is focused on restoring critical systems and getting the business back up and running.
- Business continuity plans are typically longer and more detailed than disaster recovery plans, as they are meant to be used in the event of a long-term disruption.
- Disaster recovery plans are typically more focused on short-term emergencies and restoring critical systems as quickly as possible.
- Business continuity plans typically include contact information for key personnel, while disaster recovery plans typically list the contact information for vendors and suppliers.
Business continuity plans are often broader in scope than disaster recovery plans, encompassing everything from data backup to facility damage.
Similarities Between Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Business continuity and disaster recovery plans are similar in many ways and work best for a company when used and planned for in tandem. Here are some similarities between the two:
- Both are proactive strategies that help a business prepare for sudden, disastrous events. Instead of reacting to an emergency, both plans use a proactive strategy, aiming to reduce the consequences of a catastrophe before it strikes.
- Both require regular review and should be updated on a regular basis. They may sometimes require revision to ensure they match the company’s evolving goals.
- Both can be plans for a range of disasters. Business continuity and disaster recovery are instrumental to preparing for pandemics, natural disasters, wildfires, and even cyberattacks.
Simple Systems Can Help You Get Started
Developing a business continuity or disaster recovery plan can be a daunting task. If you’re not sure where to start, reach out to Simple Systems and their team of professionals can help your business get started in preparing and carrying out these plans!
