Implementing a Business Continuity Management Program
1. Establish the BCM Ownership.
2. Align BCM Program to organizational Strategic Goals.
4. Determine the BCM Strategy.
5. Determine the BCM Implementation Approach
The first step is to meet with decision-makers to understand and review the program approach, requirements and scope relative to implementation of the Business Continuity Management program.
The key focus is directed at identifying and then supporting the critical business functions.
Meet with decision-makers to understand and review the program approach, requirements and scope relative to OpsPlanner implementation for BCM/COOP.
Who? Decision-makers regarding the implementation factors for the continuity program (e.g. – IT representation for technology considerations; Agency-level BCM owners, etc..)
What is expected to be accomplished? Level-set on expectations and strategize operational decisions regarding specific implementation topics.
(e.g. – Who is required to approve a plan before it can be published?)
What distinct operational segments are covered in this program?
- Operational Groups:
- Lines of Business:
- Organizational Units:
- Locations: (Site -> Location)
- (named facilities: cold/hot sites? non-US sites? IS/failover locations? ancillary/support sites?
Define Critical Success Factors / Project Goals
For example:
- Identify gaps in RTO between business units and IT
- Accurately integrate information about people, contact information, locations, equipment and systems in a timely manner
- Allow business units to declare an event scenario and record the activities that occur for evaluation and improvement
- Document and test all BCP test plans
- Document and test all DR processes
Discuss desired implementation method:
- “Big Bang” approach: All Agencies brought online at one time, or
- Staged implementation, with lessons learned after initial deployment and period of operation.
Discuss desired training approach:
- “Train the trainer” –Individual focus sessions by user function? (e.g.: Admins, etc.)
Use internal or external staffing?
The first step in determining the BCM implementation approach is to decide if the BCM program will be implemented using internal/hired staff, or using external BCM consultants. Either approach can be valid, depending on the resource capabilities and budget that is available. Outsourcing the BCM program implementation to BCM Consultants can certainly streamline the process. If internal staff can lead and manage the BCM implementation, this can minimize third party expenses, but increase the amount of effort and expertise requirements from existing FTEs.
Manual, document-driven BCMP or software-based BCMP solutions?
In many cases the size of the organization and complexity of the BCM requirements will drive this decision. For other than very small organizations with minimal requirements, a software-based BCMP solution can be a great investment with positive return-on-investment.
There are many great BCM tools available in the marketplace. Certain features and capabilities can be tailored to certain industries and BCM requirements. It will be important to determine your key requirements and then review and assess which BCM tools best fit those organizational needs and requirements.
The OpsPlanner Business Continuity Planning Software solution can provide your organization with enterprise capabilities for Business Impact Analysis, Risk Assessment, Incident Management, and Automated Notification for a comprehensive Business Continuity Management program.
In addition, our Certified Business Continuity Planning Consulting professionals work shoulder-to-shoulder with you to facilitate enterprise-wide business continuity planning and participation, training, and support.
For more information about how to better prepare your organization with an effective Business Continuity Management System, please contact us via:
– The contact form using the link at the top of this page
– Email at PSISales@ParadigmSI.com
– Call us at 800-558-9568 ext. 300
Next up in Part 6: Initiate the BCM Program