A natural disaster, massive cyberattack, or other earth-shaking disaster can destroy your business if you aren’t prepared. While no one can fully prevent damage from occurring, having a structured plan in place can help minimize the impact in the event of a disaster.
What’s your business’s disaster recovery plan? Do you have one at all? If not, you should absolutely make that a priority. Here’s how to develop an emergency response plan to keep your business intact in a bad situation.
Do you have a disaster recovery plan in place for your business? If not, why not? Here’s how to develop one. #Enstep #businesscontinuity #disasterrecovery Share on X
Determine the Non-Negotiable Jobs and Equipment
Not every job or piece of equipment is required to keep your company running normally. During the first stage of your planning process, determine what you absolutely cannot live without. Which employees share the most responsibilities? What equipment do they need to work? Make a list of both and keep it updated as your business evolves.
Don’t forget about behind-the-scenes needs as well. For example, to an internet-based business, an otherwise functional computer is worthless without an internet signal. Take stock of every little thing you’ll need
Determine the Non-Essential Jobs and Equipment
Now it’s time to look at secondary jobs and office equipment. Who doesn’t need to come back into work right away? What equipment would be nice to have but not essential? Bear in mind that the standards for both of these categories will change as your business grows. Make lists of both and, like the list of essentials, be prepared to update it to reflect your company’s new needs.
Pro Tip: If your business functions allow it, allow and encourage employees to work from home during a period of disaster recovery. This provides convenience for them and prevents you from having to find a new office space quickly.
Returning to Normal
Aside from employees and equipment, there are several more factors involved in returning your business to normal. For instance, you’ll need to consider your insurance company’s payout (if any), an alternative business location for temporary operations, offsite storage of essential data, and more. Try to plan your disaster recovery process ahead of time based on what you need, and consult with experts to answer any questions you may have.
Reduce the Damage to Your Business
In an emergency situation, you likely won’t have a lot of time to dedicate to recovery. That’s why it’s absolutely critical to have a reliable plan in place ahead of time. In addition to taking time to plan yourself, sitting down with a panel of experts can help you construct a business disaster recovery plan for the worst-case scenario.
Connect with us to learn more about creating a disaster recovery plan.
Amy Passmore is the Chief Executive Officer and Integrator of Enstep Technology Solutions, where she has been a key leader since the company’s founding. She has overseen core operational and financial functions from day one and now leads the company’s continued growth in managed IT services. Outside of work, she supports inclusion in her community by managing the Texas Power Soccer Association and coaching the Houston Fireballs Power Soccer Club.
