Business Continuity

If there’s one thing we learned in 2020 it’s that you can’t predict the next crisis. Most of the things we worry about – and plan for -- rarely happen; it’s the things we never think of that do the most harm.

In our last article we spoke about Disaster Recovery and the critical need to remain prepared for a sudden loss of your primary business data. Even if you maintain a backup, how long will it take you to restore the data and make it available to employees and customers alike? When business operations are delayed, business revenue soon follows.

In this article, we focus on Business Continuity, which is the other side of the same coin. A significant business disruption can take shape in many forms and in very quick fashion. From weather, to power outages, political events or even virus outbreaks, every organization needs a business continuity plan to ensure its business operations can continue, no matter the disruption.

It’s not just about data, it’s making certain access to business operations (data, phones, applications, collaboration, etc.) remains in place from a remote location when your primary business location is inaccessible or deemed not safe. Working remotely surged in both popularity and necessity. Under the COVID-19 pandemic, 90% of U.S. companies restricted travel and 62% of all organizations increased virtual and remote work models. The explosion of Zoom and other collaboration tools demonstrates how important the connection among people is toward operating a business. It’s not just about data. Here are steps you can take to help you get your business back on track after disaster strikes: 

• Inform all employees of the steps you are taking to resolve the situation.

•  Make a list of damaged hardware and software.

• Contact us for help with salvaging inaccessible, lost, corrupted, damaged or formatted data.  

• Contact your insurance company to see what is covered and what Is not.

• Contact the SBA for more resources, including financial relief.