BCMS explained simply: what business continuity really steers

Continuity starts with the service

Business continuity management looks at the products, services and business functions whose failure would no longer be acceptable to the organisation. Only from these follow the requirements for people, sites, information, technology and suppliers.

A BCMS makes these decisions repeatable: with roles, a consistent methodology, documented results and an improvement cycle.

Preparedness and response belong together

Preparedness identifies time criticality and prepares solutions. Response uses alerting, a dedicated response organisation and plans when an event occurs. Exercises show whether the two fit together under real conditions.

• Leadership sets the mandate, objectives and resources
• The BIA determines priorities and recovery requirements
• Strategies create workable options for action
• Plans, exercises and reviews keep the system operational