Testing Your Plan

One of the biggest difficulties that organizations face is testing and exercising their business continuity plans. Because it is perceived to be expensive and time-consuming, plan testing is simply not done by many companies. What is often overlooked is the fact that testing the plan could be the only thing between it working when it's needed and failure. Testing doesn't have to be an overwhelming task... see articles below for some ideas on how you can do it.

As plan testing matures, there are some notable trends in how it's conducted. (Item #1) Worldwide, as many as 50% of businesses do not test their BC plans; this survey done in Australia reveals typical results. (Item #2) Don't forget to make sure you test employees' remote access to critical applications in case no one can get to the office. (Item #3)

The benefits of testing and training far outweigh the cost. (Item #4) Several types of training are completely doable by almost any business. (Item #5) Are you ready for a disaster if it happens to your data center? (Item #6)


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Emergency Supplies

Just in case you have to shelter in place at home or at work, or evacuate your premises, do you know what you need to have available for survival? Even if there is no immediate threat, there is always the chance that weather will give use reason to leave or stay in place and we need to know what to have on hand so we can get through whatever happens. In this week’s articles, you’ll find some checklists and also a sampling of suppliers. (These companies are not necessarily supported by Attainium, they are only included to provide some information about the types of supplies available.)

The Red Cross is always a good first stop when you’re figuring out what you need. (Item #1) What you need for winter survival -- tips from mountaineers. (Item #2) Here is one supplier of emergency items with an assessment to help you figure out what you need. (Item #3)

We all know what it’s like to be in the dark when the power goes out; here are some products that can provide light and communication. (Item #4) Food is another important survival component... this site offers products (also available from other suppliers) to address the nutrition challenge. (Item #5) Here’s one of many sites that offer shelter-in-place kits in case you end up having to keep employees in the building for any length of time. (Item #6) And lastly, a short list of companies that provide emergency supplies.  (Item #7)


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Holiday Issues

With Thanksgiving just a couple of weeks away, workplace holiday celebrations/observations are just around the corner... and so is the potential for all kinds of problems. Have you given thought to exactly how your organization will celebrate the holidays this year? Will there be a party? Workplace decorations? Can you avoid ruffling feathers over religious issues, party drinking, and other things that can cause you legal trouble? Whether you have thought this out or not, take a look at this week's articles for help.

What decorations will you hang and exactly what holiday(s) will your party celebrate? (Item #1) Are holiday parties worth the potential risks? (Item #2) Should you serve liquor at your holiday party and, if you're the employee, should you drink? (Item #3)

Does your vacation policy ensure you won't be understaffed during the holidays? (Item #4) If liquor is on your party agenda, exactly what are your liabilities? (Item #5) Today's diverse workplaces often make it difficult to make holiday events appeal to all. (Item #6)


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The State of Business Continuity Standards

It may seem that standards are multiplying by leaps and bounds, and that's almost true. We thought it would be a good idea to take a look at what standards are around and what they can do for us. We hope you will find this week's articles helpful as you determine which standards you should adopt or not.

What role do standards play in dealing with disruptions? (Item #1) Here's a listing of today's standards from all around the world. (Item #2) If you're wondering how these standards relate to each other, here is a side-by-side comparison. (Item #3)

Do you have to choose between the two leading standards or can you adopt both? (Item #4) Why ARE there so many standards? (Item #5) Here's how one company used standards certification to demonstrate best practices. (Item #6)


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