The Background
A key task for a successful business continuity management system (BCMS) is the embedding of continuity across the organisation and the facility to test the system. These tests not only increase the likelihood for successful implementation of the plan during a disruption but also act as team building events. While working with an NGO in designing and implementing a business continuity management system Reconnaissance Trace Inc. was requested to design an deliver an ongoing solution for testing.
The Challenge
The clients global footprint required a unique solution that could prove cost effective while achieving required results across multiple environments. The BCMS implemented delivered a well-accepted approach to embedding business continuity within the organisation however testing would need to be carried out at a local level specific to each country’s operating environment. The resulting data would then need to be aligned throughout the organisation to ensure lessons learned facilitated knowledge growth.
The Result
In consultation with the client the organisations senior leadership were firstly tested via a table top exercise on their respective responsibilities during a disruption. This allowed the organisation time to rectify any issues prior to testing each country’s management team. In doing so it allowed the leadership team develop and understand their limitations and communication style. Then the team exercise was conducted in each market to test various types of disruptions across the organisation. By conducting practical exercises the organisation tested key functions such as HR, logistics and security while stressing communication systems respective to their operating environments. The resulting data was compiled and fed back into the BCMS to make improvements and thereby enhancing organisational resiliency.
