Business Continuity: Top Tips!
Back up your data. Do you have the latest version of your files backed up, away from your office? How about burning your new documents onto CD at the end of each day? Ensure that important paper documents are protected. Have extra copies and make sure that storage if waterproof and fire resistant. Keep a staff contact list at home. This would ensure that all staff could be contacted and warned to stay away from the office within a few minutes of an emergency being declared. Know which of your staff have computers and email addresses at home – that way you’ll know who could work effectively from home if needs be. Be aware of your insurance policies – what they cover and what they don’t. Keep a back up copy away from the office so that you can access them easily in the event of an emergency. Have an inventory of all equipment, assets and products to give you an overview and to make it easier to work out losses after an incident. Have an emergency pack. You could include your business recovery plan, key telephone numbers, stationary, spare keys, cash, credit card, first aid kit, torch etc etc. Make sure you have a mobile phone for work purposes and that all staff and clients are aware of the number so that they can contact you easily in light of a disruption. Test your plan regularly and keep it up to date. Always remember that prevention is better than cure!