Understand the cost of disruption
Identify which services matter most and how their loss would affect operations and commitments.
Business continuity.
Understand what a systems outage would mean for your business and whether your recovery arrangements meet that need.
Check the plan against the work that must continue
A backup report does not establish how soon staff could resume taking orders, supporting customers or making payments. Recovery planning needs to consider the systems, people and suppliers that make those activities possible.
I help you compare the business need with what has actually been tested. Where a recovery exercise would be useful, its scope and arrangements are agreed with the people responsible for the systems. Findings should make the remaining limitations clear.
What the advice gives you
Check recovery expectations
Establish whether your recovery plans are supported by evidence and where uncertainty remains.
Make proportionate investment decisions
Compare the cost of improving recovery with the business consequences of a longer interruption.
Questions the work can answer
- What essential work must resume first, and what does it depend on?
- What evidence supports the expected recovery time?
- Who makes decisions and communicates with customers during disruption?
You receive an assessment of recovery priorities and recommendations for addressing the gaps. This gives you a basis for agreeing investment and response responsibilities.
An example situation
A recovery plan the business can assess
A fictional distribution business relies on one system for orders, stock and dispatch. Its backups report success, but nobody knows how long a serious outage would interrupt deliveries.
Potential benefit: Recovery expectations supported by evidence, clearer responsibilities and a practical basis for reducing disruption.
Related advice
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Understand how well your business is protected, address weaknesses and make security part of the way your systems are managed.
Microsoft 365 security
Review how your business email and documents are protected, and decide which changes are worth making.
Discuss what your business needs.
Tell me what you want to improve or understand. The initial conversation is free.