March 2020
Premium
Associate
Member
MiMfg Magazine
19
Prepare and Protect with a
Business Continuity Plan
By Kevin Clary • Amerisure
Between severe storms, floods and fires, there
are numerous natural disasters that can bring your
business operations to a halt. That’s why a business
continuity plan is important. It answers the question
“how will we continue working if we lose power or access
to our business?”
What’s the answer?
While it seems like a simple question, the solution
is very involved. There are many day-to-day operations
that are easy to overlook. While they’re vital to your
business, sometimes it’s difficult to understand their
value until they’re gone. To prevent this from
occurring, conduct a business impact analysis.
How to take the first step
The first step in a business impact analysis is to
identify time-sensitive or critical business functions
and processes. The purpose of the analysis is to help
business owners prioritize the functions that are
most important to day-to-day operations. Consider
impacts such as:
• Lost sales and income
• Regulatory fines
• Contractual penalties or loss of
contractual bonuses
Business owners may want to enlist help in
completing the business impact analysis. Amerisure’s
risk management consultants are available to assist
with or manage the process.
Appoint a task force
Business owners may not fully realize the extent
of an effective business continuity plan. That’s why
it’s important to have representatives from every
function of the business involved in the creation.
In most modern businesses, information technology
can be the highest hurdle to clear. This includes
networks, desktops, laptops, wireless devices, data
and connectivity.
The purpose of the task is to explore all business
functions and processes that must be maintained in
the instance of a shutdown — whether it’s a multi-
hour power outage, a weeklong shutdown or several
months out of the office. The questions that should
be answered include:
• Where are we going to work?
• How will we communicate?
• How will we continue to operate?
• How will operation resume?
Safe storage
Once you’ve completed the previously mentioned
tasks, create a formal document containing the
information to share with staff. In the event of an
emergency, it’s helpful to work with personnel who
already know the plan.
Fine tune over time
Be sure to update the plan when processes
change or new systems are added. Practicing your
plan also helps identify any gaps, and allows
employees to provide feedback. It is recommended
that you revisit the plan at least once per year.
Amerisure’s risk management team is able to
assist with tools and resources to update your plan
on an annual basis. Get safety tools and resources
at www.amerisure.com/resources.aspx.
6
Kevin Clary is vice president of risk management for
Amerisure. He may be reached at 800-257-1900 and
[email protected].
Amerisure is an MMA Premium Associate member
and has been an MMA member company since
May 1915. Visit online: www.amerisure.com.