Business continuity initiatives are reinforced through discussion, creativity, and validation. IT teams engaged in exercises to test their business continuity plans gain practical experience in identifying what functions effectively and what does not.
Types of Business Continuity Exercises
Business continuity exercises are crucial for ensuring that the procedures outlined in a business continuity (BC) plan are operational when necessary. While certain exercises can be conducted with a single team, more intricate plans usually involve multiple departments, allowing for a comprehensive examination of organizational responsibilities.
An organization could organize a scenario in which a business unit collaborates with a technology team to recover specific business processes while ensuring that essential resources are in place. The three main types of business continuity exercises include:
1. Business Continuity Plan Walk-Through
This exercise typically takes place in a conference room. Participants receive copies of the BC plan, and a facilitator presents a scenario that the group must address collectively using the plan. This exercise format is commonly referred to as a tabletop exercise.
2. Facilitated Discussion
Similar to the walk-through, this type of exercise also occurs in a conference room. A consultant, rather than an internal facilitator, leads the discussion, providing insights upon completion and contributing to the after-action report.
3. Full-Scale Exercise
A full-scale exercise extends beyond a conference room, involving real-world scenarios where teams must actively collaborate to resolve issues. For instance, they may be tasked with addressing the unplanned disconnection of a critical server, requiring them to execute recovery procedures. These exercises demand considerable time and cooperation from multiple departments, making them both effective and challenging to conduct.
Benefits of Business Continuity Exercises
Conducting business continuity exercises offers several advantages beyond simply confirming that procedures work. Participants gain hands-on experience, fostering dialogue and collaboration across teams. These exercises also facilitate the identification of vulnerabilities and encourage innovative solutions to potential issues.
Considerations for Planning Exercises
Successful execution of any business continuity exercise relies on strategic planning. It is vital to choose knowledgeable participants from relevant departments. Key considerations include:
Remote or Hybrid Workforces
Exercises should accommodate both on-site and remote participants, using conference technology to ensure collaboration. Special attention must be given to those working in different time zones or locations.
Participation and Scope
It is crucial to involve all necessary departments in the exercises. Designate someone to track time and document the proceedings, as thorough records serve as an important audit tool. Clearly define the focus of the exercise, whether it encompasses the entire BC plan or specific sections.
Scheduling
Integrate BC exercises with other business continuity and disaster recovery activities to maintain consistency across processes. Select a location that minimizes interruptions and consider conducting the exercise outside normal work hours to simulate real-life scenarios where disasters do not adhere to a schedule.
Standards and Best Practices for BC Exercises
Before initiating a business continuity exercise, it is beneficial to consult relevant guidelines. Here are some recognized standards and documents to consider:
- ISO 22398:2013 – Societal security – Guidelines for exercises.
- NIST SP 800-84:2006 – Guide to Test, Training, and Exercise Programs for IT Plans and Capabilities.
- Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s Business Continuity Management.
- Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program.
- National Incident Management System Fact Sheet for Private Sector Organizations.
- Business Continuity Institute’s Good Practice Guidelines.
Preparing an After-Action Report
Documenting the results of an exercise is essential for audit trails. Commonly referred to as a “hotwash,” the after-action report allows organizations to evaluate the effectiveness of the exercise and pinpoint areas for improvement. Utilizing a structured template can help summarize vital details such as scenarios, objectives, participant involvement, and findings, guiding future development of business continuity strategies.