Bedrijfscontinuïteitsbeheer

Bedrijfscontinuïteit, often referred to as Business Continuity, is the proactive and reactive capability of an organization to ensure essential functions can continue during and after a disaster or disruptive event. It involves developing strategies and implementing plans to maintain operations at an acceptable level. This contrasts with disaster recovery, which typically focuses solely on restoring IT systems after an outage. Business continuity encompasses a broader scope, including people, processes, technology, and facilities.

The process of establishing a business continuity plan (BCP) usually begins with a business impact analysis (BIA) to identify critical business functions and the potential consequences of their disruption. Based on the BIA, a risk assessment identifies potential threats and vulnerabilities. Subsequently, strategies are developed to mitigate these risks and ensure continuity, such as establishing backup sites, redundant systems, or cross-training employees. The BCP is then documented, communicated to relevant personnel, and regularly tested and updated to remain effective. The goal is to minimize downtime, financial losses, reputational damage, and ensure the survival and resilience of the organization.