As with any plan, it is important to test the plan to see how well it works and to regularly review to see if it needs updating. Trying out your emergency communications plan and making sure your backup supplier lists are current are two of the many things you can do to keep your plan relevant. The point isn't to put together a binder that sits on a shelf and gathers dust, but rather to focus on gathering important information and developing useful strategies that will actually work for your business in the event of a crisis in the future.
Exercising the plan is designed to:
- Promote business continuity preparedness;
- Evaluate business continuity strategies, operations, policies, plans, procedures or facilities;
- Train personnel in business continuity duties;
- Demonstrate operational capability;
- Reveal planning weaknesses;
- Reveal resource gaps;
- Improve coordination;
- Clarify roles and responsibilities;
- Improve individual performance;
- Develop enthusiasm, knowledge, skill and willingness to participate in business continuity.