Basic introduction

Business Continuity Management System is to ensure the continuity of key business functions in case of emergency. In recent years, major catastrophic events, including natural disasters and man-made events, have seriously challenged the recovery and business continuity capabilities of various systems of the state and enterprises. Before the disaster, the enterprise shall identify and analyze the potential disasters, determine the possible threats that may affect the operation of the enterprise, and make a prior plan; after the disaster, the enterprise shall  respond quickly and actively, recover the business as soon as possible and reduce the losses caused by the disaster. All these require the enterprise to have systematic planning and implementation in business continuity management.

In addition to the typical market risks that every enterprise will face, unexpected accidents caused by theft, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, terrorist attacks and other special events may occur. Many enterprises lack of effective backup system, and have poor recovery ability from facing the threat of business operation. Due to inadequate planning and uneven allocation of resources, such companies will bear higher costs when these incidents occur. Emergencies may lead to the decrease of quality and efficiency, which in turn will lead to the loss of confidence of stakeholders.

ISO 22301 business continuity  is a set of developed international frameworks and benchmarks, which is used to guide enterprises to identify potential threats to the company's key business functions and establish effective backup systems and processes to protect the interests of stakeholders. It specifies specific requirements for planning, implementing, monitoring, reviewing and improving the business continuity management system of the enterprise, so as to minimize the impact of emergencies.

Standard features

ISO 22301 provides formal business continuity guidelines to maintain business operations during and after emergencies. Its aim is to minimize the impact on products and services, to ensure that products can still be delivered or operations can be resumed in a timely manner. The standard is applicable to enterprises of all sizes in any industry, especially global enterprises operating in high-risk or complex environment. It is most important for such companies to resume operation immediately.

The benefits of business continuity include:

Save time and money - a system of business continuity that maintains quality and efficiency in the event of an accident.

Risk minimization - avoid losing shareholder confidence by implementing best practices.

Gain competitive advantage through discovery and implementation of system and process optimization.

Benefit from independent review - an independent and impartial assessment of the organization's and suppliers'capabilities.

Significance of implementation

1. Maintain the reputation, brand and customer’s trust of the enterprises:

The implementation of business continuity management system can test the ability of  enterprises to formulate emergency plans and respond to disasters, and fulfill the commitments to society, regulatory agencies, shareholders and customers more reliably.

2. Perform business continuity management responsibilities:

The implementation of the business continuity management system can prove that the enterprise has made effective efforts in the business continuity operation at all levels, indicating that the management has fulfilled the relevant responsibilities.

3. Enhance employees'awareness, sense of responsibility and related skills:

Business continuity management system can strengthen employees' awareness of business continuity management, understand their respective roles in the event of business interruption, and reduce unnecessary losses caused by human factors.

4. Realize business risk management:

The implementation of business continuity management system helps to identify potential threats to enterprises and the impact of these threats on business operation once they occur. It provides a framework for enterprises to establish effective self-recovery ability to deal with threats and ensure the orderly and stable operation of business.

5. Maintain business sustainable development and competitive advantage:

The establishment of business continuity management system means that the support resources which the organization business relies on have been properly protected, and an effective business continuity planning framework has been established to enhance the core competitiveness of the organization.

6. Reduce losses and minimize costs:

The implementation of business continuity management system can reduce the loss caused by business interruption. When the business operation is invaded, it can ensure that the business continues to develop and minize the loss.