Essential Records

Definition(s):

Information systems and applications, electronic and hardcopy documents, references, and records needed to support essential functions during a continuity event. The two basic categories of essential records are emergency operating records and rights and interest records. Emergency operating records are essential to the continued functioning or reconstitution of an organization. Rights and interest records are critical to carrying out an organization’s essential legal and financial functions and vital to the protection of the legal and financial rights of individuals who are directly affected by that organization’s activities. The term “vital records” refers to a specific sub-set of essential records relating to birth, death, and marriage documents.

Source: FCD-1

Erwood Group:

Resilience

Definition(s):

The ability to prepare for and adapt to changing conditions and recover rapidly from operational disruptions. Resilience includes the ability to withstand and recover from deliberate attacks, accidents, or naturally occurring threats or incidents.

Source: FCD-1

Redundancy

Definition(s):

The state of having duplicate capabilities, such as systems, equipment, or resources.

Source: FCD-1

Business Impact Analysis (BIA) [BIA]

Business Impact Analysis (BIA)

Definition(s):

A method of identifying the effects of failing to perform a function or requirement.

Source: FCD-1

A Process of analyzing activities and the effect that a business disruption might have on them.

Source: BCI

Business Impact Analysis or BIA is a phase within the BCM planning process. It is the process of analyzing the effect of interruptions to business operations or processes on all business function.

Note (1): The BIA should identify all critical business functions, qualify and/or quantify losses as a result of such interruptions, determine the tolerable downtime and minimum resources needed to recover the critical business functions.

Note (2): Typically, for the first BCP project the organization is involved in, all business units should be involved during the BIA. For subsequent BCP projects and if there are no significant organizational changes, then only business units with critical business functions will be involved.

Source: BCM Institute

Continuity Plan

Definition(s):

A documented plan that details how an individual organization will ensure itcan continue to perform its essential functions during a wide range of events that impact normal operations.

Source: FCD-1

Alternate Locations

Definition(s):

Fixed, mobile, or transportable locations, other than the headquarters facility, where D/A leadership and continuity personnel relocate in order to perform essential functions following activation of the continuity plan. These include locations to which agency leadership may devolve. These locations refer to not only locations sites but also work arrangements such as telework and mobile work.

Source: FCD-1