Every business can experience a serious incident that can prevent it from continuing normal business operations, and this can happen at any time. This can range from a flood or explosion to a serious computer malfunction or information security breach. A comprehensive business continuity plan addresses the requirements for a Firm’s administrative and practice areas to recover from the impacts of a disaster.
Development of a business continuity plan requires the proper level of management commitment, resources, and business process methodology to succeed. Based on many engagements with firms around the country, Kraft Kennedy has developed a proven methodology to streamline the planning process. The phases of the process include:
Discovery
-
Collection of existing documentation and disaster planning materials
-
Business Impact Analysis – Interviews to determine the business impact of a disaster as well as how technology is used to support the various business processes within a firm.
-
Technology Audit – understand and document the current technology infrastructure and capacity to implement a business continuity plan
Business Continuity Plan Development
-
Analysis – In close collaboration with client teams, develop a business continuity plan template that incorporates industry and technical best practices and can be customized on a per office basis.
-
Functional Reviews – meet with practice group and administrative functional management to review disaster preparedness guidelines, recovery plan, and business continuity plan maintenance.
-
Technology Solution Design – comprehensive technology, communications, and resource plan to support business continuity plan.
Management Review
Underscoring the importance of business continuity planning, Kraft Kennedy and LexisNexis are collaborating to provide systems hosting services addressing the business continuity needs of law firms. Using its extensive technology experience and facilities, LexisNexis now will offer co-location services and related managed communications services. Kraft Kennedy will provide strategic consulting services, technical design, implementation services, and project management.