Ensuring business continuity is a strategic action for any enterprise. During the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses must adapt their existing business continuity strategies to an ever-changing reality.
In order to counter the spread of the coronavirus infection and to ensure business continuity, companies are increasingly implementing the business continuity management system (ISO 22301 “Business continuity management system. General requirements”) and the COVID-19 countermeasures system (SIC.COVID-FREE:2020 “COVID-19 Countermeasures System. Special requirements for organizations”), In accordance with which precautions and responses are implemented on an ongoing basis. At the same time, special attention is paid to the continuity of work, as well as the safety and health of personnel and customers. Along with the implementation of prevention and response measures, regular monitoring and assessment of the possible development of the situation at the operational and strategic levels is carried out.
The above standards are complementary.
The business continuity plan in accordance with ISO 22301 focuses on damage to buildings and structures, equipment failure, inaccessibility and loss of information, threat to human life. The SIC.COVID-FREE:2020 standard primarily refers to the unavailability of personnel for an extended period of time, as well as restrictions in communication with stakeholders, as one of the business continuity risks. The implementation of both of these systems will significantly minimize risks and ensure the efficient operation of enterprises during the COVID-19 pandemic.