How do you evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of your continuity plan testing process and tools?

Metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of BC Testing Program will be 'planned vs actuals/ achievements'. Here are some examples: 1. number of tests planned vs executed 2. number of tests executed on planned dates (schedule slippage) 3. types of tests conducted - simple/complex 4. coverage in tests - people, buildings, IT/ systems, utilities, suppliers, plant and equipment etc. 5. number of observations raised/ gaps or improvements identified. 6. number of gaps closed/ opened/ with age and cause analysis 7. number of improvements made 8. satisfaction of various interested parties with BC Testing Program 9. budget utilised 10. money saved (by avoiding any misses/ mistakes/ incidents)

Here is my approach: Firstly, assess the comprehensiveness of scenarios simulated during testing, ensuring they align with potential real-world disruptions. Closely monitor the response time and decision-making process of the teams, emphasizing adaptability. Feedback loops involving participants provide qualitative insights into the clarity and ease of plan execution. Simultaneously, leverage advanced tools to analyze quantitative metrics, such as recovery time objectives and resource utilization. Regularly reviewing and updating the testing protocols based on these evaluations ensures the continuity plans remain robust, agile, and aligned with evolving business needs.

Business continuity testing hinges on two critical aspects: reducing recovery time and securing core operations in case of a disruption. The approach puts a focus on practicality instead of being driven by technical complexity, concentrating on what is vital in guaranteeing the continuity of operation. Key metrics to be evaluated include speed of recovery post-disruption, effectiveness of communication channels during crises, among others. The indicators bring clarity to business process resiliency and, in the process, show the need for simple goals and tangible outcomes. This takes continuity planning out of the clouds and makes it significantly more accessible to organizations, thus boosting organizational resilience.

As an auditor (having gone across companies, countries, and industry sectors), I have found some common gaps: a) Testing Program Document does not exist b) people have not been trained on BC testing formally c) companies continue conducting the same, similar, or simple tests d) test records are not maintained well e) a test is conducted and is marked completed - a test should be closed only after fixes made (gaps closed) and the condition tested again - successfully The expectation today is to test 'rare but plausible' scenarios.

In the context of small businesses, continuity plan testing must be tailored to their unique needs. Regular, systematic testing should be resource-efficient and involve the entire team. Focus on practical, scalable solutions that safeguard core operations and customer relationships. This approach ensures resilience without straining limited resources.

Evaluate continuity plan testing by gauging real-world applicability, simulating diverse scenarios, and measuring time-to-recovery. Utilize feedback loops, assess adaptability, and ensure seamless integration with existing systems. Efficiency lies in swift identification of weaknesses, transparent communication, and iterative improvements. Embrace a dynamic approach, considering evolving threats and technological advancements.

I would strongly recommend involving all relevant interested parties in your BC Tests - employees, senior management, customers, regulators, media, public, shareholders and investors. Not to forget the vendors and suppliers also, and cover 4th-5th-and 6th parties!

In my audit experience, I have found that lessons are mostly 'recorded' and forgotten, and do not become 'learnt'. Full cycle is - run test, find gap, fix gap, re-run test, observe improvements/ benefits-record lesson learnt, share with all/ publish. This must be followed.

Personally, I believe that in order to be successful, all organizations who want and or need a robust BCP program, requires a dedicated team just for this important and specific domain. It should include a mix of other professionals such as InfoSec or Cybersecurity consultants along with the owners of the data and those specialized team members that know the applications to thoroughly gauge the effectiveness of the program and testing results. Without dedicated experienced BCP consultants managing the process, you have a half baked program that may not meet the organizations and regulators expectations.

Designing, Developing, and Delivering an effective BC Test is an art. The good news is that it can be learnt and mastered. GIGO (garbage in-garbage out) principle works for BC Tests also - the scenario and scripts must be good. A good story writer and story teller would make a good BC Tester also.