Back-up Jenga: Balancing Plans, Backups, and Surprises
Shaonie Maitrra
Empowering Healthcare Firms in Digital Transformation I Results-Driven B2B and Consumer Internet Marketeer I Developing Dynamic and Motivated Teams I Building UNTAM3D
You are going live on the 15th, everything is going as per plan, and then suddenly, before a month of the launch, your manufacturer says the delivery schedule will be hit. But you are smart; you had a buffer. Then the payment gateway crashes, but, you also envisioned that. However, all these "feel-good" notions suddenly come crashing down when there is a miscommunication with the logistics partner, and your products are shipped to the wrong locations, resulting in a massive delay in getting products to your customers.
Alright, yes, I agree it is quite unrealistic—things like that never actually happen in real life, or does it? ?? The point being that we have to have a backup for a backup:
1) Technology
a.????Data Security & Recovery: Needless to say, and maybe you're doing it already, but let's just state it as is. Multiple data backups must be there for all—cloud storage, external hard drives, and offsite servers.
b.????Systems & software: If one CRM system fails, there has to be another secondary CRM system to save your day
2) People
If you have an internal team or outsourcing everything from development to operations, or working only with vendors, you'll still need the same backup
a.????Internal /Outsourced – Try to have more than one or two people having the know-how; easier said than done, so implement cross training. And for external teams, request additional resources who can replicate the same understanding
b.????Vendors – It doesn't matter how good a relationship you share with your current vendor, have a backup vendor as well, whether it's your logistics partner or your digital agency.
3) Strategic Scenario: Talk to others who are in the same boat or have walked this path already and pre-empt scenarios A, B, C, etc., just to be at least ready for the known devil. Accordingly, have a clear understanding of the linked financial implications.
By preparing for multiple contingencies, your operation is built to be resilient.Remember, it is better to have back-ups and not need them than need them and not have them.
#Back-up #Backupofbackup #Balance #Strategy #Technology #Personnel #Vendors
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