5 Top Benefits of Disaster Recovery Planning

As we all attempt to navigate the personal and professional complexities of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s a sobering realisation that issues such as this can bring the world to a standstill and cause a widespread impact. For business owners, it’s a very challenging time that could have long-term repercussions for their company. Therefore, it’s a prime example of an instance where a disaster recovery plan is essential. 

1. Minimise Long-Term Damage

This is one of the primary objectives and benefits of disaster recovery planning because if you fail to avoid or reduce long-term damage to your business, you’ll have no business to recover. Fortunately, a comprehensive and well thought out disaster recovery plan will prepare you and also open your eyes to many of the vulnerabilities your company may have.

By taking current and potential risks into account, you can then put precautionary measures in place — whether it’s setting additional funds aside, backing up data or anything else. These measures ensure that following a difficult period, you have the resources for recovery and a plan to achieve your goals. There are many ways a disaster can harm your business, but having a plan in place gives you a sense of direction and preemptive thinking to protect your company in the long run. 

2. Greater Awareness of Your IT Needs

The most apparent benefits of disaster recovery planning are the ways it protects your business in the short and long-term. However, recovery planning is also a brilliant opportunity to enhance your knowledge of vital aspects, such as IT security and other crucial services. In the digital age, every business relies heavily on a range of technologies to carry out everyday tasks and pursue long-term goals. So it’s safe to say that modern business owners need to have reliable and efficient systems in place.

Therefore, a crucial aspect of any disaster recovery plan is to seek IT solutions that will give you a digital lifeline in the fallout of any disastrous event. In the process, you’ll soon develop a clearer understanding of your business's IT needs and what could be improved to increase productivity, efficiency and security.

3. Cost-Efficiency

Saving money is always going to be a primary concern for business owners, and it’s also one of the critical benefits of disaster recovery planning. In the wake of an event that has a significant impact on your company, it’s not uncommon for businesses who lack the funds or preparation to shut up shop for good. A disaster recovery plan will consider areas where scalability and other financial saving is possible. Then you can implement the right steps to ensure you can cut costs without sacrificing productivity.

Cost-efficiency is most definitely something that businesses will be scrambling to achieve amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, as it is currently impossible for many enterprises to continue operations and make money. Although the current situation is an extreme no one could have foreseen, it’s a rude awakening for every industry. It shows it’s crucial to prepare for situations where you may be required to cut costs to support your employees and ensure you have a business to return to when it all blows over. 

4. Customer Retention

Right now, businesses all over the world will be doing their utmost to convince their customers this is simply a bump in the road, and it’s not the time to panic. While the sentiment is great, it’s vital to be able to back such statements up with proof and a plan for maintaining success. Every industry is different, so you will need to tailor your disaster recovery plan to suit the needs and fears of your clientele.

Take your IT needs — such as IT security and cloud computing — for example. Ensuring these aspects of your company are taken care of and accounted for in your plan will ensure your company can continue to operate and that your employees can still do their jobs without restriction. This means your customers will continue to receive a high-quality service — but more importantly — will continue to have faith in the brand and reputation you have built. Despite the hard times, your business can be as productive as possible for your current and potential customers and then thrive when everything gets back to how it should be. 

5. Have a Plan B If Relocation Is Required

As the world is currently practising social distancing and isolation, today’s businesses have either been forced to close their doors for the time being or have employees working from home. This situation is likely something very few companies prepared for, and as of right now, it’s doubtful they can be as productive as they would like. While it may have previously been an unnecessary consideration, relocation planning should undoubtedly be in the minds of business owners from now on.

Although the current situation is unique because people cannot work in close proximity, if another type of disaster requires you to move to a new location, it’s crucial to have a plan in place to do so as quickly as possible. At ITRM, we offer a range of relocation services that allow you to have the tech-based aspects of your business back in the game as soon as possible. Whether you require an infrastructure review, IT support and services, telecom and cabling services — ITRM is a one-stop-shop for bespoke solutions.

Do you want to know more about why our services are essential to enjoy the benefits of disaster recovery planning? Get in touch today to discuss your requirements with one of our managed IT specialists.