Facility managers play a critical role in ensuring business continuity, managing assets that are second in importance only to IT. Yet, many Facilities Management (FM) departments are often excluded from the planning process. This exclusion can lead to gaps in recovery strategies, especially since the total loss of a facility is rare, and many disruptions can be managed with proper planning.
The Importance of Facility Management in Business Continuity Planning
Facility managers are essential in both response and recovery activities. Their involvement ensures that physical disruptions, such as building damage, do not halt business operations. Here’s what facility managers should focus on when planning for business continuity:
1. Prioritized Internal Relocation
Facility managers can help develop a recovery strategy for partial losses, such as damage to a specific floor or section of a building. By understanding the business impact analysis (BIA) and floor plans, they can relocate critical business processes within the facility to minimize disruption.
2. Repairing Building Damage
In the event of facility damage, quick and effective repair is crucial. Facility managers should have a list of trusted contacts, including plumbers, electricians, and restoration companies, to address issues swiftly. Their knowledge of daily operations makes them invaluable during disruptions.
3. Temporary Facilities
When a facility becomes temporarily uninhabitable, facility managers should have plans for alternate workspaces. This could involve workspace sharing, hoteling vendors, or coordinating with neighboring buildings. Quick access to these options within the Business Continuity Plan ensures minimal downtime.
4. Risk Mitigation
Facility managers can significantly reduce the impact of disruptions by implementing risk mitigation strategies. For example, installing backup generators can keep critical operations running during power outages. Planning evacuation points and safe shelter areas are also vital components of risk mitigation.
5. Decision Support for Incident Managers
Facility managers, often seen as purely administrative, are crucial in Incident Management. Their knowledge of building capacity, electrical loads, and HVAC systems can help shape long- and short-term recovery strategies. They also maintain valuable contacts with suppliers and vendors needed during recovery.
Conclusion
Incorporating facility management into Business Continuity Planning is essential for a robust recovery strategy. Facility managers bring a unique set of skills and knowledge that can prevent disruptions from escalating into full-blown crises. Collaboration between Business Continuity Managers and FM teams ensures that all potential risks are accounted for and mitigated.
Facility managers, make sure your role in business continuity planning is recognized and utilized. Your expertise can make all the difference in keeping a business running smoothly, even in the face of unexpected disruptions.