Business continuity planning is an essential element of any legitimate operation. But, whether an enterprise has been engaged in business continuity management for many years or has just begun designing action protocols, it is always helpful to consult with experts on factors contributing to continuity model success.

As such, a recent article published by IT Web suggests a series of tactics that contribute to the maturity and comprehensiveness of a business continuity plan. One of the most key factors put forth in the article is executive support. In order to implement effective business continuity policies, officials must take a top down approach in which the provisions and budget for the plan stem from the C-level suite.

Another key element to consider are core and extended threat assessments. This entails identifying potential points of weakness should normal business operations be disrupted by activity such as a technical glitch or severe weather incident, and developing preventative solutions that address these weaknesses in advance.

Yet another crucial point to consider is emergency response. In other words, because a company's employees are arguably its most valuable asset, business officials need to ensure that procedures are installed far in advance to protect staff members should a dangerous situation manifest.

But, even for a company with substantial resources, taking the time to consider all these preventative measures can be burdensome. As such, it would be wise for enterprise officials in any industry to design and implement the provisions of their business continuity plan with certified continuity consultants.

With detailed experience in conducting table top exercises, these professionals can test how a company might handle a mock emergency situation, analyze any weaknesses and draw a course for improvement. Furthermore, continuity consultants can facilitate a recovery infrastructure by securing hot sites at which normal operations can continue should an emergency occur.