What are the key risks and challenges of implementing a BCMS in a global or multi-site organization?

1 Alignment and coordination

One of the main challenges of implementing a BCMS in a global or multi-site organization is ensuring alignment and coordination among various stakeholders, such as business units, functions, regions, and external partners. A BCMS should be aligned with the organization's strategic objectives, risk appetite, and culture, and should be coordinated across all levels and locations to avoid duplication, inconsistency, or gaps. To achieve this, you need to establish clear roles and responsibilities, communication channels, and governance structures for the BCMS, and to foster a culture of collaboration and accountability among all parties involved.

3 Testing and improvement

A third challenge of implementing a BCMS in a global or multi-site organization is ensuring that the BCMS is tested and improved regularly and systematically, to verify its effectiveness, identify gaps and weaknesses, and incorporate feedback and lessons learned. A BCMS should be tested and improved through various methods, such as audits, reviews, exercises, and incidents, and should involve all relevant stakeholders, both internal and external. To do this, you need to establish a clear schedule, scope, and methodology for testing and improvement activities, and to document and communicate the results and actions taken.

4 Resources and support

A fourth challenge of implementing a BCMS in a global or multi-site organization is securing adequate resources and support for the BCMS, both human and financial. A BCMS requires sufficient and qualified staff, equipment, and funds to design, implement, maintain, and improve the BCMS, and to respond to and recover from disruptions. A BCMS also requires the support and commitment of senior management, who should provide leadership, direction, and oversight for the BCMS, and allocate the necessary resources and support. To do this, you need to demonstrate the value and benefits of the BCMS, and to justify the costs and efforts involved.

5 Awareness and training

A fifth challenge of implementing a BCMS in a global or multi-site organization is raising awareness and providing training for the BCMS, among all employees, contractors, suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders. A BCMS should be understood and accepted by all parties who may be affected by or involved in the BCMS, and who should have the appropriate knowledge and skills to perform their roles and responsibilities. To do this, you need to develop and deliver effective awareness and training programs, tailored to the needs and expectations of each audience, and to measure and evaluate their impact.

6 Monitoring and reporting

A sixth challenge of implementing a BCMS in a global or multi-site organization is monitoring and reporting on the performance and progress of the BCMS, both internally and externally. A BCMS should be monitored and reported on using relevant indicators, metrics, and benchmarks, to measure its efficiency, effectiveness, and maturity, and to identify areas for improvement. A BCMS should also be reported on to various stakeholders, such as senior management, regulators, auditors, customers, and investors, to demonstrate compliance, assurance, and transparency. To do this, you need to define and collect reliable and meaningful data, and to present and communicate it clearly and concisely.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?