Business Continuity Testing: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) tests are essential, but too often poorly executed. Here are the most common mistakes and how to correct them.
Mistake #1: Testing Only IT
The Problem: Focusing exclusively on IT system restoration while neglecting business, human, and logistical aspects.
The Solution:
- Include all impacted departments
- Test end-to-end business processes
- Validate communication procedures
- Verify logistical aspects (fallback sites, supplies, etc.)
Mistake #2: Tests Too Predictable
The Problem: Announcing the exact date and time of the test, allowing teams to artificially prepare.
The Solution:
- Surprise tests (at least once a year)
- Varied and realistic scenarios
- Injecting unexpected events during the test
- Evaluating actual reactivity
Mistake #3: Not Documenting Failures
The Problem: Considering tests successful if "it eventually worked" without documenting problems encountered.
The Solution:
- Detailed log of all difficulties
- Precise measurement of actual vs. target times
- Photos/screenshots of problems
- In-depth post-test debriefing
Mistake #4: Forgetting Third Parties
The Problem: Testing only internal capabilities without validating the availability of critical suppliers.
The Solution:
- Identify all critical third parties
- Obtain their RTO/RPO commitments
- Actually test their availability
- Verify contracts and SLAs
Mistake #5: Tests Too Infrequent
The Problem: Testing only once a year (or less), allowing procedures to become obsolete.
The Solution: Recommended Frequency:
- Full tests: Annual
- Partial tests: Quarterly
- Tabletop exercises: Monthly
- Technical tests: Monthly
Mistake #6: Neglecting Human Aspects
The Problem: Focusing on technology while forgetting that humans execute the procedures.
The Solution:
- Regularly train teams
- Test with unfamiliar personnel
- Validate procedure ergonomics
- Evaluate stress and fatigue
Mistake #7: No Improvement Plan
The Problem: Testing without ever correcting identified problems.
The Solution:
- Post-test Report: Within 48 hours
- Action Plan: Prioritization of corrections
- Owners: Clear assignment
- Deadlines: Correction due dates
- Follow-up: Verification of improvements
- Retest: Validation of corrections
Effective Testing Methodology
Phase 1: Preparation (2-4 weeks before)
- Define test objectives
- Select scenario
- Inform key stakeholders
- Prepare observation tools
Phase 2: Execution (Day of)
- Trigger scenario
- Observe without intervening
- Document in real-time
- Measure timings
Phase 3: Debrief (24-48h after)
- Hot debrief meeting
- Collect feedback
- Analyze KPIs
- Identify gaps
Phase 4: Improvement (1-2 weeks after)
- Draft report
- Corrective action plan
- Update procedures
- Communicate results
KPIs to Measure
Technical
- Actual vs. target RTO
- Actual vs. target RPO
- Successful restoration rate
- Incident detection time
Organizational
- Team mobilization time
- Communication quality
- Procedure compliance
- Perceived stress level
Conclusion
A BCP/DRP test is only successful if it reveals weaknesses to correct. The goal is not to "pass" the test, but to continuously improve your resilience.
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