[BCM] [ASMPT] [E2] [C7] Testing and Exercising

Chapter 7

Testing and Exercising Phase as Part of the Business Continuity Management Planning Methodology for ASMPT

Introduction

A Business Continuity Plan (BCM Plan) is only as strong as its ability to work effectively during a real disruption. For ASMPT, a global leader in semiconductor and electronics assembly and packaging solutions, the stakes are high—any interruption in precision manufacturing, R&D, or supply chain operations could lead to delays that ripple across its global customer base.

To ensure resilience, ASMPT must not only design and document BCM Plans but also test and exercise them regularly.

The Testing and Exercising Phase of the BCM Planning Methodology, as outlined in ISO 22301, provides ASMPT with the opportunity to validate its plans, identify gaps, and strengthen response capabilities.

By adopting a structured approach—progressing from initial (basic) tests to more advanced exercises—ASMPT can build organisational confidence, ensure staff readiness, and confirm that continuity measures are practical and effective.

(a) Initial Tests

Initial tests serve as the foundation for validating individual components of ASMPT’s BCM framework. They are less complex but essential in building awareness and ensuring the readiness of basic recovery elements.

1. Component Tests

These tests focus on verifying the functionality of specific recovery resources or systems.

• ASMPT Example: Testing the backup power generators at the ASMPT Singapore manufacturing site to ensure that critical die-bonding equipment can continue operating during a power outage.

2. Call Notification Tests

These tests check the effectiveness of emergency contact procedures and notification systems.

• ASMPT Example: Conducting a call-tree notification test with ASMPT’s Hong Kong headquarters to verify that all members of the Crisis Management Team can be contacted within the expected timeframe.

3. Walkthrough Exercises

Walkthroughs involve plan owners and team members reviewing procedures step-by-step to confirm roles and responsibilities.

• ASMPT Example: A walkthrough exercise at ASMPT’s Malaysia facility, where the BU BCM Coordinators guide staff through recovery procedures for restoring production lines after a minor flood.

These basic tests create a baseline of preparedness and ensure that staff are familiar with their roles in continuity response.

(b) Advanced Tests

Once initial tests are well established, ASMPT can progress to more advanced exercises. These involve multiple teams, realistic scenarios, and end-to-end validation of recovery strategies.

1. Integrated Tests

Integrated tests examine how various components of the BCM Plan work together across departments or sites.

• ASMPT Example: Coordinating a cross-departmental test where IT recovery teams restore the ERP system while operations teams test production line continuity, ensuring both digital and physical recovery measures align.

2. Simulation Tests

Simulation tests create realistic but controlled scenarios to evaluate response capabilities under pressure.

• ASMPT Example: Running a cyberattack simulation at ASMPT’s R&D centre in Singapore to test how IT, communications, and leadership teams collaborate to contain the incident and restore critical systems.

3. Live Tests

Live tests replicate real conditions as closely as possible and are the most rigorous form of testing.

• ASMPT Example: Temporarily relocating ASMPT’s logistics operations from its main hub in Hong Kong to an alternate site to validate supply chain resilience and confirm that essential deliveries to global semiconductor customers remain uninterrupted.

These advanced tests not only validate the effectiveness of ASMPT’s continuity strategies but also build a resilience culture across the organisation by involving staff at all levels in realistic response scenarios.

Summing Up …

The Testing and Exercising Phase transforms ASMPT’s BCM Plans from static documents into dynamic, proven strategies. Beginning with initial tests—such as component verification, call notifications, and walkthroughs—ASMPT builds a strong foundation of awareness and preparedness. Progressing to advanced exercises, including integrated, simulation, and live tests, enables the organisation to validate end-to-end recovery capabilities and strengthen cross-functional coordination.

For ASMPT, these exercises provide three key benefits:

1. Operational Assurance: Confirming that critical manufacturing, IT, and supply chain processes can withstand disruption.
2. Employee Readiness: Ensuring staff at all levels are confident and competent in executing their BCM roles.
3. Customer Confidence: Demonstrating to global partners that ASMPT is a resilient and reliable supplier.

Ultimately, the Testing and Exercising Phase ensures that ASMPT is not only compliant with ISO 22301 but also equipped to respond effectively to disruptions, safeguard its reputation, and maintain its position as a trusted leader in the semiconductor and electronics industry.

Resilient Operations at ASMPT: A Guide to ISO 22301 BCM Implementation
eBook 2: Implementing Business Continuity Management
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