[BCM] [BT] [E4] [BCS] [P2] Recovery Strategies for CBF-1 to CBF-8

Business Continuity Strategies for Bandtree

CBF-1 to CBF-8

In the face of disruptive incidents, the ability to recover critical business functions swiftly and effectively is essential for organisational resilience.

Recovery strategies form a core component of the Business Continuity Strategy (BCS), ensuring that organisations can maintain or resume operations at an acceptable level within predefined Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs).

These strategies are not one-size-fits-all solutions; they must be tailored to the specific nature, scale, and criticality of each business function.

Purpose of Chapter

This chapter examines the development and selection of suitable recovery strategies for each Critical Business Function (CBF) and its associated sub-processes (Sub-CBF).

Drawing on established best practices and aligned with BCM standards, such as ISO 22301, and guidance from BCM Institute guidance notes, this outlines how organisations can determine, document, and justify recovery approaches that are both practical and cost-effective.

Emphasis is placed on ensuring strategies are not only technically viable but also logistically executable during a crisis or disaster scenario.

This is a comprehensive table for CBF-1  to CBF-8 for Bandtree, incorporating RTO, recovery strategies, locations, details, and justifications based on BCM Institute’s guidance note.

Sub-CBF	Sub-CBF Code	RTO	Recovery Strategy	Recovery Location	Details of Recovery Strategy	Justification for Selected Recovery Strategy
CBF-1
Property & Facility Maintenance Management	1.1	48h	Apply Manual Process	On‑site (HQ) or Alternate Office	Manual inspections and maintenance logs, utilising hand-held tools and portable checklists.	Manual fallback ensures continuity when digital systems fail, minimising asset deterioration.
Asset Lifecycle & Condition Monitoring	1.2	72h	Resume + Manual Degraded	Alternate Office	Access and print recent asset data, and perform both visual and manual checks.	Maintains oversight of critical assets; backup data reduces risk from missing digital records.
Space Planning & Allocation	1.3	7 days	Resume Work Process	Alternate Office	Use offline floor plans and manual booking forms to manage space until systems are restored.	Slower than other CBFs but sufficient; offline approach sustains operations.
Vendor & Contractor Management	1.4	48h	Transfer/Outsource Function	Supplier/ Vendor Site	Hand over vendor coordination to a trusted third-party if internal systems are unavailable.	Third-party expertise ensures timely procurement and compliance.
HSSE Compliance	1.5	24h	Resume Work Process	On‑site	Manual HSSE audits using printed checklists and roving staff; log actions manually.	HSSE is safety-critical; manual compliance ensures adherence to legal and regulatory obligations.
Energy & Utilities Management	1.6	12h	Provide Degraded Services	On‑site	Operate only essential systems (such as critical lighting and HVAC), and disable all non-essential loads.	Preserves energy and safety until full controls are restored, which is critical for occupant well-being.
Emergency & Incident Response	1.7	Immediate	Resume + Manual Process	On‑site	Emergency teams mobilize; use radios or paper procedures if digital systems are down.	Life-safety priority; manual response overrides technology failure.
Capital Projects & Renovation Oversight	1.8	14 days	Suspend Function	N/A	Non-essential projects are paused; minimal oversight will be provided until the systems are available.	Projects are non-critical; focus resources on immediate essential functions.
Tenant & Stakeholder Relationship Management	1.9	48h	Resume Work Process	Alternate Office/Home	Use a phone or email from an alternative location; access local contact records if the systems are offline.	Maintains stakeholder communications, critical for service retention and compliance.
Regulatory & Compliance Reporting	1.10	72h	Apply Manual Process	Alternate Office	Generate reports manually or offline; file and regulatory documents are stored in print or on a USB drive.	Ensures regulatory compliance even during system outages, thereby avoiding fines and penalties.
CBF-2
Facility Maintenance and Engineering Services	2.1	8 hrs	Risk Reduction / Alternate site contracts	Off-site vendor facilities	Agreements with third-party maintenance vendors; pre-stocked parts at nearby depots	Ensures rapid restoration of systems; outsourcing reduces internal burden and provides specialised support, making it cost-effective.
Building Security and Surveillance	2.2	4 hrs	Risk Reduction / Redundant monitoring systems	On-site & cloud backup	Dual monitoring systems (local CCTV + cloud); contract with mobile patrol service	Immediate detection and response; cloud backup ensures continuity if on-site systems fail
Utilities Management	2.3	6 hrs	Risk Reduction / Backup utilities	Alternate utility provider site	Backup generators, UPS systems, dual-supplier electricity/gas provisions	Maintains critical power/water services; dual suppliers reduce single points of failure
Emergency Response and Incident Management	2.4	2 hrs	Crisis Response / Defined emergency procedures	On-site emergency command centre	Triggered response protocols, trained team, mobile response kits	Fast reaction is crucial for life/safety; predefined teams and protocols reduce confusion during incidents
Vendor and Contractor Coordination	2.5	12 hrs	Risk Transference / Pre-negotiated SLAs	Vendor offices or virtual	SLAs covering rapid mobilisation; vendor representatives empowered to act	Transfers coordination risk; ensures fast support activation through contractual arrangements
Asset Condition Monitoring & Lifecycle Management	2.6	24 hrs	Risk Reduction / Remote monitoring platforms	Cloud-hosted analytics	IoT-enabled sensors feeding cloud dashboards, routine health checks, and alerts	Early detection of asset degradation prevents unexpected downtime; cloud ensures resilience
Renovation and Upgrading Projects	2.7	48 hrs	Risk Avoidance / Phased roll-out plans	Alternative site / on-site staging	Staged implementation, minimising impact; test-bed environment; hot-swap equipment approach	Limits business interruption during upgrades; staged rollout allows fallback to a stable baseline
Space Management and Occupancy Planning	2.8	72 hrs	Risk Reduction / Flexible workspace contracts	Co-working facilities	Agreements with nearby co-working or rental spaces to house staff during disruption	Sustains critical functions through flexible location; rental contracts are cost-effective
Compliance and Regulatory Management	2.9	48 hrs	Risk Reduction / Virtual document access	Cloud-based compliance system	Digital repositories accessible remotely, designated compliance fallback officers	Avoids legal/regulatory penalties by preserving oversight even during disruption
Sustainability and Environmental Management	2.10	72 hrs	Risk Reduction / Off-site environmental controls	Third-party certified sites	Use of certified waste management and sustainability service providers; remote environmental monitoring	Upholds environmental standards; outsourcing ensures compliance even if in-house systems are disrupted
CBF-3
Client Relationship Management	3.1	24 hours	Work-from-Home	HQ/Alternate Worksite	Utilize digital collaboration tools and remote access to the CRM system to provide seamless client support.	Ensures continuity of client support and communication via digital channels.
Stakeholder Engagement & Government Liaison	3.2	24 hours	Alternate Worksite	Alternate Office	Relocate the liaison team to a secondary office to continue engagement with government bodies.	Maintains regulatory alignment and ensures that key stakeholders are informed during a crisis.
Service Provider & Contractor Management	3.3	48 hours	Delegation + Remote Oversight	Remote Work	Delegate contractor management tasks to a designated team member who can work remotely and manage essential contracts.	Ensures that essential services are not interrupted and that a limited team can manage them.
Public and Community Engagement	3.4	72 hours	Social Media & PR Channel Diversion	Remote Work	Use an emergency communication plan to divert public inquiries to social media and other digital channels.	This strategy ensures that the public is kept informed and that the company’s reputation is maintained.
Internal Stakeholder Communication (Staff & Board)	3.5	4 hours	Emergency Messaging System & Collaboration Platforms	Remote Work	Activate an emergency messaging system (e.g., text, email alerts) and use a shared platform to coordinate with staff and the board.	Rapid internal communication is essential to ensure that all staff are safe and informed during a crisis.
Client and Stakeholder Records Management	3.6	48 hours	Cloud Backup & Alternate IT Infrastructure	Cloud Storage	Ensure that all records are backed up to a secure cloud-based system that can be accessed from any location.	Protects data integrity and ensures that essential client and stakeholder data is not lost during a disruption.
CBF-4
Customer Billing & Invoicing	4.1	24 hrs	Work Area Recovery (WAR) + Data Backup	Alternate Office Site (WAR)	Staff to relocate to the designated WAR site. Daily billing data is backed up off-site to ensure minimal data loss. Billing system accessible via cloud VPN.	Billing continuity is essential for revenue assurance. WAR ensures minimal disruption; data backup guarantees invoice accuracy.
Payment Collection & Reconciliation	4.2	24 hrs	Remote Work + System Redundancy	Remote / WAR	Finance staff perform collection tasks remotely using secured access. Daily reconciliation data is mirrored to a redundant off-site server.	Timely cash flow tracking is vital. Remote access maintains operational continuity; system redundancy minimises the risk of data loss.
Accounts Payable (AP) Processing	4.3	48 hrs	Manual Workaround + Backup System	WAR / Finance Archive Room	Critical vendor payments are prioritised manually using offline records. Backup systems restored at the WAR site.	Ensures vendor trust and maintains operational support. Manual workarounds enable short-term continuity while the system is being restored.
Financial Reporting & Budgeting	4.4	72 hrs	Delayed Processing with Manual Prep	HQ / Remote	Monthly reports are delayed by up to 3 days. Manual collection of budget data from departments while system access is restored.	Financial reports are important, but not immediately critical. A short delay is acceptable; manual preparations enable gradual recovery.
Vendor Onboarding & Contract Mgmt	4.5	72 hrs	Manual Processing + Hardcopy Contracts	HQ / WAR	Use of physical files and hardcopy contract templates for onboarding. Essential data entry resumed when systems were restored.	The process is not immediately time-sensitive; manual processing ensures that new vendor requests are not blocked.
Regulatory & Compliance Management	4.6	24 hrs	Pre-approved Contingency Workflow	HQ / WAR / Remote	Predefined templates and workflows are used for urgent reporting to regulators. Compliance documents are stored redundantly and accessed via a secure virtual private network (VPN).	Regulatory deadlines are strict. Using pre-approved formats and redundant storage ensures continued compliance even during a disruption.
Insurance & Risk Financing Admin	4.7	48 hrs	Alternate Contact Channels + Backup Files	HQ / Remote	Contact with insurers maintained via alternate channels (email, phone). Risk financing documents are stored off-site and in encrypted cloud storage.	Risk mitigation continuity is key. Alternate contact ensures claims processing continues; off-site backups maintain access to insurance data.
CBF-5
Regulatory & Legal Compliance	5.1	24 hrs	Relocate teams to an alternate office	Alternate Office	Secure cloud-based access for documentation	Avoid penalties and reputational damage
Internal Audit & Risk Oversight	5.2	48 hrs	Resume reviews with backup files	Alternate Office	Use pre-approved checklists for risk assessments	Maintain effective internal controls
Corporate Governance Monitoring	5.3	48 hrs	Use a cloud-based Document Management System (DMS)	Cloud-based	Access board minutes and trackers	Ensure executive decisions are documented
ESG Reporting	5.4	72 hrs	Coordinate with sustainability partners and use offline templates	Alternate Office	Offline templates	Can tolerate short delays
Business Continuity Governance	5.5	Immediate	BCP Coordinator activates command structures from any operational location	Any operational location	Activate command structures	Vital for managing the overall crisis response
Strategic & Statutory Reporting	5.6	24 hrs	Engage external consultants and use a phased reporting schedule	Alternate Office	Use a phased reporting schedule	Continue national-level reporting obligations
CBF-6
ICT Infrastructure Management	6.1	4 hours	Redundant Infrastructure	Secondary Data Centre	Use an existing co-located data centre with failover servers, network, and power supply.	Ensure minimal downtime and support critical systems for internal operations and client portals.
Property Systems Application Support	6.2	8 hours	Application Virtualization via Cloud-Based Hosting	Cloud-Based Hosting	Use cloud-hosted applications that can be accessed from any location.	Ensure business continuity with minimal local dependency and enhance scalability and flexibility.
Records Retention & Archiving	6.3	48 hours	Cloud Backup + Offsite Archiving	Hybrid Cloud & Offsite Storage	A combination of digital records in a secure cloud and hard copies archived at an off-site vendor location.	Meet legal and compliance requirements while balancing cost and recovery speed.
Data Backup & Recovery	6.4	4 hours	Daily Incremental + Weekly Full Backup	Secondary Data Centre	Automated backup routines, real-time monitoring, and encrypted data replication to off-site storage.	Ensure data integrity and the rapid recovery of essential records and systems.
Cybersecurity & Access Control	6.5	4 hours	Layered Cybersecurity Architecture	Onsite & Cloud	Implement firewalls, intrusion detection systems, endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and role-based access control (RBAC).	Protect systems from unauthorized access and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data.
System Development & Enhancement	6.6	72 hours	Code Repository & DevOps Tools	Cloud Dev Environment	Use version-controlled repositories (e.g., Git) and integrated CI/CD tools.	Maintain continuity of development efforts and enable the quick redeployment of enhancements or patches.
ICT Vendor Management	6.7	24 hours	Pre-contracted SLA-Based Recovery	Vendor Sites & Remote locations	Engage with vendors who have committed recovery Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and clear incident response protocols.	Ensure timely support and system recovery from third-party service providers.
User Training & Support	6.8	48 hours	Online Knowledge Base + Virtual Helpdesk	Cloud Service Desk	Staff can access FAQs, guides, and contact IT remotely for troubleshooting.	Support workforce productivity and reduce system misuse during critical periods.
Compliance & IT Governance	6.9	24 hours	Policy Repository & Audit Trail Backup	Cloud Storage	Maintain up-to-date IT policies, compliance records, and audit logs in secure, cloud-based systems.	Facilitate the rapid restoration of compliance posture and enable seamless regulatory reporting following incidents.
Physical Records Handling	6.10	72 hours	Alternate Document Access & Transport	Offsite Archive Vendor	Use off-site document storage with a rapid retrieval and digitization service in case the physical office is inaccessible.	Reduce reliance on physical access, support continued reference to critical documents, and maintain legal compliance.
CBF-7
Staff Recruitment & Onboarding	7.1	5 Days	Manual + Alternate Site	DR Site or Shared HR Facility	Utilize manual forms, remote interviews, and alternative portal access for urgent hiring needs.	Recruitment can be delayed in the short term, but onboarding for critical roles must continue.
Employee Records Management	7.2	3 Days	Cloud Backup + Remote Access	Cloud Storage / HRMS Access	Restore records from cloud backups and enable secure remote access	Digitized records are accessible and regularly backed up to ensure continuity
Payroll Processing & Disbursement	7.3	1 Day	System Redundancy + Alternate Payroll Provider	Payroll SaaS or Finance DR Location	Shift to a cloud-based payroll system or engage a third-party payroll vendor temporarily	Payroll is time-sensitive and critical to staff welfare; rapid continuity is essential
Employee Benefits & Welfare Administration	7.4	3 Days	Manual + System Access	HRMS Backup Portal / Alternate Site	Manually validate claims and liaise with benefit providers	Benefits can be delayed briefly, but prolonged disruption can cause employee dissatisfaction
Performance Management & Appraisals	7.5	5 Days	Deferred Processing	HQ or Remote Portal	Defer appraisals with notification to staff; resume once systems are restored	Non-urgent function; can be temporarily postponed without major operational impact
Training & Development	7.6	7 Days	Defer or Outsource	External Training Vendor / LMS	Reschedule training or shift to online/outsourced modules	Function can be temporarily paused; alternative delivery methods are available
HR Policy Development & Compliance	7.7	5 Days	Work-from-Home + Cloud Docs	Remote / Shared Drives	Continue via remote collaboration platforms and shared document repositories	Policy development is knowledge-based and can proceed remotely
Industrial Relations & Employee Grievances	7.8	2 Days	Hotline Access + Mobile HR	Remote / DR Site	Set up alternate communication channels (hotlines) and enable mobile response from HR executives	Grievance management is time-sensitive and requires rapid responsiveness to maintain employee trust
CBF-8
Vendor Selection & Prequalification	8.1	48 hours	Work-from-Alternate Site	Backup Office – Level 3 HQ	Remote access to the vendor database is enabled, and the procurement team works from an alternate HQ floor using backup laptops and VPN.	This is a document-driven process that can be resumed with basic connectivity.
Contract Management	8.2	72 hours	System Redundancy & Remote Access	DR Data Centre & Cloud Storage	The contract management system is replicated in the cloud, allowing Legal & Procurement units to retrieve contracts from SharePoint.	Contracts need to be accessible for reference and compliance, and the recovery time allows for some manual processing.
Purchase Requisition & Approval	8.3	24 hours	ERP Access via Cloud Backup	Remote Work / Mobile Devices	A procurement system integrated with an ERP enables mobile approval workflows through a cloud platform.	This ensures uninterrupted purchasing of critical supplies, especially for emergency services.
Supplier Relationship Management	8.4	72 hours	Manual & Digital Hybrid Approach	HQ Backup Office	Hardcopy backups of supplier contacts are maintained, and a CRM backup is used to re-establish communication.	This function is not immediately critical but is needed within three days to manage ongoing contracts.
Inventory & Logistics Coordination	8.5	8 hours	Alternate Logistics Channel Activation	Partner Warehouses & Mobile App	Pre-agreed fallback logistics partners are activated, and inventory status is accessed via a mobile system to restart limited dispatch operations.	Inventory disruptions directly impact asset delivery, so a fast recovery is essential for maintaining facility continuity.
Compliance & Procurement Governance	8.6	72 hours	Remote Access to SOPs & Audit Tools	SharePoint & Offsite Systems	SOPs and audit records are cloud-hosted, allowing the compliance team to work remotely.	This is not an immediate recovery, but it is necessary to support audit trails and vendor governance.
Risk Management in Supply Chain	8.7	48 hours	Backup Risk Registry Access	DR Cloud Portal	A cloud-based risk register and supplier risk reports are made accessible to identify priority threats.	This supports proactive decision-making during a disruption and helps prioritize vendor engagement.
Emergency Procurement	8.8	4 hours	Pre-Approved Vendor Activation Plan	HQ Emergency Room / Remote Access	An emergency vendor list is available offline and on mobile devices, and procurement bypass protocols are ready for fast-track activation.	This is critical for preventing operational shutdowns and ensuring essential operations can continue.
Procurement System & Data Management	8.9	24 hours	System Failover & Data Synchronisation	DR Server & Cloud Platform	Procurement systems are backed up daily, with auto-failover mechanisms in place to switch to a DR system.	This strategy ensures business continuity across all procurement sub-functions, maintaining data integrity and resuming operations.

Summing Up ...

Identifying and documenting the minimum resource requirements for each critical business function strengthens Bandtree’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively during a disaster.

By pre-defining the essential human, technological, and logistical inputs necessary at recovery sites, Bandtree ensures the resilience of its property and facilities management operations.

These resource allocations form the foundation for recovery planning and serve as a key reference for recovery teams during actual incidents.

Moving forward, these resource requirements will be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in business operations, technology, and risk exposure, reinforcing Bandtree’s commitment to business continuity and national infrastructure stability.

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Implementing Business Continuity Management for Bandtree: A Practical Guide
eBook 4: Consolidate and Report Your BCM Implementation
Recovery Strategies for CBF-1 to CBF-8

More Information About Business Continuity Management Courses

To learn more about the course and schedule, click the buttons below for the BCM-300 Business Continuity Management Implementer [BCM-3] and the BCM-5000 Business Continuity Management Expert Implementer [BCM-5].