[BCM] [BT] [E1] [C10] Identifying Critical Business Functions

Implementing Business Continuity Management for Bandtree: A Practical Guide

Chapter 10

 Critical Business Functions at Bandtree (BCM Perspective)

Introduction

As a GLC, Bandtree, a trusted steward of national real estate assets, must ensure that its operations remain dependable, even during times of crisis.

In today’s increasingly complex risk environment, ensuring operational resilience through Business Continuity Management (BCM) is not just a strategic advantage but a national necessity.

Purpose of Chapter

This chapter identifies and examines Bandtree’s Critical Business Functions (CBFs) within the BCM framework.

These CBFs represent the essential operations that must be maintained or quickly restored in the face of disruption to protect public interest, uphold contractual obligations, and sustain confidence in Brunei’s infrastructure management.

By defining these CBFs, Bandtree lays the groundwork for a structured and responsive Business Continuity Management (BCM) program that aligns with both international standards and national expectations.

Identifying Bandtree’s Critical Business Functions

In the context of Business Continuity Management (BCM), Bandtree’s operations can be segmented into eight Critical Business Functions (CBFs), each integral to ensuring the continuity of its property and infrastructure management services.

These CBFs define the backbone of service delivery, compliance, stakeholder engagement, and internal support mechanisms. Below is an overview of each function:

CBF-1: Asset & Facilities Management

This function includes all activities related to the upkeep and functionality of government and corporate properties managed by Bandtree.

Key Activities

• Routine and emergency building maintenance
• Preventive maintenance (e.g., HVAC, elevators, fire safety systems)
• Inspection scheduling and contractor supervision

BCM Significance

• Maintaining physical assets prevents disruption of tenant operations and ensures the safety, compliance, and usability of national properties.

CBF-2: Infrastructure Operations

This function ensures the operational readiness of utilities and environmental systems that support property functionality.

Key Activities

• Oversight of electricity, water, and waste services
• Security system monitoring and surveillance
• Access control system operation

BCM Significance

• Any prolonged outage in utilities or security systems poses significant safety, operational, and reputational risks.

CBF-3: Client & Stakeholder Management

This function supports direct interaction with tenants, government clients, and other stakeholders.

Key Activities

• Tenant communications and service desk
• On-site support and logistics coordination
• Complaint resolution and event support

BCM Significance

• Enables Bandtree to maintain trust, transparency, and responsiveness during both normal operations and disruptions.

CBF-4: Billing, Finance & Vendor Management

This financial backbone ensures the continuity of income streams and supplier partnerships.

Key Activities

• Issuing invoices and collecting rent
• Processing vendor payments and service claims
• Financial reporting and budget tracking

BCM Significance

• Critical for liquidity, contractual fulfilment, and sustaining operations, especially during extended disruptions.

CBF-5: Compliance, Governance & Reporting

This function ensures legal, regulatory, and strategic alignment with government expectations and policies.

Key Activities

• Adhering to building codes, workplace safety regulations, and environmental laws
• Preparing reports for Darussalam Assets and regulatory bodies
• Internal audits and governance oversight

BCM Significance

• Regulatory lapses or failure to report accurately during crises can damage Bandtree’s public trust and operational license.

CBF-6: Information Systems & Records Management

Technology and information integrity are essential enablers for facility management and decision-making.

Key Activities

• Asset tracking databases and maintenance software
• Secure digital record storage and retrieval
• Backup and recovery of IT systems

BCM Significance

• Data loss or system failure can disrupt workflows, planning, and regulatory compliance efforts.

CBF-7: Human Resources & Payroll

People are Bandtree’s most valuable asset, especially during recovery efforts.

Key Activities

• Staff deployment, rostering, and communication
• Payroll processing and benefits administration
• Emergency staffing protocols

BCM Significance

• Ensures workforce continuity, staff morale, and availability of skilled personnel during disruption.

CBF-8: Procurement & Supply Chain Management

This function ensures critical supplies, materials, and services are continuously available.

Key Activities

• Sourcing contractors, parts, and consumables
• Managing contracts and vendor performance
• Inventory and logistics coordination

BCM Significance

• Delays in procurement can severely impact maintenance schedules, response times, and compliance obligations.

These eight Critical Business Functions form the cornerstone of Bandtree’s resilience strategy.

Each requires targeted planning, tested recovery procedures, and alignment with corporate governance to ensure seamless continuity in the event of a disruptive incident.

Table: Bandtree's CBFs

This table can be used within the eBook to communicate which functions are mission-critical, why they matter in a BCM context, and where continuity planning should be focused.

Prioritisation & Business Impact Analysis (BIA)

Identifying CBFs is achieved via a BIA—a structured assessment of the impacts if critical functions are disrupted. Bandtree should evaluate:

• Downtime tolerance & Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs)
• Dependencies: The reliance on IT systems, vendor logistics, and facility access
• Consequences: Financial and reputational damage if building services degrade

By analysing each function, Bandtree must determine which services require rapid restoration (e.g., security systems, emergency repairs), versus those with longer tolerance (e.g., routine administrative tasks).

Recovery Strategies

Aligned with the BIA findings, Bandtree must prepare strategies such as:

• Alternate work sites for staff during building closures
• Backup utility systems and maintenance redundancies
• Vendor agreements for priority restoration services
• Data backups for asset tracking, contracts, and financials
• SOPs & training to ensure personnel can continue CBFs manually if systems go offline

These align with BCM best practices to ensure continuity levels match risk and impact profiles

Governance & BCM Support

Bandtree, as a GLC, operates under a broader corporate governance structure led by Darussalam Assets, which provides:

• Strategic direction and funding for resilience initiatives
• A governance framework supporting BCM planning, testing, review, and continuous improvement—aligned with ISO 22301 standards

Summary of Critical Business Functions

For Bandtree, the following functions are critical and must continue in the face of disruption:

These CBFs underpin Bandtree’s mandate to secure and manage government properties.

By performing a thorough Business Impact Analysis (BIA), defining Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs), and embedding recovery strategies and governance, Bandtree can maintain resilience, fulfil its obligations, and preserve service integrity.

Summing Up ...

At the core of Bandtree’s responsibility is the uninterrupted management of Brunei’s government-linked property assets.

The identification and prioritisation of Critical Business Functions—ranging from facility operations and emergency maintenance to compliance reporting and data integrity—form the backbone of a resilient service delivery model.

Effective Business Continuity Management requires more than documentation; it demands a culture of preparedness, governance alignment with Darussalam Assets, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

By safeguarding these critical functions through targeted recovery strategies and risk-aware planning, Bandtree ensures that disruptions—whether operational, technological, or environmental—do not compromise the organisation’s mission.

As Bandtree continues to develop and refine its BCM capabilities, its ability to provide consistent, secure, and professional property management services remains steadfast, reinforcing public trust and national resilience.

Implementing Business Continuity Management for Bandtree: A Practical Guide
Understanding Your Organisation

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