[OR] [P2] [S2] [MII] [C13] Integration with Operational Resilience Framework

[P2] [S2] Chapter 13

Integration with Operational Resilience Framework

Introduction

Interconnection and interdependency mapping is not an isolated activity—it is a core enabler of the broader operational resilience framework. Its true value is realised when it is integrated into key resilience disciplines, informing decision-making, testing, and recovery strategies.

This chapter explains how mapping connects to critical components of operational resilience, including:

• Impact tolerance setting
• Scenario testing (Severe but Plausible Scenarios – SuPS)
• Business continuity planning (BCP)

It also highlights alignment with the BCM Institute’s Operational Resilience Planning Methodology, particularly Phase 2 – Implement (P2-S2).

Purpose of the Chapter

The purpose of this chapter is to:

• Demonstrate how mapping integrates into operational resilience frameworks
• Explain how mapping supports key resilience activities
• Align mapping with structured methodologies (OR-P2-S2)
• Reinforce mapping as a foundational capability for resilience planning

Role of Mapping in Operational Resilience

From Mapping to Resilience Enablement

Mapping provides:

• Visibility of service delivery
• Understanding of dependencies
• Identification of vulnerabilities

However, its real value lies in enabling:

• Evidence-based decision-making
• Realistic resilience testing
• Effective recovery strategies

Core Integration Areas

Mapping integrates directly with:

• Impact tolerance setting
• Scenario testing
• Business continuity planning

These areas rely on accurate mapping to ensure:

• Realistic assumptions
• Comprehensive coverage
• Effective outcomes

Link to Impact Tolerance Setting

Understanding Impact Tolerance

Impact tolerance defines:

The maximum level of disruption an organisation can tolerate for a Critical Business Service before unacceptable harm occurs.

Role of Mapping

Mapping supports impact tolerance by:

• Identifying critical dependencies
• Highlighting time-sensitive processes
• Revealing bottlenecks and constraints

Application

Organisations can use mapping to:

• Determine realistic maximum tolerable downtime (MTD)
• Assess data loss thresholds
• Evaluate customer and regulatory impact

Outcome

Impact tolerance becomes:

• Evidence-based
• Aligned with operational realities
• Defensible to regulators

Link to Scenario Testing (SuPS)

Importance of Scenario Testing

Scenario testing assesses whether an organisation can:

• Continue delivering CBS under disruption
• Remain within defined impact tolerances

Role of Mapping

Mapping enables organisations to:

• Design realistic and dependency-driven scenarios
• Identify critical components to test
• Simulate cascading failures across interconnections

Severe but Plausible Scenarios (SuPS)

Mapping supports the development of SuPS by:

• Identifying high-risk dependencies
• Highlighting concentration risks
• Enabling end-to-end service testing

Example

• Dependency: Core banking system
• Scenario: System outage
• Impact: Multiple CBS disrupted

Outcome

Scenario testing becomes:

• Comprehensive
• Realistic
• Aligned with actual operational dependencies

Link to Business Continuity Planning (BCP)

Role of BCP

Business continuity planning ensures that:

• Critical services can be maintained or recovered
• Disruptions are managed effectively

Limitations of Traditional BCP

Traditional BCP often focuses on:

• Individual systems or processes
• Predefined recovery objectives

This may not fully address:

• Interdependencies across services
• Complex, multi-layered disruptions

Role of Mapping

Mapping enhances BCP by:

• Providing end-to-end visibility of service delivery
• Identifying dependency chains
• Enabling prioritised recovery sequencing

Application

Organisations can use mapping to:

• Identify critical recovery points
• Align recovery strategies with dependencies
• Coordinate recovery across functions and third parties

Outcome

BCP becomes:

• Service-centric
• Integrated across dependencies
• More effective in restoring end-to-end services

Alignment with Operational Resilience Methodology (OR-P2-S2)

Position of Mapping in OR Lifecycle

Mapping is a core activity within:

Phase 2 – Implement → Stage 2 (P2-S2): Map Processes and Resources

Role within the Lifecycle

Mapping serves as the foundation for:

• P2-S3: Setting Impact Tolerance
• P2-S4: Conducting Scenario Testing
• P2-S5: Improving Lessons Learned

Integration Across Stages

Outcome

Mapping ensures:

• Consistency across the operational resilience lifecycle
• Alignment between planning, testing, and improvement

Key Insight

Mapping enables understanding of upstream and downstream dependencies critical for resilience planning.

Upstream Dependencies

• Inputs required for processes
• Example: Authentication systems feeding into payment processing

Downstream Dependencies

• Outputs impacting subsequent processes
• Example: Payment processing affecting settlement and reporting

 Importance

Understanding these relationships enables:

• Identification of cascading impacts
• Effective scenario testing
• Coordinated recovery planning

Integrated Resilience View

When fully integrated, mapping supports a holistic operational resilience framework, linking:

• Dependencies → Impact Tolerance → Scenario Testing → Recovery Planning

This ensures that:

• Resilience strategies are aligned with real-world operations
• Risks are identified and managed proactively
• Services can be sustained under disruption

Integration with operational resilience frameworks transforms mapping from a descriptive exercise into a strategic enabler of resilience.

By linking mapping to:

• Impact tolerance setting
• Scenario testing (SuPS)
• Business continuity planning

and aligning with OR Phase 2 – Implement (P2-S2), organisations can ensure that mapping:

• Supports critical resilience activities
• Enables realistic and actionable outcomes
• Strengthens overall resilience capability

Ultimately, mapping provides the connective layer that brings together all elements of operational resilience, enabling organisations to understand, test, and improve their ability to deliver Critical Business Services under disruption.

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