Proces vývoje a implementace strategií a postupů, které zajistí, aby základní podnikové funkce mohly pokračovat během a po skončení havárie, katastrofě nebo jiné rušivé události.

What is business continuity plan?

Business continuity plan (BCP) is a strategic plan that helps a company maintain essential operations during disruptive events such as IT outages, cyberattacks, fires, or natural disasters. It defines specific actions for rapid response, recovery priorities, and the resources needed to stay operational under extraordinary conditions. The goal is to minimize downtime, reduce losses, and ensure business stability even in a crisis.

How BCP appears in practice?

Examples of common use cases:

• A power outage disables company servers—operations switch to a backup data center according to the BCP.
• Due to a building incident, employees can't access the office—remote work procedures are activated.
• Ransomware encrypts company data—the BCP defines recovery steps using backups and outlines customer communication.
• The internet connection fails—a backup link and mobile communication plan take effect.
• A critical supplier goes offline—the BCP includes a list of alternative vendors.

BCP doesn’t prevent crises—it ensures the company can respond quickly, in a coordinated way, and with minimal damage. This protects both business operations and customer trust.

BCP, disaster recovery, and emergency response – What’s the difference?

• Business continuity plan vs. disaster recovery plan
  BCP focuses on maintaining operations (e.g., alternate work sites, manual processes). Disaster recovery is about restoring IT systems and data.
• BCP vs. krizový plán (emergency response)
  An emergency plan deals with immediate response actions (e.g., evacuation, first aid). BCP follows, ensuring ongoing business function after the initial crisis.

Each plan has its place. BCP is the bridge between IT, operations, HR, and communications. Without it, even minor disruptions can have major consequences.

How to implement business continuity plan in your company

Recommended steps:

1. Identify the systems and processes essential to your business.
2. Conduct a Business Impact Analysis (BIA) to assess risks and consequences.
3. Create realistic scenarios and clear response procedures for each type of incident.
4. Establish a communication plan—who informs whom, when, and how.
5. Ensure robust data backup and IT infrastructure readiness.
6. Test the plan under real conditions and update it regularly.
7. Make sure all key personnel know their roles and responsibilities in a crisis.

Many companies have data backups—but no clear plan for what to do in a real crisis. Disruptions happen, and the difference between a company that survives and one that loses revenue and customer trust often comes down to one thing: a well-prepared business continuity plan.