What is the main objective of business continuity planning (BCP)?

The main objective of business continuity planning (BCP) is to ensure that critical business functions continue during and after a disaster. BCP focuses on creating a defined strategy and set of processes that allow an organization to maintain or quickly resume operations in the event of an interruption, such as natural disasters, cyber attacks, or other emergencies.

This approach involves identifying essential services, resources, and personnel needed for operation, as well as developing plans to protect these essentials. By prioritizing the continuation of key functions, organizations can mitigate the impact of disruptions, thereby protecting their assets, reputation, and customer trust. This strategic mindset is foundational to effective risk management and resilience planning, ensuring that a company can sustain itself during crises.

While legal compliance, operational costs, and insurance costs are important aspects of an organization’s overall strategy and risk management, they are secondary to the primary goal of ensuring the continuity of critical business operations.