Public Relations

Definition of BCM

It is vital to plan and prepare so that core operations can be brought back on line in a set period of time following an accident or disaster. It is necessary to take into consideration risk management measures to deal with any loss of confidence in the company or loss of reputation. To these ends, business continuity can be said to be a company’s lifeline. Specifically, plans tailored to suit the company’s business or organizational structures are created using the two steps listed below:

• Vulnerabilities and interdependencies in the business process are analyzed and core business operations are identified.
• Following the above analysis, a Business Continuity Plan is formulated.

BCM in Japan

Companies face risks to business continuity not only from natural disasters or accidents, but also from accidents at providers of raw materials and delivery companies. The realization that companies can face their greatest danger from the most unlikely sources is in turn increasing interest in corporate business continuity.

A lot of companies around the world recognize the importance of corporate business continuity and are strengthening their efforts. For example, there were some cases of corporations that were hit in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 partly resuming business activities the next day, and even in Japan foreign companies in particular are advancing their business continuity management by setting up replacement business bases in case headquarters operations are paralyzed. Japanese corporations are also taking an increasing interest in BCM following disasters and earthquakes in 2003. However, the number of Japanese companies taking a comprehensive and integrated stance on business continuity management is still very small.

The BCI Japan Alliance

The BCI Japan Alliance was established by the BCI and the seven companies listed below, which include foreign corporations associated with BCI activities. Domestically, the Alliance works to spread and raise awareness of BCM, provide information on BCM to and work with companies, government offices, universities and research institutes towards standardization as well as conduct research on BCM and develop technology that can be put to immediate use in Japanese companies.

The seven companies mentioned above are: Asgent, Inc, InterRisk Research Institute and Consulting, Inc., SANKI, Hewlett Packard Japan, BT Japan, Strohl Systems (US-based BCM Software Developer) and Severn Group (UK-based Risk Management Consulting Company).