Six Sigma provides various methods and tools for compiling and analyzing a wide variety of data. This information is then used to help organizations make determinations that greatly affect their future. Business impact analysis is one such tool that is crucial to understanding the future of an organization.

One of the most important factors a business must look at is disaster recovery. This is an important part of organizational planning because it deals with what would happen should a monumental disaster occur. How would important data and other information be retained? This question must be answered in the form of a plan that addresses such issues and put into place a resolution before the possibility ever comes to pass.  Creating a business impact analysis, or a BIA, for the purpose of disaster recovery is important.  This can be accomplished in a few easy steps and is an aspect of a business plan that should never be ignored.

A BIA is the cornerstone of any disaster recovery strategy and plan. It will be used to identify the processes, systems, and functions that are critical to the survival of a company. When that company is yours, you want to protect it any way you can. Gaining an understanding of these elements will allow you to allocate your resources wisely to ensure operations even with the occurrence of unexpected events that disrupt normal business operations.

A business impact analysis is a Six Sigma process which aims to reveal the factors that would impact a business, and would result when a process that is critical to normal operation exceeds its maximum allowable outage. Before you can create a BIA, you will first need to have a solid understanding of the operations of your business. There are many details you will be required to know and that must receive proper attention. This attention will be crucial to forming a resolution that will enable you to keep your business operating normally when faced with various types of disasters. If proper planning is not accomplished, such disasters could mean a major set back for your business or, in serious situations, may even result in the end of your company altogether.