4.4 Identifying Key Resources

MSTA software is available to assist in the task of identifying key resources.

For each business process, two key resources are analysed: 1) I.T. applications and 2) vital documentation (hardcopy). The I.T. applications and vital documents are then prioritised, for each business process, in accordance with the prioritisation codes.

Other vital resources that are required for business contingency plans include key staff and external dependencies. In MSTA methodology these resources are considered at business unit level, rather than individual business process level. The total number of business unit staff required to commence the 'recovery' operation can now be calculated. As with all sections of the business contingency planning exercise, this process is iterative and prior experience or training in this task is useful.

The number of desks required at the recovery site can now be estimated fairly accurately and suitable sites can be visited.