With the start of events just less than six months away, businesses that have not already done so are being urged to prepare now to avoid any potential disruption caused by the UK-hosted Olympic Games.

SunGard Availability Services says it believes mid-size and large British-based companies have only nine weeks to develop, review and test continuity plans if they are to be 100% sure their business can cope with the potential impact of the Games.

“The ripple effect of London 2012 stands to be felt across the UK, with organisations impacted across their ecosystems from transport, power or communications disruptions, skeleton staffing, interrupted supply chains and lingering fears of protests or even terrorist attacks. Not to mention the possible denial of access to their offices,” the company says.

Assessing how the Games will impact a business’ location, people, technology, supply chain, security (virtual and physical) and associated HR policies are all crucial areas which need to be addressed.

While many firms have already put Olympic-related plans in place, time is running short for those that have not.

“The clock is ticking loudly for businesses which have not yet put plans in place to avoid the potentially significant disruptions from the Olympics,” commented Keith Tilley, managing director UK and executive vice-president, Europe for SunGard Availability Services. “The fallout from disruptions caused or exacerbated by poor or no preparation stands to affect not just operations, but customers, profits and reputation too, which means this is very much a director level concern…refining and testing business continuity plans can be a lengthy and time consuming processes. But it’s a hugely important one; businesses need to see this as a golden opportunity to implement measures that will not just benefit them for two months in 2012 but will serve them for years to come. Public goodwill if they fail to do so is likely to be very scant indeed.”

SunGard suggests that firms consider the following ten steps as they prepare for the upcoming games and other events taking place around London 2012:

February: Conduct a risk analysis – identify issues and critical processes at risk, understand staff commuting habits. Use own staff or consultancy to make up lost time.

Evaluate options, solutions and establish workarounds, staff operational procedures and policies with the business; refresh Incident Management arrangements

March: Source solution resources: extra ports, VDIs, etc, review business interruption insurance

April: Implement and test solutions / workarounds; identify any failings and correct

May: Establish alternative suppliers for sundry items such as water, food, office consumables; order surplus to last two months. Test solutions and workarounds to ensure success

June: Remind and communicate final policies to staff and benefits to stakeholders

July: Implement proactive measures and be in a high state of incident management readiness to react to events

August: Implement proactive measures and be in a high state of incident management readiness to react to events

Sept: Stand down from a high-alert state

October: Review and apply new capability to deal with other disruptions

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