When implementing a BCP, several best practices can be used. Following is a list of many of these:

• Completing the BIA early—The BIA should be done early in the process for the BCP. Without the BIA, no one would know what systems are critical or what priority to use to recover the systems.
• Exercising caution when returning functionality from alternate locations—When restoring functionality from an alternate location to the primary location, these best practices should be considered:
  • Restoring least critical functions first—This allows for getting the bugs out of the process without affecting critical functions.
  • Using concurrent processing after a disruption—If systems have been rebuilt at the primary location, they should be run for three to five days before cutting off the services at the alternate location.
• Reviewing and updating the BCP regularly—The BCP coordinator should review and update the BCP at least annually. If critical systems are changed or modified between annual reviews, the BCP should be reviewed when those changes or modifications occur.
• Testing all the individual pieces of the plan—This testing includes basic procedures, such as recalls, and the more detailed procedures documented in DRPs.
• Exercising the plan—The plan should be verified that it works by performing test exercises. These exercises should not affect normal operations.