Business Impact Analysis

Business Continuity Planning

What is a Business Impact Analysis?

A Business Impact Analysis (BIA) is the foundation of continuity planning.

The BIA identifies:

  • Essential functions
  • Recovery priorities
  • Operational dependencies
  • Technology requirements
  • Staffing requirements
  • Vendor dependencies
  • Potential operational, financial, legal, and reputational impacts

The BIA also establishes:

  • Maximum Tolerable Downtime (MTD)
  • Recovery Time Objectives (RTO)
  • Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) 

These recovery requirements help guide continuity planning and resource allocation decisions. 

Download resources

  • Business Impact Analysis — Template | Guide (forthcoming)
  • Continuity Planning Glossary (forthcoming)