A plan is only the starting point
Let’s start by stating the obvious: a reliable plan isn’t just written once, it’s maintained over time. Why? Because for most organisations, disaster recovery is no longer optional. Whether due to cyberattacks, technical failures, or natural events, disruptions to business operations are a real and growing risk. So, whilst having a disaster recovery plan is considered good practice, tthe plan itself is only the starting point. What often gets overlooked is the need to test that plan and not just once, but continuously.
Why a one-time test simply won’t hack it
Many organisations create a thorough recovery process, run a simulation when it’s implemented, and then file it away. Months or even years later, systems have changed, the people involved are no longer in the same roles, or key assumptions no longer hold true. In those moments, a well-documented plan may offer little, to no help if it hasn’t been kept up to date.
Turning your plan into something to trust
Enter continuous testing. Testing is what turns a plan into something practical, something teams can trust and act on under pressure. It will help uncover gaps before they become problems. Small issues like outdated documentation or missed configurations can have significant consequences during a real disruption. Frequent testing also helps teams stay familiar with the process, improving response times and reducing uncertainty when it matters most.
Keep your testing simple and relevant
This does not mean disaster recovery has to be a heavy or complex activity. In fact, organisations benefit most when testing is embedded into day-to-day operations. That might mean occasional light-touch simulations, targeted component testing, or scheduled recovery walkthroughs. Your goal is to maintain alignment between your plan and the reality of your systems and people, and to make adjustments as things evolve.
Not only a plan, but preparedness
Ultimately, disaster recovery is about reliability, not just of systems, but of processes, decisions, and people. A plan that is regularly tested becomes more than documentation. It becomes something your organisation can depend on.
By building testing into everyday routines, organisations create a recovery process that reflects reality, adapts over time, and is ready to perform under pressure. In a world where disruptions are inevitable, that kind of preparedness is what makes it possible not just to recover, but to keep moving forward with confidence.
The best part of it? We’re here to help.
