Planning for a pandemic

With the constant stream of information about COVID-19 (the Coronavirus), it can feel overwhelming to know what’s relevant and what to do next. From the CDC to local schools, organizations everywhere are putting contingency plans in place in case travel, office access, or school attendance need to be restricted.

While we haven’t faced a health crisis of this scale in recent memory, planning ahead can be invaluable, not just for a pandemic, but for any unexpected disruption, from severe weather to global events. The key question is: Is your organization ready to adapt if normal operations are interrupted?

Step 1: Assess Your Remote Work Readiness

The first thing to evaluate is whether your organization can continue operating effectively with a remote workforce. Consider the following:

• What risks would remote work pose to your business operations?
• Could your supply chain be affected?
• How might absenteeism or production delays impact you?

Having both short- and long-term contingency plans can make the difference between a company that weathers disruption and one that struggles to stay afloat.

Step 2: Evaluate Your IT Preparedness

From an IT perspective, Datotel recommends asking these critical questions:

• Do you have secure methods for remote connections?
• Are your files and data accessible to those who need them?
• Which business systems, such as financials, ERP, or inventory, can and should be managed remotely?
• Are your systems equipped to handle the increased number of remote users?

If you answered “yes” to most or all of these, you’re already on your way to a solid continuity plan. The next step is to communicate and test that plan:

• Does every employee know how to connect remotely?
• Do they have their login credentials and understand security protocols?
• Is additional training needed to ensure everyone is confident and capable?

Step 3: Keep Your Team Informed and Connected

Information is changing rapidly, and so is misinformation. Keeping your employees updated on both external developments and internal policies is crucial.

Ask yourself:

• Do you have current contact information for every team member?
• Can you easily communicate updates and instructions across your organization?

A reliable communication plan ensures that no one is left out of the loop when fast decisions are needed.

Step 4: Act Now, Don’t Wait for a Crisis

Some solutions can be deployed quickly, but implementing a secure VPN or remote desktop environment takes time. Don’t wait until an emergency occurs to start planning. Evaluate your options and begin preparing today.

How Datotel Can Help

Datotel offers a range of remote desktop and virtual infrastructure solutions to help your organization stay connected and secure, no matter what challenges arise.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you build a resilient, remote-ready business.