Some disasters are possible to continue working through. However, there are others that can completely bring production to a halt. These periods of inoperation are known as ‘downtime’ and they can be very costly if not prepared for in advance. Unplanned business downtime typically causes companies to lose out on revenue. It can also lead to reputation damage if deadlines are unable to be met or customers have to be turned away.
This is why it’s important to take steps to avoid unplanned downtime. But just what causes unplanned business downtime? There are many potential causes from fires to natural disasters. However, here are some of the more common causes.
Equipment breakdowns
Many businesses have certain items of equipment that they cannot function without. A restaurant for example is dependent on working ovens and fridges. Shipping companies are meanwhile dependent on working fleets of vehicles. Unexpected breakdowns can immediately put your company out of action. These breakdowns can often be avoided through preventative maintenance. This includes servicing machines, identifying faults early, scheduling repairs during non-working hours and replacing aging equipment in good time. Educating yourself on how to maintain your company equipment properly is essential. This could include taking a kitchen maintenance course or investing in fleet maintenance consulting. Some maintenance may be possible to carry out yourself, while other types of maintenance may require hiring third-party technicians.
Supplier failure
Downtime can also occur if vital supplies are not delivered in time. In fact, this is a major cause of downtime for many construction and manufacturing companies. Ordering supplies well in advance and choosing a reputable supplier can help reduce delays. Downtime can also occur if the wrong type of supplies are ordered – so make sure to double check what you are ordering in advance (getting the right measurements and quantities is essential!).
Power outages
Without any electricity, most companies can’t operate at all. If your company uses mains electricity, this means that you are reliant on a working local power grid. Having some form of backup generator is highly recommended just in case there is a power line failure or power station issue that is out of your control. This can allow you to continue using electricity temporarily using your own generator until the problem is solved. Petrol generators and solar panels are two of the most popular backup generators.
Loss of internet connection
Poor quality internet signal could lead to periods of downtime in which you are unable to communicate with customers or accept payments. Choosing a fast and robust internet service with enough range to cover your whole premises can help to prevent internet-related downtime. Other solutions could include paying for a backup internet service or allowing employees to work from home (if there is a local internet issue that affects your office).
Cyberattacks
Cyberattacks against businesses are becoming increasingly more commonplace. During a cyberattack, companies may have to cut off cloud servers and redirect attention to combating the cyberattack – which could mean having to temporarily cease operations. Investing in cybersecurity support and training is one of the best ways to prevent cyber attacks. This includes installing software to fend off attacks, monitoring networks, strengthening passwords, identifying phishing tactics and knowing how to react fast during a cyberattack.
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