If there’s one certainty in business, it’s that change is constant. Disruptions to operations and key processes are simply not an option, driving organisations to prioritise resilience in their business strategies. However, achieving this is easier said than done.
IT systems are inherently complex and vulnerable to a range of issues, from deployment glitches and data inconsistencies to infrastructure failures. The rise of distributed systems, frequent software releases, and remote workforces only adds to the challenge.
Resilience, however, looks different across industries. In organisations focused on people, the emphasis may be on relocation strategies and crisis coordination. But in sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, airports, and logistics, resilience is more about safeguarding physical assets and locations. Without these, operations could come to a standstill.
In this blog, we’ll explore how resilience varies across different industries and why a tried and tested IT Disaster Recovery (ITDR) strategy — encompassing both hardware and data protection — is critical for maintaining business continuity.
The Unique Challenges of Physical Resilience
For industries reliant on physical infrastructure, location is everything. Imagine a manufacturing plant, an airport, or a logistics hub — without these physical spaces, the work simply cannot continue. In some cases, businesses may have alternative locations ready to pick up the slack, but this isn’t always feasible. This challenge becomes even more complex when considering the unique IT needs of these sectors.
Often, there are no off-site solutions that can seamlessly replicate what on-premises IT systems can do. These systems might be connected to critical machinery such as conveyor belts, robots, weighbridges, or scanners. In such cases, building resilience into these physical components is essential. This could mean implementing redundant power supplies, keeping spare disks, or having backup hardware readily available. However, physical resilience is only one part of the equation — ensuring the integrity and availability of data is equally crucial.
The Central Role of IT in Modern Operations
Across almost all industries, IT systems are the backbone that keeps everything running smoothly. Consider the day-to-day operations: printing delivery notes for parcels, issuing boarding passes at airports, generating picking lists for warehouses, tracking and weighing vehicles, or managing stock orders. Even sending email invoices or receiving orders through websites is an IT-driven process. When IT systems fail, so does the entire operation — just like taking a mobile device from a teenager, everything comes to a standstill.
This reliance on IT means that both hardware and data must be resilient. While it’s vital to have a backup plan for physical infrastructure, data protection and recovery are paramount, especially in the face of cyber threats.
The Imperative of IT Disaster Recovery (ITDR)
While cloud recovery solutions offer a level of protection, they are not always sufficient or practical, especially in industries where IT systems are deeply integrated with physical operations. For example, in manufacturing, transportation, or logistics, IT systems are often connected to essential machinery, such as conveyor belts, robotics, or scanning devices. In such cases, relying solely on off-site cloud solutions may be inadequate because the physical and digital infrastructures are inseparable. If the on-premises IT fails, these critical systems stop functioning, bringing the entire operation to a halt.
This is where the importance of ITDR comes into play. ITDR services are designed to address these unique challenges by providing immediate, on-site replacement of IT infrastructure. This means that in the event of a failure, organisations can quickly receive the necessary hardware preloaded with the latest data to minimise downtime. The service goes beyond mere delivery; it also includes the expertise of engineers who are well-versed in the specific needs of the industry. These engineers not only assist with the installation but also ensure that the systems are fully operational as quickly as possible.
However, in scenarios involving cyber attacks or internal sabotage, simply replacing hardware may not be enough. If both the primary and backup systems are compromised, the integrity of the data becomes the primary concern. Backup and replication tools should ensure that the most recent, uncorrupted data is always available, and these systems should be designed to detect and prevent replication of compromised data. For large campuses such as airports or expansive warehouse facilities, having duplicate systems across the site offers some resilience against physical outages, but not necessarily against cyber threats. In these cases, resilient data protection is critical.
Consider a scenario where a manufacturing plant’s systems are compromised by a cyber attack. If both the primary and backup data are affected, the consequences can be catastrophic. Even if replacement hardware is quickly provided, without clean, uncorrupted data, the recovery will be incomplete. That’s why ITDR must include not only hardware replacement but also secure, up-to-date data recovery.
Moreover, ITDR services are not just reactive but proactive. A key component of any effective ITDR strategy is the assurance that the recovery process has been thoroughly tested and proven to work under real-world conditions. This testing is crucial because it guarantees that when a disruption occurs, the recovery process will function seamlessly, without any surprises.
The cost of not having such a strategy in place can be enormous. Consider the potential consequences of a significant IT failure in a large-scale manufacturing plant or an airport. Delays could ripple through supply chains, affect production schedules, and lead to lost revenue. For airports, even a brief outage in IT systems could cause widespread chaos, from flight delays to security vulnerabilities. In such high-stakes environments, ITDR is not just about restoring systems; it’s about ensuring business continuity and protecting the organisation’s future.
Conclusion
Resilience in industries like manufacturing, transportation, and airports extends beyond having a simple backup plan. It requires a comprehensive, tested strategy that ensures business continuity no matter what challenges arise. By integrating both physical and IT resilience into your operations, you can protect your critical workloads, minimise downtime, and continue to move forward even in the face of unexpected disruptions.
With a reliable IT Disaster Recovery plan in place — encompassing both hardware and resilient data protection — you are not just prepared for the worst; you are equipped to maintain your competitive edge and sustain long-term success.