Prepare for the Unexpected with a First-Aid Water Treatment Plan
In today's world, companies face various risks that can have devastating consequences, such as production interruptions, climatic disasters, epidemics, fires, and explosions. Unplanned downtime costs Fortune Global 500 (FG500) manufacturing and industrial firms alone an estimated 3.3 million hours each year, resulting in a financial loss of $864 billion.
Robert Stancombe from NSI Mobile Water Solutions (part of Nijhuis Saur Industries) emphasizes the importance of implementing a Business Continuity Plan, especially in cases where water plays a crucial role in business operations. This plan is vital in order to minimize potential damages to production, finances, and reputation.
Establishing a Business Continuity Plan
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Recognising the impact of disruptions on business processes, organisations are increasingly prioritising the establishment of a Business Continuity Plan. The globally recognized ISO 22301:2019 “Business Continuity Management Systems” standard enables companies to ensure continuity during unforeseen circumstances.
It is crucial to consider clients' expectations and establish a plan that allows for a timely response within acceptable timeframes. Building resilience through a Business Continuity Plan can become a competitive advantage.
Key Steps to Implementing a Business Continuity Plan:
- Assess the potential impact of significant events on your business.
- Plan the response, considering the essential services your business must provide to avoid losing customers and fulfill contractual obligations.
- Test the plan's effectiveness to ensure it can be executed smoothly during emergencies.
- Invest time and effort into managing risks.
These steps should involve a team from multiple departments to identify potential events that could disrupt business operations and develop effective response strategies. While consultancies specialising in disaster management can provide valuable assistance for high-risk/cost activities, businesses can manage the process internally and collaborate with key suppliers to mitigate risks and establish action plans.
Water Treatment Considerations
A reliable water supply is crucial for many industrial manufacturing processes. However, water treatment plant operators face constant threats of disruptions due to equipment failures, breakdowns, supply changes, and natural disasters.
Mobile water treatment providers offer a solution for quick and efficient response during water emergencies. Temporary water treatment systems can ensure continuous water treatment in various industrial situations.
Mobile Water Solutions, (formerly known as Veolia Mobile Water Services Europe), with their ReAct “Treated Water Security” plan, has been offering a free assessment of water treatment requirements, risk identification, and response planning for over 15 years. Businesses that register for this plan receive a comprehensive business continuity audit, providing peace of mind and avoiding costly downtime in case of emergencies.
The audit includes an analysis of water requirements, a review of hoses and connections, an assessment of services and utilities, and the development of a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan. Registered customers receive priority service.
Expertise in “Treated Water Security” – A Real-Life Example
A customer supplying 400,000 tonnes of recycled newsprint annually faced a threat to their newsprint supplies when their water treatment plant failed. As part of their business contingency plan and being a ReAct registered customer, Mobile Water Solutions promptly activated their treated water security plan. Within hours, they provided a mobile containerised Reverse Osmosis unit and Ion Exchange system, ensuring a continuous water supply of 120 m3/h without interrupting other production units.
Conclusion
Business Continuity Planning should be a priority for all companies. By carefully planning and implementing a Business Continuity Plan, businesses can minimise the potential impact of disasters and ensure resilience. Having a first-aid water treatment plan, such as the ReAct program offered by Mobile Water Solutions, provides peace of mind and fulfills the requirements of ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Management Standard.
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