As we edge closer to the start of the Olympics, businesses need to give extra thought to planning for the Games.  There is a way to go but many companies are finding that they are behind where they need to be.

Have you considered some of the questions below?

• How will the Games impact your business or organisation?
• How will your employees get to and from work during the Games?
• Will you be facilitating flexible working to minimise the need to travel?
• Are your business resilience plans robust?
• When did you last test your Disaster Recovery solution?

Fortunately, there is still time to prepare.  In the download area (opposite) and below, we have included some links that we thought you might find useful.  They provide advice on flexible working, business continuity and general business preparation for the 2012 Games.

• TFL – Getting around during 2012
• London 2012 – Travel Advice for Businesses
• City of London – London 2012 Games

With that in mind, we have also included below some pointers to get you going:

Transport

Issue: Transport networks will be incredibly busy during peak commuter and competition times – how will your staff get to and from work on time?
Consider:

• Alter working hours?
• Encourage staff to walk or cycle?
• Allow staff to take leave?
• Enable staff to work from home?
• Alternative short-term work spaces for production or disaster recovery purposes?

Issue: Travelling during the day across London will be difficult particularly for important meetings.  This also applies to visitors and customers.
Consider:

• Bringing forward or postponing trips and meetings?
• Use alternative methods such as video/web or audio conferencing?
• Meet in less busy places?

Supply Chain

Issue: You may not be able receive deliveries/collections due to road restrictions across London
Consider:

• You may want to stock-pile on certain goods?
• Deliver at less busy times?

Technology

Issue: During the Games London will be on high alert.  As a result your main office may be unavailable.
Consider:

• Have you recently tested your disaster recovery solution?
• Will staff have the capability for remote working should they not be able to get into the office?

Issue: During the Games, most staff will undoubtedly be streaming from their PCs – have you got sufficient bandwidth for this?
Consider:

• Having a communal area where staff can watch the Games?
• Restrictions on watching the Games from user PCs?

Should you need any assistance with preparing your IT infrastructure or BCP to accommodate the upcoming Games, please contact our Sales representatives on 0207 397 7400 or sales@sentronex.com for further advice.