Understanding Your Business

Defining Your Mission Essential Functions

The team should conduct an analysis of the operational aspects of the business and determine what is critical for continuance. When identifying your critical products, services and operations you should distinguish the following:

What are the key business objectives of the organization? What is this business about?
What are the products and services of the business?
Who is involved (both internally and externally) in the achievement of the business objectives?
What facilities and equipment are needed to produce our products and services?
What administrative operations, equipment and personnel are vital to the continued functioning of the business?
What products and services are provided by suppliers, especially sole source vendors?
What are the necessary lifeline services such as electrical power, water, sewer, gas, telecommunications and transportation?

Remember to identify those key internal (i.e. personnel, IT, etc.) and external groups and resources (i.e. customers, suppliers, etc.) upon which the business objectives rely. Consider external influences that may impact on the critical processes and functions. Input from these groups or individuals can greatly enhance the planning process.

The purpose of this exercise is to determine the mission essential functions for your business, those activities necessary for your business to operate. It is worthwhile to begin the selection process with the mission statement, organizational charts, list of daily responsibilities and activities, and staff rosters. The following are steps necessary for the selection of "Mission Essential Functions":

List all organizational functions;
Determine criteria for selecting critical activities;
Identify Mission Critical Activities;
Determine minimum acceptable level you need to operate to provide mission critical activities to stay in business;
Prioritize those Activities and Functions;
Identify minimum personnel needed to complete those functions based on skills and knowledge;
Assess alternate facility capacity and resource needs based on functions and personnel; and
Determine requisite resources and equipment needed.

The Mission Essential Functions Form was developed to assist you in defining your companies "essential functions", the critical time period for the operation, minimum staff requirements, special equipment or supplies necessary, space needs and the contact person for each operation.