Task 4: Define the Recovery Plan

A backup strategy is not complete without a Recovery Plan. All recovery plans must be tested to ensure they work. The Recovery Plan should include recovery for the following scenarios:

• A Standard scenario, which is typically when all backup media are available and only a data restore is needed.

• A Disaster scenario, which means all on‑site equipment and information is lost (that is, a complete server rebuild is required).

The following components are required for a successful Recovery Plan:

• A complete recovery procedure is documented and followed for all servers and workstations (for example, Operator and Engineering).

• Personnel are trained on the Recovery Plan and they have the skills to execute it.

• The Backup Plan is well documented and clearly identifies the locations of all backup media.

• The Recovery Plan has been tested, with the recovery time from a disaster and standard scenario recorded.

• The Recovery Plan is tested at least once per year.

• There is a procedure for the shop floor to follow during the recovery downtime. This can range from stopping work to manual data collection. Optionally, there is a procedure for manual data entry for data collected during outages.