As part of a robust business continuity program, CU*Answers regularly assesses the preparedness of key vendors who provide critical services and supplies for the CUSO and the network of 200+ credit unions. This includes the audit and review of vendor disaster recovery plans and testing programs. As part of the Statement Processing Agreement with one such statement print vendor, recovery tests are performed a minimum of every 18 months.

A recovery test was recently performed, simulating the loss of the vendor’s primary print production facility, to confirm their ability to fulfill service obligations in the event of a significant disruption. Staff from the CU*Answers Business Continuity team participated in and witnessed the entire recovery event, strengthening the customer-vendor relationship. Results of the test have been published on the CU*Answers website.

“This is a win-win-win event for us as a CUSO, for our credit union base, and for our partners and vendors,” said Jim Lawrence, CBCP, Business Continuity Manager at CU*Answers. “When we hold each other accountable to the same high standards in service and availability, we are all better positioned to succeed in the marketplace and the member ultimately benefits with a superior product.”