As CUSO and core data processor for a growing network of credit unions, keeping operations available and on-time is crucial, no matter the circumstances. Earlier this fall, CU*Answers launched a five-week construction project to upgrade and expand the 24/7 OpsEngine Command Center that performs daily processing and oversees activities at the production data center. For the duration of the project, Operations Team members were relocated to temporary locations while the new center was being developed. Part of this relocation process included contingency planning to ensure security and availability and avoid any disruption of services.

This planning was put to the test when not one, but two separate utility power outages occurred, both unrelated to the construction on site. “Relying on past history for determining probability of disruptive threats can often contribute to a softening of controls for short-term projects,” states Jim Lawrence, VP of Operations and Business Continuity. “Had we based our decisions strictly on statistics and averages, we would have saved money and time or preparation. But because of the planning involved and adherence to strict baseline standards, contingency plans put in place allowed us to meet expected service levels for our client credit unions and their members.”

In these often unpredictable times, being a resilient organization requires a strong Business Continuity and Incident Response program. Information about the CU*Answers programs is available to credit unions through regular webinars and on the CU*Answers website.