A Guide to Business Continuity for SMEs (Updated)

2 June 2020 | SMB, Digitalisation, Mobility, Software-as-a-Service, Voice and Collaboration | 5 min read

Now that we are in Post Circuit Breaker Phase 2, more businesses will gradually reopen, and activities will start to ramp up. During this period, business continuity planning continues to be crucial so that your team can continue to stay productive.

Digital and ICT tools allow companies to continue business with minimal disruption. From having the right mobile and data plans, video conferencing and collaboration software, organisations are better positioned to ride out the interruption.

Here are some tips to ensure business-as-usual during this phase: 

t’s not enough to have devices for communicating away from the office if they don’t have an adequate data plan with a fast and reliable mobile network to support it. Real-time collaboration isn’t instant if your network isn’t fast enough to keep up.

An integral part of minimising the impact of work off-site is by having reliable mobile and data plan for everyone across the entire business. Staff can stay connected all the time, and there's less waiting time for loading files, accessing reports and presentations. If work is being conducted outside the office, this will be the backbone to make everything work seamlessly.

Supported by Singtel's fastest and widest mobile network on 4G and 5G, businesses have a choice of various mobile data plans to suit their needs:

• XO Plus plans with large data bundles of up to 150GB of data and greater discounts on devices. 
• Combo plans provide value for those who need a device and the flexibility to add on local data.
• SIM Only plan for those who require a mobile plan without the need to purchase a device and short term or no contracts.

Now that you have the ideal network needs addressed, your teams will be able to conduct video conferences and calls with absolute confidence.

Singtel BizConference, powered by Zoom, offers reliable video conference calls, easy-to-use functionality, and scalability across growing organisations. You can maintain face-to-face communication from anywhere to facilitate inter-team updates and collaboration. This can also be used to address challenges you may have when minimising contact between staff in alternate sites, or external vendor meetings. The business version allows users to record their conferences on the cloud and even comes with an AI-transcription capability. 

It is also a pre-approved solution under the Productivity Solutions Grant, which provides subsidies of up to 80% to offset the cost of adoption

Data add-ons such as Singtel's DATA X plans are a simple and cost-effective safety net for SMBs, giving users the flexibility to add on more local data, and combined with existing mobile plans, to tailor to your needs. The extra local data is also great whenever a hotspot is needed and a WiFi connection is not available. 

Microsoft Teams is an application in the Microsoft 365 application suite that enables members of a team to collaborate on projects and documents, conduct voice or video conferences and messaging on both desktops and mobile applications.

A solution such as Microsoft 365 allows everyone, across an organisation, to access emails and a suite of applications from their device of choice, no matter where they are. Unlike network-installed office software, a cloud-based solution means you don’t require a full-time IT staff. The package comes with dedicated helpdesk support and guaranteed uptime. It also keeps customer and other sensitive data secure.

Most smartphone brands such Apple and Samsung, can also run Microsoft 365 apps - meaning employees can work on the go.

With the simplicity and reliability of solutions available now, there’s no reason to fear loss of productivity resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. Your business will be doing its part to help reduce the opportunity for the COVID-19 virus to spread, and in addition, it’s an opportunity to take the steps to make any organisation more efficient, more collaborative, more reliable, and focused on growing the business and improving the bottom-line.