Sally Smoczynski will be presenting a workshop on Implementation and Certification requirements for ISO 20000-1:2011 (the newly updated version), on August 17, 2011 from 6:30PM - 9:30 PM at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
This is a great quick start to understanding the requirements to implement your Service Management System or to get some of your competence requirements up to speed for newer associates working inside your already established SMS.  Register directly on the GMU site at http://www.novaptac.org/eventcalendar/detail.asp?eid=266&sid=831

On April 15, 2011, The international organization of standards (ISO) released a revised requirements document from ISO 20000.  The new version, ISO/IEC 20000-1:2011 replaces the ISO/IEC 20000-1:2005 version.  Updated copies of the standard can be purchased directly from the ISO.org website.   The guidance document or Code of Practice will not be available until later this year. 

What do the changes mean for you?  If you have already received  your certification, you have until June 2013 to fully transition your Service Management System.  If you are expecting to certify in 2011, check with your registrar to see if you need to update your SMS.  If you are just beginning, we recommend you utilize the new standard which went into effect on June 1, 2011.  

Sally Smoczynski, managing partner at Radian Compliance, detailed the changes between the 2005 and 2011 versions.  To review the changes, link to Continuity Compliance.org.

Business Continuity Plan Often Avoid Complete Catastrophe

In a recent article written by Peter Vanden Bos, and posted on the Inc. website, a strong case is made for having a business continuity plan in place.   For a small business in particular, picking up the pieces and starting to serve customers again can be especially difficult after a major disruption. An estimated 25 percent of businesses never reopen their doors following a major disaster, according to the Institute for Business & Home Safety.

Establishing a framework for your employees to tackle the nightmarish process of notifying customers and reinstating timely delivery of products and services after a disaster is an essential long-term strategy for your business.   Mr. Vanden Bos’ article states that a business continuity plan establishs that framework.

That plan is also a document that lists emergency response and  contact information, backup suppliers, and a detailed recovery plan. Reaching the end goal of a written plan is the culmination of a long process involving many different parties.

Mr. Vanden Bos’ article also suggests many good ways to get started.

Click here to read the full article, and, don’t miss the additional links with even more helpful information and ideas to follow.

Another  suggested link to follow for more information regarding business continuity and other compliance issues is http://www.continuitycompliance.org/