Critical Business Function Testing
It’s one thing to document a recovery strategy—it’s another to prove it works.
Escalate’s Critical Business Function Testing puts your recovery plans to the test through structured, scenario-based validation. We help your teams walk through real recovery procedures in a controlled environment to ensure continuity strategies are fit-for-purpose, understood, and achievable under pressure.
This is where plans become confidence.
What We Test
Critical Function Testing focuses on the real-world execution of continuity plans for your highest-priority activities. These may include:
- Customer service and support operations
- Payroll and finance processing
- Product distribution or service delivery
- Incident response and communications
- Supply chain and vendor continuity
- System or platform-specific recoveries
Each testing engagement is tailored to your structure, systems, and priorities.
Our Testing Methodology
Escalate follows a structured yet practical approach that ensures clarity and results:
Test Planning and Scope Definition
We work with you to identify which functions to test, what recovery elements to validate, and who should be involved.
Scenario Development
We design realistic disruption scenarios that pressure-test recovery plans without overwhelming your teams. These scenarios are based on your known risks, previous incidents, or likely disruptions.
Facilitation and Execution
Escalate facilitates the test, guiding teams through:
- Role activation and plan access
- Step-by-step walkthrough of recovery tasks
- Communication, coordination, and escalation procedures
- Decision-making and time-tracking against defined RTOs
Observation and Documentation
We observe the exercise in real time, noting strengths, breakdowns, delays and workarounds. Our team documents what worked—and what didn’t.
Reporting and Recommendations
Following the test, you receive:
- A detailed Test Report with outcomes, gaps, and observations
- A set of prioritised recommendations to improve recovery capability
- Optional debriefing or leadership presentation
Why Escalate Consulting?
- Practical Focus – We don’t just test if the plan exists—we test whether it works under stress.
- Real-World Insight – We’ve facilitated testing across sectors including healthcare, education, energy, financial services, government, and critical infrastructure.
- Collaborative Approach – We make your team part of the solution, not just the subject of the test.
- Clear Reporting – We cut through complexity to deliver concise, actionable feedback.
Tailored to Your Operations
We offer full and partial tests, across single functions or integrated operations. Tests can be run:
Each test is designed to support your maturity level and resource availability.
