Business Continuity Plan Templates - the downside of free
Business Continuity Templates: The downside of "free"
When it comes to creating a business continuity plan (BCP), a free template may seem like an attractive option. After all, they promise to save time and money while providing a structured framework for your plan. However, relying on free business continuity templates comes with hidden costs and drawbacks that can leave your business vulnerable during a crisis. Before you download the next free template, consider the potential downsides and risks.
1. Absence of a clear process
Most free templates are not designedguide you through the process of business continuity pplan development. Often deilvered as a single document template, they are cumbersome and don't provide support for each step in the BCP development process.
2. Lack of Support
With free templates you are most likely to receive a single document and then you are on your own. With no clear process or framework to support your BCP development efforts it's not possible to ask questions or seek guidance when you need it
3. Generic Formatting
When a business continuity plan template is based on a single document it results in a suboptimal plan. As a business continuity plan is developed and subsequently deployed, it has to fulfill different functions. Sometimes a spreadsheet will provide the required capability, sometimes a structured tablular format is required for easy reference and for other purposes a narrative format document is the best for the intended purpose. A free template is highly unlikely to take these considerations into account. This video shows the different types of document format build a complete and effective business continuity plan
4. Hidden Sales Hooks That Distract from Planning
Many free templates are not truly “free.” They are often designed to act as lead-generation tools for consulting firms or software providers. These templates may come with limited functionality or constant prompts to upgrade to paid versions. The result? Your team may spend more time navigating distractions than focusing on creating a robust and actionable continuity plan.
While free templates promise speed, they can actually slow you down in the long run. Businesses often find themselves spending excessive time modifying these templates to fit their specific needs. This process can be frustrating, especially if the template’s format or structure is not user-friendly. Time spent adjusting the template is time taken away from other critical business tasks.
5. Overheads with Reworking a cumbersome document template
While free business continuity templates may seem like a cost-effective solution, the hidden costs—ineffectiveness, time loss, compliance risks, and suboptimal planning—can far outweigh any initial savings. Investing in a high-quality, customizable business continuity plan template or a software-based solution ensures your plan is comprehensive, actionable, and tailored to your business needs. In times of crisis, having a well-prepared plan can make the difference between quick recovery and prolonged disruption.
RiskCentric | Business Continuity Specialists | Cambridge, United Kingdom | enquiries@riskcentric.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0)1353 667374