Developing a production-focused business continuity management framework : a case study at Meiko

Abstract

This thesis presents a practical, production-oriented approach to implementing business continuity management (BCM) in the production department of a manufacturing company that has no existing BCM structures. A systematic literature review reveals that although standards and frameworks such as ISO 22301 and BSI Standard 200-4 provide a solid foundation, they are largely generic and offer limited guidance for production-specific implementation, particularly with regard to interdependencies between machines, IT/OT, suppliers, and restart capability.

To address this gap, the thesis presents a case study of Meiko in which the existing business interruption process is reconstructed using documentation, insurer input, and structured internal workshops. The analysis identified key dependencies, such as single-source supply and bottlenecks, and disruption drivers, such as machine breakdowns, IT disruptions, and supplier constraints. Based on these findings, the thesis proposes a lightweight BCM "starting configuration," which includes governance elements, production-focused BIA logic, interdependency mapping, and a custom BCM tool for scalable data capture and prioritization. Initial user feedback indicates improved structure and repeatability with minimal effort. However, it also highlights the need for a broader rollout and integration into routine decision-making processes. The results are preliminary and limited to a single case.