Glossary / Business As Usual (BAU)

Business As Usual (BAU)

Business as usual (BAU) refers to the normal day-to-day operations of a business or organization. It is the routine and ongoing activities that are necessary to keep the business running smoothly and efficiently. BAU includes tasks such as managing customer relationships, fulfilling orders, maintaining inventory, conducting regular financial transactions, and providing customer support. BAU is often contrasted with projects or initiatives that are temporary and have a specific goal or objective. While projects may introduce changes or improvements to the business, BAU focuses on maintaining the status quo and ensuring that regular operations continue without disruption. In many organizations, there is a dedicated team or department responsible for managing BAU activities. This team ensures that all necessary tasks are completed on time and that any issues or problems are addressed promptly. They may also be responsible for monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the overall health and performance of the business. While BAU is essential for the day-to-day functioning of a business, it is important for organizations to also allocate resources and attention to strategic initiatives and innovation. Balancing BAU with new projects and initiatives is crucial for long-term growth and success.