Set the data-loss target
The recovery point objective, or RPO, describes the maximum acceptable data loss measured in time. A four-hour target means the recovery plan should aim to lose no more than four hours of changes. The target must match the business process.
Set the recovery target
The recovery time objective, or RTO, describes the target time to restore a service. Restoring files alone may not restore the application: identities, networks, databases and other dependencies also matter.
Prove the plan with a test
Use controlled recovery tests to check whether the targets are realistic. Document the outcome, access requirements and next improvements. Targets are planning objectives, not automatic guarantees of performance.