A gap analysis is a process used by companies to assess their current performance compared to where they expect to be or against the requirements of a target standard. This process helps determine if they are meeting expectations and identifies differences or ‘gaps’ between their current and target performance.
What Are the Benefits of a Gap Analysis?
Whether conducted by an internal team or professional ISO consultancy services, a gap analysis is the first step toward successful compliance and ISO certification. Here are some key benefits:
- Detects Gaps: Identifies differences between current and target performance, providing recommendations on how to resolve them.
- Improves Management Processes: Highlights opportunities to enhance existing management processes, driving overall performance.
- Builds Shareholder Confidence: Assures shareholders of the organization’s preparedness for successfully attaining the standard and certification.
- Resource Planning: Clearly details what is needed to achieve the chosen standard, allowing for accurate planning of resources and tasks to ensure first-time success.
- Informs Timelines and Budgets: Provides information to form accurate timelines, budgets, and outlooks, proportional to the current management system’s condition relative to the target standard.
- Progress Measurement: Serves as a useful baseline for measuring progress during implementation.
When Is the Best Time to Do a Gap Analysis?
A gap analysis is ideally conducted at the beginning of an ISO project when considering the implementation of a new standard. It provides a starting point by comparing existing policies, procedures, and processes against the target standard’s requirements. This helps identify gaps or shortcomings that can then be effectively planned and actioned.
The optimal time for a gap analysis is:
- After researching the target standard
- Following the decision to pursue certification in that standard
- Before completing any certification paperwork
- Prior to updating the quality management system
A gap analysis is also valuable when transitioning to a new version of a standard or migrating to a different standard, such as ISO 45001:2018. It provides a clear indication of current standings and what is needed for a successful migration.
What Does a Gap Analysis Entail?
A gap analysis typically follows a survey format, often using checklists to identify gaps between an organization’s current systems and the requirements of their intended standard. It consists of two main phases: initial analysis and gap analysis reporting.
Key steps in a gap analysis include:
Analysis
- Review Current Systems: Assess the current management systems’ compliance with the chosen standard’s requirements.
- Identify Gaps: Document areas where the system does not comply with certification requirements.
- Create a Project Plan: Discuss identified gaps and create a plan, including corrective actions to resolve them.
Reporting
- Confirm Compliance: Identify areas where the organization successfully conforms to the target standard.
- Detail Non-Conformities: Clearly outline areas not conforming to the standard.
- Foundation for Project Plan: Include the basis for a project plan to address discrepancies in preparation for initial certification audits.
Do You Need a Gap Analysis?
If your organization needs a gap analysis but lacks the time, resources, or ability to conduct it internally, professional ISO consultants can perform this service for you.
At Kloud Circle, our expert team of ISO specialists is ready to deliver valuable, effective, and beneficial gap analysis services to help your business get a head start on the journey to ISO certification.