A gap analysis is a method for assessing adherence to, or compliance with, a set of requirements or objectives. The aim of this process is to outline the present state, ‘where you are’ which is compared with the objective future state of ‘where you want to be’. This analysis identifies the strengths and weaknesses in the current system and provides recommendations for the development of a system that complies with specified requirements and focuses on where you want to move to as a business.
What is a Gap Analysis Checklist?
A good gap analysis checklist will outline the key requirements contained within a standard (such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018 and/or ISO 27001:2022) to provide guidance. The purpose of the checklist is to highlight the gaps within your organisation’s management system to determine:
- Processes and procedures that meet the requirements of the standard.
- Processes and procedures that require modification to meet the requirements of the standard.
- Processes and procedures that need to be developed to meet the requirements of the standard.
Benefits of a Gap Analysis
A gap analysis provides a baseline to begin developing an action plan to achieve certification and/or improve your management system. A strong gap analysis not only identifies the gaps within the current system but also provide practical recommendations on how to address and rectify the identified gaps. This assists in resource management to focus time and money on the areas that require further development and create the most benefit to your organisation.
Implementing Actions
After conducting a gap analysis and determining the current state of operations, Feddersen Consulting Group can assist in implementing the recommendations to ensure your operations meet necessary requirements. We can provide guidance and assistance in document development, implementation or change management of processes to streamline operations as well as monitoring or evaluating the effectiveness of changes made.
Conclusion
Whether you are preparing for certification, looking to improve your management system or just interested in where your organisation stands, our consultants at Feddersen Consulting Group can conduct a gap analysis for you. This will provide valuable insight into the current state of your organisation and provide practical recommendations to assist you to achieve your goals and improve your business processes. By systematically identifying and addressing discrepancies between current practices and ISO requirements, your organisation can enhance your management system, improve operational efficiency, and achieve compliance goals.
