What is a gap analysis?

What is a Gap Analysis?

Gap Analysis is a strategic tool used to identify the difference between current performance and desired goals. It helps businesses understand what steps they need to take to achieve compliance, efficiency, or certification. Many companies use it to prepare for ISO certification, ensuring they meet global standards before an audit.

Understanding Gap Analysis

 Compares an organization’s existing processes, policies, and performance against industry benchmarks or regulatory requirements. The goal is to find gaps—areas where the business falls short—and develop a plan to bridge them. For ISO certification, companies often conduct to assess their readiness and align with Global Standards.

Why perform a Gap Analysis?

• Compliance: Ensures adherence to industry regulations like ISO, GDPR, or OSHA.

• Efficiency: Identifies operational weaknesses and areas for improvement.

• Certification Readiness: Prepares businesses for audits by Global Standards or other certifying bodies.

• Strategic Planning: Helps set realistic goals and allocate resources effectively.

Steps to Conduct a Gap Analysis

1. Define Objectives – Determine what standards or benchmarks the organization must meet, such as ISO 9001 or ISO 27001.

2. Assess Current State – Evaluate existing processes, documentation, and performance levels.

3. Identify Gaps – Compare current practices with Global Standards or desired outcomes.

4. Develop an Action Plan – Create steps to address deficiencies, such as training, process changes, or documentation updates.

5. Implement and Monitor – Execute improvements and track progress toward certification.

How Global Standards Supports

Global Standards helps streamline gap analysis for ISO certification. Their experts assess compliance, recommend fixes, and guide businesses through the process, ensuring efficient certification.

Key for improving performance and achieving ISO certification, it identifies gaps, aligns with Global Standards, and enhances compliance, efficiency, and competitiveness—paving the way for success.