A gap analysis is a method of assessing the differences in performance between a business’ information systems or software applications to determine whether business requirements are being met and, if not, what steps should be taken to ensure they are met successfully. Gap refers to the space between “where we are” (the present state) and “where we want to be” (the target state). A gap analysis may also be referred to as a needs analysis, needs assessment or need-gap analysis.
Where Its Used
In information technology, gap analysis reports are often used by project managers and process improvement teams. Small businesses, in particular, can also benefit from performing gap analyses when they’re in the process of figuring out how to allocate resources. In software development, gap analysis tools can document which services and/or functions have been accidentally left out, which have been deliberately eliminated, and which still need to be developed. In compliance, a gap analysis can compare what is required by certain regulations to what is currently being done to abide by them.
How To Conduct One
he first step in conducting a gap analysis is to establish specific target objectives by looking at the company’s mission statement, strategic goals and improvement objectives. The next step is to analyze current business processes by collecting relevant data on performance levels and how resources are presently allocated to these processes. This data can be collected from a variety of sources depending on what’s being analyzed, such as by looking at documentation, conducting interviews, brainstorming and observing project activities. Lastly, after a company compares its target goals against its current state, it can then draw up a comprehensive plan that outlines specific steps to take to fill the gap between its current and future states, and reach its target objectives.