A gap analysis process helps organizations determine how to achieve their business objectives. Compare the current state to an ideal state, where deficiencies and opportunities for improvement stand out. A more complete gap analysis template should include a few additional steps; think of them as the initial phase of the analysis exercise: the logistics needed to get the job done. The next step is to analyze current processes by collecting relevant data on performance levels and how resources are currently allocated to these processes.
Performing a gap analysis can help you improve the efficiency of your business, your product and your profitability, as it allows you to identify the “gaps” present in your company. Your dream could be to regain control of the content creation process to regain your brand identity. The next part of performing a gap analysis involves better understanding where you are today: your current state. By analyzing and filling gaps in your operations and staff performance, you can improve your organization's productivity, which will ultimately result in increased profits.
The SWOT, which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, is a gap analysis strategy used to identify the internal and external factors that drive the effectiveness and success of a product, project, or person. External benchmarking consists of comparing the results of a specific process or product with some external criteria. Perhaps the most dynamic of the models, the Nadler-Tushman model, examines how each business process affects another and identifies what gaps affect efficiency. A gap analysis is a worthwhile exercise, but it must be accompanied by a real plan for improvement.
By performing a gap analysis, you can improve your organization's efficiency levels by leaps and bounds. In the field of information technology, project managers and process improvement teams often use gap analysis reports as a starting point to develop an action plan that will produce operational improvements. The first step in carrying out a gap analysis is to establish specific objectives by analyzing the company's mission statement, strategic business goals, and improvement objectives. Small businesses, in particular, can benefit from performing gap analyses when they are in the process of figuring out how to allocate resources.
In the field of human resources (HR), a gap analysis can be performed to examine what skills are present in the workforce and what additional skills are needed to improve the competitiveness or efficiency of the organization.
