Gap Analysis

A tool for comparing performance or criteria against defined requirements, may be internal or external comparisons

Summary
Gap analysis is a method for comparing performance or status with defined requirements, existing benchmark performance, competitor performance other internal business unit performance. This can be used to define both the qualitative and the quantitative gap conditions between the desired state and the current state.

Process Steps
Define the desired standard to be achieved (Benchmarking, Customer Requirement, National or International Standard, Regulations etc.)

Collect data about current operational performance

Review performance against desired state performance (Comparable/Better/Worse)

Analyze performance gaps, i.e. those areas where performance is worse than the desired state.

Develop Action Plans to address gaps (Process Improvement Plans), with clearly defined targets and timelines.