Gap Analysis | Keyn Certification

ISO Gap Analysis

A gap refers to the difference between your current state and your desired state. Gap analysis is defined as a process that involves identifying, assessing and managing the difference between your current system state and the ISO standard requirements.

It is important to initiate this process before the actual certification in order to enable the organization to prepare itself for the audit.

It is a method of evaluation that is used to measure the extent to which the actual implementation meets the planned implementation.

However, all current versions of the ISO standards do not require an organization to conduct a gap analysis. The gap analysis is an option to assess the readiness of your organization before beginning a certification audit.

A bigger gap means you have a poor implementation. You need to understand and review your implementation of the ISO management system since it is still far from the requirements.

A smaller gap means the work procedures and requirements are well executed. The smaller the gap is, the better.

Perfoming Gap Analysis

Gap Analysis Checklist

Gap analysis is done by creating a checklist, based on the requirements of ISO standard requirements. It serves the purpose to identify gaps between your written procedures and processes performed with the requirements.

Suitability

After the checklist is prepared, an assessor is appointed to review the suitability of the checklist with the context of the organization.

Comparison

When the gap analysis is performed, it is usually done by comparing the paperwork that documents all aspects of the system such as policies and procedures, records, forms, SOPs with the checklist.

Analysis

A report will be generated from the findings of the comparison. Organizations can identify where they are in their system to reach ISO standard conformance.

The report will indicate any missing actions, practices, procedures or records in accordance with ISO standards. The assessor also lists down observations, key actions or suggestions for improvements.

Taking Action

Once clearly known about the gap in your organization, then steps can be taken to reduce the gap. This gap analysis report will then be raised in a management meeting for review and decision making.

Countermeasures will be implemented, and changes are made to rectify the non-conformances. All-in-all, this results in the organization practising a systematic continuous improvement process.

Gap Analysis Checklist

Gap analysis is done by creating a checklist, based on the requirements of ISO standard requirements. It serves the purpose to identify gaps between your written procedures and processes performed with the requirements.

Suitability

After the checklist is prepared, an assessor is appointed to review the suitability of the checklist with the context of the organization.

Comparison

When the gap analysis is performed, it is usually done by comparing the paperwork that documents all aspects of the system such as policies and procedures, records, forms, SOPs with the checklist.

Analysis

A report will be generated from the findings of the comparison. Organizations can identify where they are in their system to reach ISO standard conformance.

The report will indicate any missing actions, practices, procedures or records in accordance with ISO standards. The assessor also lists down observations, key actions or suggestions for improvements.

Taking Action

Once clearly known about the gap in your organization, then steps can be taken to reduce the gap. This gap analysis report will then be raised in a management meeting for review and decision making.

Countermeasures will be implemented, and changes are made to rectify the non-conformances. All-in-all, this results in the organization practising a systematic continuous improvement process.

Benefits of Gap Analysis

Identifying the missing standard requirement that needs to be addressed.

Manage the integration between a large number of processes, procedures and standard requirements.

Simplify the ISO standards into understandable actions, and breakdown documented information required for conformance.

Conclusion

Again, it is not necessary to complete your gap analysis process. It is in your best interest to properly implement the ISO standard by fully understanding your organization processes and ISO standard requirements. Rushing toward the implantation process will only hurt you in the long run.