GAP analysis prior to certification

To be able to identify the difference - or the "gaps" - between a company’s current state (as-is) and the desired future state (to be), we do a gap analysis prior to an ISO certification. The gap shows issues to be addressed before a certification. That is, before you start the preliminary inspection (cf. step 1 of the certification process) 

With a gap analysis at hand, you can experience a more efficient certification process because it gives you a clear focus from the start. Therefore, we recommend everyone to have a gap analysis made before a certification.

Contact us regarding GAP analysis

How a GAP analysis works

This example is based on an ISO 9001 certification. Bureau Veritas offers a GAP analysis prior to all certifications in ISO standards.

Situation: 
A medium-sized manufacturing company wishes to be certified in ISO 9001 (quality management). The management has doubts whether the company is ready in relation to the requirements of the standard. The purpose of the GAP analysis is to get an overview of the processes in which the company already meets the requirements and where there are shortcomings.

Current state ("as-is")

  • The manufacturing company has informal quality control procedures, but they are not documented.
  • In practice, they have internal audits, but they are carried out on an ad hoc basis and without fixed criteria.
  • The management has no official quality policy.

Desired state ("to-be")

  • Documented processes that meet ISO 9001 requirements.
  • A fixed and systematic audit scheme.
  • An adopted and communicated quality policy with measurable quality objectives.

Action plan

  • Prepare and approve a quality policy and associated quality objectives.
  • Establish a document management system for procedures, instructions, and records.
  • Develop a permanent audit scheme with plans, criteria, and reporting.
  • Document competencies (education, experience, training) in a system.

With this GAP analysis, the manufacturing company gets a clear picture of where the gaps are and the actions which must be prioritised in order to pass an ISO certification.

is a GAP analysis really necessary?

Perhaps you think that you already know where the gaps are. Or that a GAP analysis is just "another report" that takes time away from practical solutions. In practice, the analysis gives you exactly the opposite:

  • Focus and overview: You know where you stand and what is missing.
  • Time savings: You avoid wasting energy on what is already working.
  • Security: You start your certification with the certainty that nothing has been overlooked.
  • Action, not paper: The result is a starting point for more effective action.

The GAP analysis is the initial analysis that can make the certification itself simpler, faster and more targeted. During the GAP analysis, there is room for advice so you can clarify questions as needed. During the certification itself, counselling is not permitted.

Get a quote for a GAP analysis

FAQ - gap analysis

  • How does a GAP analysis help us?

    A GAP analysis is a review of your current systems and processes against the requirements of a given standard – e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001 or ISO 45001. It shows where you already meet the requirements and where the "gaps" are, which need to be closed, pre-certification. Thus you can save time and resources because you get an overview and a starting point for a clear action plan, so you know where to put your efforts. You avoid spending effort on areas that are already correct.

  • Is a GAP analysis a theoretical report?

    No - the result is not a theoretical report, but a starting point for making an effective roadmap. It shows where the company has gaps in relation to living up to the standard requirements. The company can focus its efforts on closing these gaps. During the GAP analysis, there is room for advice so you can clarify questions and concretize as needed. During the certification itself, counselling is not permitted.

  • We already know our weaknesses - why analyse again?

    Many people think they have the full picture. But a systematic GAP analysis can reveal gaps that would otherwise be overlooked – gaps that risk delaying the certification and prolonging the process, for example if you have to make an extra initial check.

  • Is a GAP analysis expensive and time-consuming?

    A GAP analysis is a small investment that quickly pays off. It can typically be completed in 1-2 days and ensures that you use your time correctly instead of wasting resources in the wrong areas. You can get an oral report on site, or we can prepare a written report. It's up to you.

  • Is a GAP analysis only relevant if we are to be certified?

    No, it can also be used in connection with internal improvements, e.g. as an analysis prior to streamlining processes and to meet new requirements from customers or authorities.