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Download gap analysis template in Microsoft Excel format.
Creating a Gap Analysis Template
Are you a business analyst or project manager in need of a template to perform a gap analysis study? Have you ever given any thought to creating your own gap analysis template? While there are several sites on the Internet offering these templates, some professionals might enjoy the challenge of creating and customizing their own. The steps involved in this process will be covered briefly in this article, along with a brief definition of the term “gap analysis” to assist and enlighten those not familiar with the process.
What Is Gap Analysis?
Gap analysis is a term heard frequently in business, especially in larger corporations with many employees and divisions. The gap analysis process, although it sounds technical and intimidating to those outside this field, is really rather simple. In fact the very name “gap analysis” should give you some idea about the process.
Gap analysis is a task usually given to project managers and analysts. Simply put, it is an analysis tool used to study the gap between “what is” in a given company versus “what needs to be.” By using this process, managers and analysts can identify the various obstacles to progress within a business or a project and correct any deficiencies with remedial action. The end goal is to keep the project moving and on schedule using only the minimum amount of resources.
Creating a Gap Analysis Template
As mentioned above, the gap analysis process is used to measure the gap between what currently exists and some desired outcome. To create a template for measuring this gap, the following steps can be taken:
- Using a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel, open up a blank worksheet.
- At the top of the page where it says “Worksheet one” rename this page to “What Currently Exists.”
- This first page is where you will list all the processes and resources currently being used to achieve the so-called status quo.
- On a second worksheet, repeat this process, labeling this worksheet “Desired Outcome.”
- Here you will list the expectations of the project or business, and the resources and processes needed to achieve the desired outcome.
- Finally, on a third worksheet, print the words “Gap.”
- By studying all the information from sheet one and two, professional analysts hope to pinpoint the gap and propose what processes, resources, technology, etc. is needed to close the gap.
Those unfamiliar with spreadsheet programs such as Excel have several other options for finding a quality gap analysis template. There are several online sites which offer a variety of business tools, and for little or no cost you can borrow and use a template already created by another professional—a professional who at one time or another responsible for performing the same type of gap analysis study.