 |
 |
 |
Download gap analysis template in Microsoft Excel format.
Gap Analysis Tools for Forward-Thinking Organizations
If you’re company or organization is planning to perform a gap analysis study, there are several gap analysis tools that can help make this process a lot easier. In this article we will take a closer look at some of those tools and provide a brief definition of the gap analysis process and how businesses can use this process to further their organizational goals.
Gap Analysis: A Definition
Although the term “gap analysis” may seem quite technical, the process is actually quite easy to understand. In simple terms, gap analysis is a process in which businesses and organizations take a hard look at where they currently are—in terms of profits, customer service, technology, etc.—and compare that against where they would currently like to be in those specific areas. The area in between these two states is called the gap, and once this gap is identified businesses can create policies and develop strategies in an attempt to close that gap and reach their desired goals.
Gap analysis, whether formal or informal, is a process that happens every day in business and among individuals. Take the person who is struggling with his/her weight. Although this individual may currently weigh 190 pounds, he/she would like to weigh 180 pounds. The gap in this instance is 10 pounds, and to close that gap this person can implement appropriate strategies such as diet and exercise to reach their goal.
Gap Analysis Tools
The process of gap analysis can involve a wide range of tools, ranging from advanced statistical analysis to simple questions such as “Where are we now?” and “Where do want to be?” Typically, the most prominent tools in gap analysis are the project manager and members of his/her team who use a variety of techniques and tools to examine those prominent questions and create strategies to fill the gap. Some of the tools and strategies used to perform this process include:
- Spreadsheets. There can be no debate that the process of gap analysis was significantly aided by the introduction and advancement of spreadsheet programs. These spreadsheets allow project managers and other team members to analyze numerous pieces of data among a wide spectrum of services including financial and technology data.
- Surveys. Surveys are another vital gap analysis tool. By surveying different departments, employees and customers of an organization managers can get a clearer picture of some of the factors that are blocking progress and can receive valuable input into how some of those “road blocks” can be removed.
- Meetings. When project managers conduct meetings, either by department or with the staff as a whole, they can usually detect some of the problems with regard to progress and hopefully get a consensus on the best way to move forward.
Gap analysis is a vital tool for forward-thinking businesses and organizations, and thanks to the many tools that project managers and business owners now have at their disposal, the process has become much more streamlined and easier to conduct.