In the ever-evolving landscape of data quality and management, staying abreast of key terms and concepts is crucial. This knowledge center helps you understand the jargon and terminology that surround certifications. Whether you're a seasoned data professional embarking on a new certification journey or a newcomer eager to explore this field, this knowledge center is designed to provide clarity and insight into the world of management systems.
What is a gap analysis?
With a view to auditing or certification, a gap analysis is performed with the intention of assessing management systems for the delta (gap) between the status quo and a required target state, e.g. the requirements of a new standard. The gap analysis is usually used when a standard is revised or completely reissued.
Certification companies then offer their customers a gap analysis to determine the current status, which is compared on site with the requirements of the standard. The result of a gap analysis is used to determine which gaps still need to be closed in order to achieve the desired status. The identified weaknesses (deltas/gaps) are documented and must be closed by the company before the actual certification audit.
A term often used synonymously with gap analysis is delta audit. Delta audits are also a common procedure during the transition to a revised, updated version of the standard in order to better assess necessary resources and any action required for a successful transition to the new standard.