Gap analysis and compliance requirements, standards, rules, non-conformities, difficult situations, etc.
The gap analysis ... what does it consist of?
Whether it is to comply with a compliance requirement , a program , a standard , etc. or to resolve a non-compliance ; it is important to take a time out and draw up a state of the situation and determine what there is to do to move forward.
This is where the gap analysis comes into play:
The idea here is to properly describe and document the current situation or state that concerns you in order to make sure you know exactly what is going on and determine the starting point and the actions to be taken.
When we initiate a process to comply with a compliance requirement or a standard , it becomes imperative to identify the rules , conditions , parameters , and other important points to be respected and controlled. Once this is done, you will then identify and determine the elements for which you are compliant and those for which you're not. Keep in mind that it is possible that compliance is only partial for certain elements which are evaluated according to several different but complementary parameters.
The points and/or elements to which you must comply are now identified ; now you need to figure out what needs to be done to make it happen.
To maximize this exercise, you should align, side-by-side, what you already have with what you find or need to comply with even if it's little and not directly in accordance with the target line you have to reach for each respective element. The difference between two columns will constitute the gaps.
This gap analysis will therefore provided you with the elements of the work plan to be put in place to achieve your goals. It is the most objective and documented way there is. In addition, it is certainly not based on impressions or preconceived ideas but rather on documented elements of compliance to be achieved.
The best way to use the gap analysis:
In order to maximize the impact of a gap analysis ; it is important to ask the right questions and not hesitate to question yourself in multiple and endless ways.
What are your strategies for achieving compliance requirements :
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When you implement a new standard ?
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When you face a new regulatory requirement ?
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When you have important non-compliances to resolve ?
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Are your approach and your assessments sufficiently comprehensive and robust to achieve the desired level of compliance?
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Are you using all the tools available to simplify your work ?
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Are you going far enough?
The usefulness and impacts of a gap analysis
What can it be used for:
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To clear document and formally actions to take to comply with a compliance requirement
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To resolve more quickly the compliance issues to be achieved or non-compliance with a standard , regulation or customer requirement
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To raise awareness and mobilize your teams more effectively
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To work systematically so as to avoid following false leads based on intuition, hearsay or déjà vu
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To implement sustainable solutions based on a simple and effective approach
We are able to help you develop, implement or improve your strategy in order to maintain and improve your regulatory compliance as well as compliance with standards and/or customer requirements by assisting you in carrying out Gap analysis. This will strengthen your approach while making the actions to be taken more fluid.