Gap Analysis

Gap analysis is defined as a method of assessing the differences between the actual performance and expected performance in an organization or a business. The term “gap” refers to the space between “where you are” (the present state) and where “you want to be” (the target state).
A gap analysis can also be referred to as need analysis, need assessment or need-gap analysis.
It is a formal study of what your business is currently doing, where it wants to go, and how you close the gap between the two. It compares desired and actual outcomes and pinpoints opportunities for improvement.
The need for a gap analysis usually arises from a shortcoming such as;
• The sales team missed their targets,
• Customer service response times are too slow, and customers are complaining.
• Proactive leaders who want to understand how to improve the chances for success before undertaking a strategy.
• An individual looking to elevate their own performance.
These can be answers through a gap analysis.

Safe Reps. can get you started with gap analysis to find the most success, by going through the processing in two phases.
1. Setting up a Gap Analysis Methodology, by determining:
• The area to focus on.
• The needed information.
• Where will they find the information.
• Who will get that information?
• How will the information be handled?
• Who will evaluate and analyze the information?
• Who will share the results?
• How the results will be shared.

2, Run the Gap Analysis Template:
Once we have the who, what, and how, there are three primary phases:
a) Determining your requirements (e.g., compliance, contractual, etc.)
b) Identifying your current program’s achievements
c) Searching for a gap between the two

Overall, the gap analysis will follow a checklist to:
•Establish pre-determined requirements (regulatory compliance measures, goals, future requirements, etc.).
•Review existing safety policies and procedures.
•Run through a site safety inspection.
•Get quantitative and qualitative feedback using JHAs and interviews.
•Identify the gaps between your requirements and your existing plan.
•Create and share a report.

The gap analysis report will outline the findings from the process and identify corrective actions or process changes that can help you build a stronger safety program. Depending on your results, you might find you need to:
•Improve staff training and re-training
•Upgrading equipment
•Write or rewrite SOPs

To make the most impact, these actions should be both corrective and specific.