ISO 9001:2015 GAP Assessment & QMS Development
An important first step in implementing a quality management system (QMS) is to compare the current QMS to the ISO 9001:2015 requirements. This is most commonly known as a Gap Assessment or Gap Analysis.
At SDS, the ISO 9001:2015 experts have conducted over 100 Gap Assessments in western Canada to help clients progress towards certification.
In a Gap Assessment, an SDS expert will utilize a Gap Assessment Checklist which contains the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard in question format. The consultant will compare the current QMS with the standard and identify any shortfalls or gaps. A Gap Assessment report will be generated which identifies for the client where gaps are and what needs to be done to fill them.
In situations where clients have major gaps in documentation, SDS provides to clients assistance in developing the defined types of documentation as follows:
Quality Manual including policy and objectives
Management System Procedures including work flow and planning activities
Operating Procedures including office manuals, work instructions, and forms
One of the primary benefits of a Gap Assessment report is its usefulness as a road map for each task that needs to be accomplished. In other words, it is a great project management tool to get a QMS certified to the ISO 9001 standard. There is also an opportunity for clients to receive one-on-one coaching from an SDS expert during the Gap Assessment. Not only does a gap assessment report determines areas in need of improvement, but it also identifies areas of success.
