Gap Analysis
A gap analysis is the safest bet if your organization aims for an IS-BAO registration but is unsure about the distance remaining before it reaches the objective. A gap analysis is essentially a ‘blank audit’ that remains strictly confidential between you and the audit organization. Registration and renewal audits must be notified in advance to IBAC, but it’s not the case for gap analyses. The same applies to the audit report itself, which must be transmitted to IBAC shortly after the audit, but not in the case of a gap analysis.
Gap analyses are used in three specific situations where your organization either:
- Considers an IS-BAO registration but wants an expert opinion on the gap to registration;
or - Just started implementing IS-BAO from scratch and is overwhelmed by the new management systems;
or - Is almost ready for an audit but there’s one or two area(s) that still generate a few headaches.
In any case the right thing to do is to call an experienced auditor to assess the current situation, point out any issue that might delay your registration and provide strategic guidance to reach your objective. Gap analyses do not have to cover the complete standard: they can also be bound to one or more specific section of your choice from the IS-BAO standard.
Gap analysis is a free service that we offer our clients for added success and peace of mind. No one like surprises the day of the audit and every operator strives for a zero defect audit. A gap analysis happens one month prior to the audit and is a review of all the company flight operations manuals prior to the on-site audit. The auditor will ask for a copy of all company manuals and review them against IS-BAO protocols and procedures. If deficiencies are noted the auditor will inform the client of any irregularities or concerns. A gap analysis is not offered by all auditors but we believe in partnering together to achieve higher standards which is why we offer this free service. We want our clients to be prepared, informed, and confident!
