Be Honest With Your SMS Gap Analysis!

One of the most important aspects of laying the foundation of a Safety Management System (SMS) is the Gap Analysis. The Gap Analysis is simply an audit-type checklist that allows the auditor to determine what elements of the SMS are already in place and what elements need to be implemented. It should be kept in mind, however, that it’s not always as simple as Yes or No answers; an in-depth Gap Analysis will be scalable to account for various levels of a particular element’s implementation or progress.?

A Gap Analysis is not a one-shot deal. It will become a living document which will need to be updated on a regular basis, especially during the SMS implementation phase. Later, the Gap Analysis can, and should, be used as an audit tool for your functional SMS.?

If a Gap Analysis (especially the first one) is conducted internally, there is a major issue that might be encountered (and I have observed). A lack of objectivity and neutrality combined with a dose of bias may cause your internal Gap Analysis to lack honesty and not be truly representative of the status of your company’s current SMS. And bias may be present where the responses to the questions are overly optimistic because the auditor wants to “believe (or hope) that those elements are in place,” when in fact they are not!?

The lesson to be learned here is that if the Gap Analysis (especially the first one) is to be conducted internally, you need to ensure that the person (or people) conducting the analysis are being open, objective, and unbiased when responding to the Gap questions. Otherwise, I can guarantee you that there will be inconsistencies and much frustration later on when your SMS is audited by an outside organization (such as your CAA)!?

Dr. Bob Baron?conducts aviation safety training, consulting, and program implementation for aviation operators on a global basis.

Sensitive and knowledgeable about various cultures, Dr. Baron uses his 35+ years of academic and practical experience to assist aviation organizations in their pursuit of safety and quality excellence. He has extensive experience working with developing nations and island countries. He also provides training and consulting to some of the largest airlines and aircraft manufacturers in the world, as well as civil aviation authorities and accident investigation bureaus.

If your aviation organization is interested in improving its culture, implementing programs such as Human Factors, SMS, SSP, or LOSA, or have an external, unbiased safety audit/Gap analysis, please get in touch.

Dr. Baron’s company, TACG, provides numerous training, consulting, and auditing services. For more information, please go to https://www.tacgworldwide.com/Aviation-Safety-Courses