The idea of a gap analysis is often used when describing a document or set of activities that identify all the differences between the current state and the future state capabilities. To be able to perform an effective gap analysis, it is important that both the current and future state is defined in detail.

Let's continue our real-world example of the architectural design company:

It is clear that a gap analysis will be a helpful activity to perform to determine the differences between the capabilities of the current website and the potential future website described by the website development company's solution scope.

It also enables the business analyst to see what would be required and the effort needed to move from the current state to the future state. 

In our real-world example, the effort could include things such as designing a new website, implementing additional software integrations, employing additional staff, and implementing changes in business processes.