Gap Analysis

Gap Analysis module is designed to systematically assess and identify gaps.

Gap Analysis Basic Overview for the Product Collateral

Module Overview:

1. What is the primary function of the module?

The Gap Analysis module is designed to systematically assess and identify gaps in sustainability disclosures against the CSRD’s ESRS requirements. It ensures companies focus only on material topics identified during the Double Materiality Assessment (DMA), offering a precision-based compliance roadmap. This module evaluates if each relevant ESRS data point is reported, partially covered, or missing.

2. How does it integrate with the other modules in the Sustain Suite?

This module is deeply interlinked with:

  • Double Materiality Module: The gap assessment begins only after DMA completion, ensuring that only material topics are analyzed, reducing unnecessary compliance burden.
  • Data Collection Module: Identified gaps are translated into targeted data requests, guiding the user in collecting missing ESG metrics across 1,184 ESRS data points through structured forms and validation protocols.

3. What problem does it solve for the end-users?

It eliminates the ambiguity around what is expected under CSRD, streamlines compliance by focusing on relevant disclosures, and ensures companies can efficiently detect and address reporting gaps to prepare a complete, auditable sustainability report.

Key Features and Capabilities:

1. What are the key features of the module?

Core Features

  • Automated Materiality Filtering: Only evaluates gaps for topics deemed material in DMA, avoiding over-reporting.
  • Pre-Fill from Past Reports: Imports historical disclosures for comparison and highlights deltas.
  • Structured Gap Matrix: Categorizes data points into Fully Reported, Partially Reported, or Missing.
  • Gap Severity Scoring: Highlights critical vs. non-critical gaps, aiding prioritization.
  • Are there any specific technical functionalities or processes that should be highlighted?
  • Rule-Based Questionnaire Generation: Automatically builds ESRS-aligned forms based on material topics.
  • Data Validation Engine: Includes logic checks and alerts for missing/illogical entries (e.g., out-of-range values).
  • Downloadable Compliance Reports: Generates gap analysis tables and suggested action plans in PDF/Excel formats.

2. How is the module used in day-to-day operations?

Sustainability teams initiate the module post-DMA to generate a real-time compliance heatmap. This is then used to coordinate internal teams (via the Data Collection module), assign responsibilities, and close gaps ahead of disclosure deadlines.

Target Audience:

1. Who is the ideal user or customer for the module?
  • CSRD/ESRS Implementation Leads
  • ESG/Sustainability Managers
  • Internal Auditors & Compliance Officers
  • Sustainability Consultants
  • ESG Data Coordinators across functional departments

2. Are there particular challenges these target users face that this module addresses?
  • Difficulty mapping CSRD requirements to real operations
  • Inconsistent or incomplete disclosure across departments
  • Overload from attempting to report all ESRS datapoints rather than material ones

Benefits and Value Proposition:

1. What are the primary benefits of using the module for end-users?
  • Focuses only on material and mandatory disclosures
  • Converts compliance effort into an actionable, trackable workflow
  • Minimizes reporting fatigue and ensures precise audit preparation

2. What differentiates this module from similar solutions in the market?
  • Fully aligned with the SustainSuite DMA logic, ensuring no time is wasted assessing non-material topics
  • Real-time validation and severity scoring, unlike static Excel-based gap checks
  • Tightly integrated with SustainSuite’s Data Collection module for easy follow-up and evidence collection

3. What is the key value proposition that should be highlighted?

With the Gap Analysis module, compliance is no longer overwhelming. SustainSuite transforms regulatory complexity into a step-by-step, materiality-driven disclosure process that’s transparent, accurate, and CSRD-ready.

Future Enhancements:

Are there any planned updates or enhancements to the module that should be mentioned.
  • Dynamic CSRD Regulation Updates: Automatic alignment with evolving ESRS amendments
  • Pre-Audit Checklists: For preparing documentation ahead of limited assurance review
  • Cross-Year Gap Comparison: Benchmarking improvement in disclosure maturity over time