Basics of a Current State Assessment

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No matter the stage of a project a consultant is brought on to a project, chances are that a current state assessment of the client situation was conducted at some point in time - either formally or informally. Output from this critical component of the consulting process is a key determinant of the direction taken by the consulting organization in future stages and the first step in improving organizational performance.

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What is a Current State Assessment?

A current state assessment is essentially an understanding of the current state of the organization or the situation being observed. It can range from a simple diagnosis to a more detailed root-cause assessment.

A well-conducted current state assessment can provide a clear view of the current situation and reality. This information can be used to then identify specific opportunities for improvement - addressed by way of actionable recommendations.

How is a Current State Assessment Conducted?

A current state assessment can be conducted in a variety of ways; often a combination of different approaches. These include:

Observation: Simply observing the client organization and its processes speaks volumes about the current situation. Despite the formal organizational policies and procedures, the reality may be quite different.
Stakeholder interviews: Much can be learned from speaking with members of different stakeholder groups (including employees, management and clients). This is where anecdotal evidence is often gathered and stakeholder perceptions of the current situation revealed. Often consultants will anonymize results to maintain the interviewee’s confidentiality and the integrity of the data gathered.
Research: Past research, white papers and internal documentation are also studied to gain a better understanding of the external and internal factors that may impact the client situation. This information also helps to establish a baseline and serves as a basis for benchmarking the organization.

Most current state assessments can be conducted in a relatively short period of time (between two to four weeks), although more complex engagements may require more time. The findings from a current state assessment may be presented in either a written or presentation format and commonly include the following: