Why Start with an Assessment: GPA's Commitment to the Plan
- GPA
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
INTRODUCTION
At GPA, everything starts with an assessment. Not just because it is best practice, but because it is how we show up as a partner. An assessment is the first step of the Plan phase in our Plan Build Run methodology. It anchors every project in facts, context, and purpose. An assessment allows us to listen carefully, uncover root causes, and guide our clients with clarity from the very beginning.
In every service area—Process & Discrete Automation, OT Infrastructure & ICS Cybersecurity, and Manufacturing Intelligence— an assessment provides the understanding needed to create strategies that work. More importantly, it helps ensure those strategies deliver measurable return on investment.
THE PLAN PHASE BEGINS WITH AN ASSESSMENT
An assessment grounds strategy in reality.
No two plants, networks, or teams are the same. An assessment helps uncover the true state of operations, from legacy infrastructure to process inefficiencies. Instead of assumptions, we gather insight. This means less rework, faster execution, and stronger long-term results.
It transforms business goals into actionable steps.
Clients often come to us with high-level goals such as increased network stability, stronger network protection, or better access to data. An assessment translates those ambitions into a roadmap. That clarity helps teams invest in the right areas and avoid spending in the wrong ones.
It reduces risk and increases alignment.
When stakeholders are aligned early, projects move forward with fewer surprises. Through an assessment, we identify needs, confirm priorities, and eliminate blind spots. This leads to better budgeting, stronger executive buy-in, and a project that stays on track. All of this protects return on investment from day one.
Customer Focus Starts with Listening
An assessment is our way of listening.
We do not arrive with a sales pitch. We arrive with questions. By engaging with both frontline teams and leadership, we learn what success looks like from all sides. It is not just about solving a problem. It is about solving the right one.
It reveals the difference between a want and a need.
A team may want a new dashboard, but an assessment might reveal that poor data quality is the real issue. A request for more reliable connectivity might instead point to deeper network vulnerabilities. Our goal is not to fulfill requests. It is to guide clients toward the right solution.
It builds trust and delivers value.
Every recommendation we make is grounded in what we learn during an assessment. We show our findings, explain their impact, and offer next steps that align with your operational goals and business strategy. Transparency builds trust, and trust leads to better results.
Assessments Across GPA Service Lines
Process & Discrete Automation
We evaluate control systems, process sequencing, hardware conditions, and bottlenecks. An assessment ensures that automation upgrades increase performance, not complexity.
OT Infrastructure & ICS Cybersecurity
We assess your network architecture, wired/wireless segmentation, access controls, and vulnerabilities. An assessment gives you a clear path to greater operational resilience and reduced risk.
Manufacturing Intelligence
We examine how data is captured, integrated, visualized, and acted on. An assessment reveals what is missing and how to convert raw data into decisions that improve outcomes.
The Return on Investment of an Assessment
Every assessment we perform delivers value that continues well beyond the Plan phase. When projects are built on a foundation of understanding, clients reduce scope creep, avoid misaligned investments, and reach outcomes faster.
An assessment is not a delay. It is a smart decision that sets every phase up for success. It ensures that time and budget are invested in the right areas and that results align with strategic objectives. When done correctly, it is the first contributor to long-term return on investment.
Ready to Start the Plan?
Let’s begin with an assessment! Email us at sales@global-business.net to learn how GPA can help you move forward with confidence.
