Istzustand

Istzustand is a term used in German-language management and engineering to denote the current actual state of a system, process, or environment at a given time. It contrasts with Sollzustand (target state).

It is used to establish a baseline for analysis, improvement, or redesign. In business process management, an Istzustand analysis maps how processes are currently performed, including activities, roles, inputs/outputs, data, and tools. The concept provides a snapshot of how work is actually done, including deviations from procedures and informal practices.

Methods used to determine the Istzustand include process mapping, value stream mapping, process mining, interviews, observations, and data collection. In IT, it also involves inventory of hardware and software, system architecture documentation, and data-flow diagrams to capture the current technical landscape.

The information collected supports gap analysis with the Sollzustand, helps identify bottlenecks, waste, risks, and informs planning of changes, resource needs, and performance metrics. By comparing Istzustand with the desired future state, organizations can prioritize improvements and design roadmaps.

Challenges in documenting the Istzustand include keeping the information up-to-date in dynamic environments, ensuring data quality, defining the scope clearly, and effectively communicating findings to stakeholders. The concept is applied across domains such as manufacturing, IT, and service industries to support structured improvement initiatives.