# Baseline assessment Source: https://contracko.com/it/glossario/misurazione-di-riferimento # Baseline assessment An initial measurement of performance against which future results and improvements are judged. ## Definizione A baseline assessment establishes the starting level of performance, cost or quality at the outset of a contract, creating a reference point for later measurement. It underpins service levels, improvement targets and benchmarking by making "before and after" comparisons objective. As a measurement and project-management practice rather than a legal concept, it carries no statutory anchor. ## Esempio > Before outsourcing its helpdesk, the client records a baseline assessment of resolution times so later service levels can be measured against it. ## Perché rappresenta un rischio aziendale A missing or contested baseline turns every performance review into a disagreement about the starting point. Suppliers who inherit a poorly documented baseline may face claims of underperformance against a standard that was never actually measured. Clients without a baseline cannot objectively demonstrate that the outsourced service has deteriorated. ## Come gestirlo - Conduct the baseline assessment before the contract starts and record the methodology, data sources and results in a signed annex to the contract. - Use the same measurement tools and intervals that will be used to track performance during the contract, so the comparison is like-for-like. - Have both parties sign off on the baseline data before the contract term begins to prevent later disputes over what the starting point was. - Store the baseline alongside the SLA and any improvement schedules so the reference point is immediately accessible during performance reviews. - Update the baseline formally when there is a material change in scope -- a change order that adds or removes services should trigger a revised baseline. ### Come aiuta Contracko Contracko stores baseline assessment documents alongside contracts and SLAs in a searchable repository, so the reference point is always accessible when performance is reviewed. Version control ensures the original baseline and any approved updates are both available, preventing disputes about which version applies. ## Rilevante per [Servizi IT](https://contracko.com/it/settori/servizi-informatici)[Consulenza](https://contracko.com/it/settori/consulenza)[Fornitori di servizi gestiti](https://contracko.com/it/settori/fornitori-servizi-gestiti) ## Clausole correlate - [Benchmarking Clause](https://contracko.com/it/biblioteca-di-clausole/clausola-di-benchmarking) - [Service Level Agreement (SLA)](https://contracko.com/it/biblioteca-di-clausole/accordo-sul-livello-di-servizio) ## Termini correlati - [Benchmarking clause](https://contracko.com/it/glossario/clausola-di-benchmarking) - [Service level agreement (SLA)](https://contracko.com/it/glossario/accordo-sul-livello-di-servizio) - [Market conformity](https://contracko.com/it/glossario/conformita-al-mercato) - [Service credits](https://contracko.com/it/glossario/crediti-di-servizio) ### Non perda mai più una scadenza contrattuale - L'AI trova le date di rinnovo e preavviso - Rischi e obblighi emergono automaticamente - I promemoria La aiutano ad agire prima che le date sfuggano Trascini un contratto per iniziare PDF, DOCX, PNG o JPG [Inizi la prova di 7 giorni](https://app.contracko.com/register?appLanguage=it&utm_source=glossary_sidebar&utm_medium=lead_magnet&utm_campaign=glossary_sidebar_contract_upload&content_slug=baseline-assessment&content_title=Baseline+assessment&cta_placement=glossary_sidebar_cta&source_tool=glossary_sidebar_baseline-assessment) Conforme al GDPR. Cifrato. Mai usato per l'addestramento dell'AI. ## Domande frequenti Domande comuni su questo termine. - **Q:** Who conducts the baseline assessment -- client, supplier or a third party? **A:** Any of the three is possible. A jointly conducted or independently verified baseline carries the most weight because neither party can later challenge its accuracy. For significant outsourcing deals an independent measurement is worth the cost. - **Q:** What if accurate baseline data is not available before the contract starts? **A:** The parties can agree on a provisional baseline and a stabilisation period during which the supplier measures live performance before final targets are set. This is common in complex IT transitions where the client's environment is poorly documented. - **Q:** Does the baseline affect SLA liability from day one? **A:** If service targets are set before the baseline is complete, the supplier may be held to levels that are not yet achievable. Most contracts include a ramp-up or grace period before service credits apply, precisely to allow the baseline to be validated. - **Q:** How does a baseline assessment relate to a benchmarking clause? **A:** They serve different purposes. The baseline measures starting performance within the contract; benchmarking compares current contract performance and pricing to the external market. Both are often used together in long-term outsourcing: baseline for internal tracking, benchmarking for market alignment. - **Q:** Can a baseline be used to justify a price increase? **A:** It can support a price renegotiation if it reveals that the originally estimated scope was significantly lower than actual volume or complexity. However, a baseline alone does not create a right to price adjustment; the contract must provide a mechanism for it. ## Veda questi termini nei suoi contratti Carichi un contratto e Contracko estrae i termini chiave, le date e gli obblighi, poi la ricorda prima che ciascuno diventi rilevante. [Inizia la prova gratuita di 7 giorni](https://app.contracko.com/register?appLanguage=it) Prenota una demo