Two questions should be answered firstWhy is it necessary to conduct benchmarking?
Benchmarking is used as a business process improvement tool, providing organizations with reliable evidence of best practices, assisting in setting goals and the methods used. used to improve operational efficiency. This process ends when the research obtained from benchmarking is developed into an action plan to make the necessary changes. It is important to note that benchmarking is a reciprocal process and needs to be carried out regularly to be truly effective.
Who does the benchmarking?
Benchmarking efforts can be initiated by anyone in the organization. When performing benchmarking, keep in mind the following 3 points:
-First focus on key business activities that contribute to customer satisfaction and labor productivity, then implement these efforts as best as possible to ensure results commensurate with those goals. resources spent.
-Plan to research the internal system within the organization before looking for external partners.
-Be prepared and professional so that the organization can be used for benchmarking with other organizations, ensuring that the organization's good image is maintained.
Benchmarking is most effective when performed by a group of people who are empowered. Support from the host organization is also important in the success and coordination of benchmarking research. There are many resources and people available to help organizations perform benchmarking. However, the organization must participate actively and wholeheartedly in this activity to gain maximum benefits.
Methods for performing benchmarking comparisons
-Research within the organization: Review published documents and information available within the organization. This method can collect the necessary information for benchmarking when the organization is only looking for performance results.
-Research through third parties: There are many companies that provide research and consulting services capable of conducting benchmarking projects. This method is used when an organization needs hard-to-find information such as information about direct competitors or conducting forums for many organizations to collect different information streams.
-Direct discussion: Sometimes it is possible to exchange necessary information about benchmarking research through formats such as questionnaires, telephone surveys, and online seminars. Direct information exchange such as questionnaires or telephone conferences is an important step before in-person discussions between groups.
-Face-to-face meetings and discussions: Face-to-face meetings between benchmarking groups allow groups to discuss, exchange information directly and draw up specific plans. This method is the most interesting and effective way to perform benchmarking.
Two groups of partners in benchmarking
-Internal: Benchmarking between departments within the organization, regions and other functional departments is called internal benchmarking. All measures need to focus first on internal comparisons. When one or several departments have similar operations, the organization should conduct internal benchmarking and apply them to internal operations. The organization should then discuss the issue of benchmarking outside the organization.
-Extensive: Extensive benchmarking involves comparing organizations that operate similarly. This type of approach is the best way to gather external information and often uncovers innovative practices from other organizations. Partners in this method are often leading organizations in the industry or companies operating in fields spanning many industries.
