Benchmarking

2. Planning

2.1 Establish a project team from different parts of the business.

• Select influential people who will have the power to see changes through.Unless your company is prepared to change, the project will lead to nothing.
• A team of six people, at most, will find it easier to reach consensus.
• Provide any training necessary for the team to understand the benchmarking process (and project management skills).

2.2 Link the benchmarking activity to your company's objectives.

• Identify which activity you want to benchmark and what the key performance measures are.Benchmarking models or consultants (see 6.1) can help you.
• There is little point in benchmarking peripheral activities.Focus on the key areas of your business.

2.3 Benchmarking will not work unless you know yourself.

Be clear about the 'cultural' factors which influence your performance. These will include:

• The business environment you operate in.For example, your market and your customers' requirements.
• Your management structure and style.For example, if your company has highly centralised management control, it will be difficult to introduce processes which work in more decentralised organisations.