Benchmarking is a continuous improvement method used to enhance organizational performance. Benchmarking compares procedures and processes in the Environmental Management program with those of other public and private entities, using qualitative and quantitative performance measures to establish goals for improvement. A benchmarking study may be beneficial when you believe that significant improvements could be made to a process but do not know what changes to make.
Preparation is the most important part of a successful benchmarking study.
This includes setting an objective, determining the process to benchmark, choosing a benchmarking team, examining your organization's process, determining process measures, and finding partners with whom to benchmark. Shortcuts taken during this phase can lead to problems later in the study. While a single benchmarking study can lead to process improvements, the process must be recalibrated and repeated to reach its highest potential. The study is completed upon submission of a final report with recommendations for improvement and an implementation plan, but the post-study implementation phase is an essential part of the effort that cannot be ignored. While submitting recommendations is helpful, improvement will not be achieved if these recommendations are not implemented.