Organizations implement their benchmarking findings more frequently when the benchmarking study is tied to their strategic objectives. Benchmarking generates the most desirable outcomes when the process is backed by senior management. Further, best practices discovered through benchmarking are utilized more frequently when implementation is strongly supported by senior management. Insist on a formal methodology. Several such methodologies exist.
Some companies just adopt one, while others customize one to fit their specialized needs.
Insist on strict adherence to the Benchmarking Code of Conduct . Developed by APQC's International Benchmarking Clearinghouse, it has become a de facto standard utilized by virtually all benchmarkers worldwide. The Code of Conduct minimizes risk and establishes the protocol for organizations that share intellectual property. Insist on utilizing a systematic process classification framework . Processes can mean different things to different participants.