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Benchmarking

Benchmarking improves performance by identifying and applying best demonstrated practices to operations and sales. Managers compare the performance of their products or processes externally with those of competitors and best-in-class companies and internally with other operations within their own firms that perform similar activities. The objective of Benchmarking is to find examples of superior performance and to understand the processes and practices driving that performance. Companies then improve their performance by tailoring and incorporating these best practices into their own operations—not by imitating, but by innovating.

Usage and effectiveness among survey respondents

How Benchmarking works:

• Select a product, service or process to benchmark
• Identify the key performance metrics
• Choose companies or internal areas to benchmark
• Collect data on performance and practices
• Analyze the data and identify opportunities for improvement
• Adapt and implement the best practices, setting reasonable goals and ensuring companywide acceptance

Related topics	Bain capabilities
Best Demonstrated Practice Competitor Profiles	Corporate Strategy Performance Improvement

Companies use Benchmarking to:

• Improve performance. Benchmarking identifies methods of improving operational efficiency and product design
• Understand relative cost position. Benchmarking reveals a company's relative cost position and identifies opportunities for improvement
• Gain strategic advantage. Benchmarking helps companies focus on capabilities critical to building strategic advantage
• Increase the rate of organizational learning. Benchmarking brings new ideas into the company and facilitates experience sharing