An Effective Approach for Benchmarking Implementation

Abstract

Problem statement: The purpose of this study is to present a benchmarking guideline, conceptual framework and computerized mini program to assists companies achieve better performance in terms of quality, cost, delivery, supply chain and eventually increase their competitiveness in the market. The study begins with literature review on benchmarking definition, barriers and advantages from the implementation and the study of benchmarking framework. Approach: Thirty respondents were involved in the case study. They comprise of industrial practitioners, which had assessed usability and practicability of the guideline, conceptual framework and computerized mini program. Results: A guideline and template were proposed to simplify the adoption of benchmarking techniques. A conceptual framework was proposed by integrating the Deming’s PDCA and Six Sigma DMAIC theory. It was provided a step-by-step method to simplify the implementation and to optimize the benchmarking results. A computerized mini program was suggested to assist the users in adopting the technique as part of improvement project. As the result from the assessment test, the respondents found that the implementation method provided an idea for company to initiate benchmarking implementation and it guides them to achieve the desired goal as set in a benchmarking project. Conclusion: The result obtained and discussed in this study can be applied in implementing benchmarking in a more systematic way for ensuring its success.