Ibis Associates
NEWSLETTER
May, 1999
Volume 1 No. 2
In the last issue, we discussed the term
best practices. Best practices describe the optimum ways to perform a business
process. They are the means by which leading organizations have achieved top
performance. They also serve as goals for other organizations striving for
excellence.
BENCHMARKING
APQC (American Productivity and Quality
Center) defines benchmarking as "the process of identifying,
understanding, and adapting outstanding practices and processes from
organizations anywhere in the world to help your organization improve its
performance." Note that the definition uses the word
"outstanding" and not "best." What is best for your
organization depends on your unique situation
Internal benchmarking measures one part of the organization against
another. One organization that has a few branches may compare these branches to
ascertain the best in each. The major advantage of internal benchmarking is
that it identifies best practices within an organization. These are methods
that work within an organization's culture and environment. It is also less
expensive and less time-consuming than other forms of benchmarking. Internal
benchmarking will not reveal where you stand relative to your competitors or
others using the same process.
Competitive benchmarking involves assessing a company's performance against
that of its competitors. It is what most people think of when they hear the
term benchmarking. Often its problems outweigh the results. Obviously,
competitors can be very hesitant about sharing information. In addition,
qualitative information is often lacking or insufficient—the participants find
out where they stand from a metrics standpoint, but not how they can improve.
Universal benchmarking offers the richest source of insight. Organizations
can focus on the best performers, regardless of industry. They can obtain
insights that allow them to leap ahead of competitors, instead of merely
keeping pace.
How Do You Use This Knowledge?
The use of benchmarking and using these
practices for constant improvement to your business is necessary in today's
competitive world. Terms such as TQM (total quality management) mean that your
organization must perform at its peak proficiency and overcome any complacency
in workers. Just remember you don't have to reinvent the wheel, especially if
it has already been invented. Benchmarking allows you to look at your
organization in different ways, from different angles and make a difference.
How Can Ibis
Associates Help Your Organization?
Talk to us about best practices and benchmarking.
Let us teach you to become an organization that many wish to emulate.
NEXT ISSUE - RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk management tries to identify and manage
risks and threats that could impact the organization. Traditionally, risk
management was thought of as getting the right insurance. Insurance coverage
usually came in standard packages, so risk management was not taken seriously.
However, this impression has changed dramatically. What are the risks that can
be managed? There are: insurable risks, liability risks, personnel risks,
property risks, financial risks, environmental risks and others. Our discussion
starts next issue.
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Smile of the day
Killing time murders opportunities.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
P. O. Box 417 Telephone:
(626) 799-0680
So. Pasadena, CA 91031 Facsimile: (626)
799-6939
E-Mail: Ibisassoc@att.net Web site: www.ibisgroup.com