Practical Experience of Benchmarking Research in UK Manufacturing

Summary

This paper draws upon practical experience of competitive benchmarking projects undertaken in UK clothing manufacture, electronic equipment manufacture and engine assembly plants. By way of contrast, a case study is included which illustrates the use of non-competitive partners in order to identify transferable practices which will lead to performance improvement in a pharmaceutical manufacturing company. The paper draws general conclusions about lessons learned from carrying out benchmarking studies in industry, and pitfalls to avoid.