What is benchmarking?

v  A standardized method for collecting and reporting critical operational data in a way that allows meaningful comparisons between different organizations

Why  benchmark?

v  College and University mail departments are under increasing pressure to demonstrate that they are becoming more efficient.

v  Benchmarking allows us to compare performance against others and is an excellent way to share best practices, highlight areas for improvement, and/or demonstrate above average performance!

Types of Benchmarking:

v  Competitive

–        (compare to other similar industries)

v  Functional

–        (compare to non-industry doing the same function)

v  Internal

–        (look for the best practice within your industry)

v  Generic

–        (compare the basic level of an activity to other organizations with a process that has a similar activity)

Why Is It Important?

v  Identify areas of your operation needing improvements, as well as areas of excellence.

v  Establishes creditable standards for productivity and cost-effectiveness.

v  Compare your operation to others  based on common standards of measurements.

v  Identify organizations with “best practices”  from which you  can learn.