Benchmarking: a study in the supply and distribution of spare parts in a utility

Focuses on a benchmarking study relating to the supply and distribution of spare parts to the plant maintenance function in a major utility. The key lessons arising from the study include: the importance of clear business goals for a benchmarking project; the need to understand processes before benchmarking them; and the need to undertake process simplification prior to embarking on a formal benchmarking study. Attention to these issues helps to avoid false starts and ensures that the study is both focused and effective. Also points out that unless a benchmarking study is put into a wider business context, its efforts can prove nugatory.