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by Stephanie Neil, MA Editorial Staff Posted on Monday, July 27, 2009 10:49:29 AM   | Abstract: | Not all benchmark suppliers are created equal. AMR compares 14 vendors with information on how to choose the right one for your organization. |
| Keywords: | supply chain management; benchmark providers; SCOR model |
AMR Research recently released its “Benchmark of the Benchmarkers” report that includes information on 14 providers of supply chain benchmark data that covers the central SCOR model functions of “source, plan, make, and deliver.”
Written for chief supply chain officers (CSOs), the study helps companies understand where to get benchmark data, the capabilities and shortcomings of benchmarking providers, and advice on how to sort through the options. Specifically, each vendor has very different capabilities related to metric definitions, validation and cleansing processes, the number of support staff to provide assistance, and level of supply chain expertise. When considering a benchmarking service, AMR Research advises companies to consider six elements: expertise; scoping and peer group definition; deliverables; data scope; data quality; and other services.
According to AMR, the provider needs more than just a basic level of supply chain knowledge and should be able to train your team. Get a clear indication of the provider’s level of guidance and its requirements in terms of scope and peer group definition — for example, does it distinguish between make-to-stock and make-to-order supply chains? Also, to make the decision on what deliverables you need for the program, ask for samples of reports or online options and try to get an understanding of how flexible it is in slicing and dicing the data as well as selecting the peer group for comparison. As for scope, ask the provider how many companies it benchmarks annually by industry, how long it keeps the data, and the depth of the metrics collected.
All providers offer basic automated checks and balances, but this is not enough to ensure high-quality, comparable data. Good benchmark data requires additional levels of validation and harmonization. And, while some providers focus solely on benchmarking, others have larger programs that range from ad hoc benchmark studies and peer networking to full consulting services.
The study, the second in a series, follows the report, “Benchmark Your Supply Chain: Seven Factors for Success,” which focuses on the governance and process required to clarify and achieve the benchmark goal.
For more information, contact AMR Research.
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