Fill and Sign the Benchmarking Considerations Form

Benchmarking Considerations 1. Defining the Consumer Need  Market research  Consumer Satisfaction Index  Demographic Considerations  Consumer Trends  Competitor Research  Unique Selling Proposition 2. Design Process  Materials needs  Communication needs  Packaging needs  Design cycle time  Personnel requirements  Future trends  Competitor standards  Cost considerations  Sustainability Issues 3. Materials Purchase  Vendor relations  Materials inventory management  Quality of materials  Storage needs  Delivery time  Personnel needs  Alternatives  Equipment needs  Cost considerations 4. Production Process  Methodology  Quality control  Facility needs  Inspection  Equipment needs  Personnel needs  Parts availability  Assembly time  Returns and repairs  Cost considerations 5. Packaging  Consumer input  Labeling  Distributor input  Instructions  Materials needs  Quality control  Facility needs  Inspection  Equipment needs  Personnel needs  Returns and repairs  Cost considerations 6. Inventory  Routing needs  Storage needs  Average time in inventory  Inventory controls  “Just in time” production 7. Distribution and Delivery  Distributor input  Personnel needs  Inventory control  Quality control  Methodology  Inspection  Facility needs  Equipment needs  Location of Delivery My location Customer’s location Another location  Mechanisms for delivery  Direct presence  Mail/Ship  Truck/Rail  Communications Use of Fax Use of E-Mail Telephone Communications  Software Needs  Cost considerations 8. Waste Management  Recycling  Low waste materials  Alternative uses  Cost considerations 9. Health and Safety  Workers’ compensation and disability claims  Wellness programs  Health insurance claims  Ergonomics  Equipment maintenance, repair, and replacement  Absenteeism, tardiness 10. Customer Service  Goods and services availability  Warranties and guarantees  Returns, repair and replacement  Feedback mechanisms (surveys, use of 800 numbers, etc.)  Cost considerations 11. Marketing Issues  Unique selling propositions  Joint venture and host possibilities  Consumer education efforts  Back-end sales  Pricing considerations  Advertising 800 numbers Direct mail On-line marketing Fax on demand Use of Pagers  Sales representatives  Telemarketing  Vendor and distributor assistance  Retail sales  Rebates, coupons, and other incentives  Catalogue sales  Public relations Newsletters  Cost considerations 12. Internal Communication Systems  Use of computers  Newsletters  Bulletin boards  Meetings  E-mail  Intranet  Employee surveys  Accounting systems  Open-book management  Performance reviews  Peer Reviews  Cost considerations 13. Personnel Issues  Hiring  Testing  Orientation  Training  Retentions/turnover  Outsourcing  Team building  Performance review process  Terminations  Rehiring