 |
|
| AMR Benchmark Analytix FAQ |
|
Q. How much time will this project take?
A. These days, no one has time to devote their entire day (or half a day for that matter) solely to one project. This is why we have designed the benchmarking study to deliver the most impact under the least amount of time possible. Customers have repeatedly told us that data collection is usually spread over 4-6 people, based on functional areas, and requires a range of only a few minutes to a couple of hours of total effort per team member. In total, it usually takes less than 2 person-weeks of effort for the combined team to gather the information. Total elapsed time for completion of data collection is aimed at 4 to 6 weeks. This time frame is aimed at keeping your data collection team focused and on track.
Q. How can we ensure that you are comparing apples to apples?
A. This is our No. 1 concern-integrity of data-otherwise the results lose credibility. While benchmarking is not an exact science, we go to great lengths to ensure that results are accurate and have the lowest margin of error by using three methods to ensure consistent and board-level quality data: - Detailed instructions, calculations and glossary
- Crosschecks
- Hands on, one-on-one guidance through data collection
Q. Who will we be compared to?
A. We collaborate with each company to determine the best peer group fit based on industry, company size, manufacturing process (e.g., make to order, make to stock), sales, distribution, supply channels, and other factors (BOM complexity, regulatory compliance, etc).
Based on your supply chain's characteristics, we create a custom peer group from our extensive database where you will receive maximum value. We also integrate out-of-industry insights into your report so you can learn from the best-in-class companies at no extra charge.
Q. Can I expect that my direct competitors to be in our peer group?
A. While in a lot of instances your competitors will be in the peer group, this is not the case all the time. Because this is a supply chain benchmark (not a product benchmark), companies are compared based on their supply chain characteristics. Best-in-class companies always ask to be compared to industries outside of their own in order to gain insights into performance and best practices across industries. Cross-industry insights can then be leveraged to outperform your direct competitors.
Q. Should we benchmark our entire enterprise?
A. While benchmarking the entire enterprise might seem like the best way to go, there are things to consider:
- If you benchmark the entire entity, will there be too much masking of what is really going on inside the different lines of business or geographies?
- Might it be more efficient to benchmark one business that is most representative of the others?
- Do you want to identify centers of excellence by benchmarking each supply chain separately and learning through strengths and weaknesses?
- What are your time frames? Will you be able to collect data for the enterprise in time to meet your goals?
- What is your organization's level of maturity around measurement?
If you have a measurement system already in place, data collection will be more seamless. Alternatively, if you are instituting a new measurement program (as many of our clients are), you may want to start with a core business unit and grow your initiatives once that first measurement program is in place.
We always talk through the scoping process with you to make sure your organization is getting the most value from the benchmark.
Q. How long does it take to receive our results?
A. Benchmarks of your performance can be provided within 48 hours of receiving your validated data, if needed. We can also prepare a few high-level findings slides within a few days. However, in order for AMR Research to perform a complete comprehensive analysis of your supply chain performance and prepare your custom report with prioritized recommendations, typically 2-4 weeks are needed.
Q. What is our next step after the benchmark?
A. Once the benchmarking is complete, our recommendations are prioritized for maximum effect. AMR Research industry and supply chain analysts work with our benchmarking analysts to deliver your executive results in an interactive, working session. With a prioritized list of action items in place based on your business goals and feedback from your executive team, you are poised to take the improvement leap. For companies that already retain AMR Research's Advisory Services, benchmarking provides a meaningful and structured basis for your annual relationship with AMR. The benchmarking shows you "where" to improve, and AMR Advisory digs deeper into the areas you are interested in and tells you "how" you can improve them.
Q. How is our confidentiality protected?
A. Our study is a "blind study" (i.e., we don't reveal any company names). Additionally, we maintains a strict policy regarding the confidential information of its clients. As part of this policy, AMR Research requires that each employee sign a nondisclosure agreement, binding that employee from disclosing AMR Research and its client confidential information.
AMR Research, through its benchmarking group, does not benchmark any of the company profile data (financials, customers, competitors, etc). Data is never attributed to a company, except in that company's own report. Submitted client data resides on a secured company network location accessible only by AMR Research benchmarking analysts and a database administrator.
Client data and information is shared solely with AMR employees on a need to know basis. This may include the benchmarking analyst, a supply chain analyst and an industry expert who takes part in the analysis and development of your recommendations. If you are an AMR Research client, your client research analyst will also be involved to help you maximize the value of the benchmark in their ongoing supportive role.
For more information on AMR Benchmark Analytix or to request a sample deliverable, contact AMR Research at info@amrresearch.com. [subject line: Information on AMR Benchmark Analytix]
|
|
|
|
|
