While you can also find this word in reference to the original meaning in the Anglo-Saxon language, it is in the computer field where its use is more widespread. More formally you can understand that a benchmark is the result of the execution of a computer program or a set of programs on a machine, with the aim of estimating the performance of a particular item or all the same, and to compare the results with similar machines. However we will stop at the end of Benchmarking, Michael Spendolini in his book entitled Benchmarking which defines it as: A systematic and continuous process to assess products, services and work processes of organizations that are recognized as representatives of best practices, in order to make organizational improvements that process, can result in significant benefits for the Organization, since allows: w satisfy consumer needs in a more efficient way. w Increase the level of competitiveness. w define the objectives and strategies according to the actual conditions of the environment. w increases the participation of workers, through the generation of ideas to be applied in different processes and activities within the company.
Since the Benchmarking applications are infinite, it is necessary that organizations establish guidelines to determine that function or processes will be explored as part of the programmes to be developed by them. That is why, the most important stages can be summarized in the following points: firstly, should plan. Division managers should start by choosing which wish to improve processes (for example, the system of distribution), select the company that most stands out in that (distribution) and decide how they will measure the differences between the two processes. Then comes the making, stage in which the process of others is measured and then own (adaptation). The following is the stage of comparison, in the example of the two systems of distribution, looking for details on which is is more efficient.