Benchmarking makes RI debut

Benchmarking makes RI debut

JAKARTA (JP): Presetio Utomo & Co., the Indonesian partner of the United States-based Arthur Andersen, yesterday launched the Indonesian Benchmarking Clearinghouse.

This first benchmarking agency in the country is a non-profit organization founded by the public accounting firm in cooperation with seven major companies.

It will establish a benchmark of best practices in various industrial sectors in the country.

The benchmarking agency, whose initial members include Astra International, Bakrie Group, PT Freeport Indonesia, Hero Group, Kalbe Group, Bank Lippo and Sewu Group, was set up in association with the International Benchmarking Clearinghouse of the United States.

Darryl Hadaway, an advisor of the public accounting firm, said yesterday that the number of the members is expected to increase to 15 next month.

"In addition, a large number of other companies are also expected to join as members over the next 12 months to gain access to the benefits that the clearing house will bring," he said at the launching of the benchmarking agency.

He said that benchmarking, a formal process of identifying, understanding and adapting outstanding practices from organizations in the world, is essential as a performance gauge, especially in finding out the weaknesses and strengths of a company.

"By linking into one of the world's leading benchmarking clearinghouses, Indonesia will benefit from implementing leading technologies and practices," he said.

Hadaway said that the newly-established benchmarking clearinghouse has set initial targets of conducting five formal studies on customer satisfaction, the supply chain, new product development, corporate performance measures and team-based rewards and recognition.

"These consortium studies, which are open to all companies in Indonesia, are important areas for many companies wanting to improve themselves," he said, adding that being involved in the studies, employees of participating companies will benefit from a deep learning experience of their own process and practices as well as being able to compare with and learn from other companies in a non-threatening and confidential manner.

He said that benefits for the founding of ordinary members will include access to a series of services which include immediate access to a "best practice database" as well as the latest and best information and training in performance improvement and benchmarking. (hen)