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)