The first phase in initiating a benchmarking plan is to identify what to benchmark. This involves defining a tightly focused subject of the benchmarking study and choosing an issue critical to the organization's success. Before an organization can achieve the full benefits of benchmarking, its own processes must be clearly understood and under control1.
References:
* ASQ - What is Benchmarking? Technical & Competitive Benchmarking Process1.
* ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) Body of Knowledge (BoK)2.