1 : Organize a Benchmarking Team
Establish a professional team with professionals of a variety of technical and engineering skills so the Team has a comprehensive understanding of the water utility’s processes and operations
2: Identify Study Objectives
Put key questions that are framing the issues and identify data needs;
3: Select Benchmarking Methodology
Approve the methodology. Analysts must be aware of the strengths and limitations of techniques for analyzing cost and production functions;
4: Collect Data
Select the appropriate comparison group of companies or standard (depending on the benchmarking method selected);
5: Apply Data Verification Procedures
Analyze techniques for verifying and comparing data need to be applied;
6: Perform Data Analyses
Apply the methodologies appropriate for answering key questions on utility performance;
7: Conduct Sensitivity Tests
Ensure credibility: comprehensive testing for model specification, alternative inputs and outputs, and alternative methodologies;
8: Present Results of Benchmarking Study and Develop a Strategy to Improve Performance
Set up a strategy to actually implement the recommendations of the benchmarking analysis.