A Benchmarking methodology for metalcasting industry

Abstract

From the conceptual point of view, benchmarking seems a simple process. However, in practice a number of different models and approaches are used for assessing the companies performance. In the first part of this paper some benchmarking methodologies used for the performance assessment are briefly analysed. In the following section, the planning stage of a specific benchmarking methodology for the foundry industry is presented. This methodology was developed within the scope of the ANALYSIS AND SELECTION OF BENCHMARKING METHODOLOGIES FOR METALCASTING INDUSTRY project. This project, which deserved the support of the Portuguese Foundry Association, was structured in two stages: (1) developing the model for the performance assessment (including performance indicators specially designed for the foundry companies), and (2) conducting a pilot benchmarking study in order to validate the model. Both stage (1) and stage (2) received the contribution of 8 relevant national foundries.