"We don't want to just be better than our competition. We want to be the best forest product company in the world and a global leader among all industries. With the findings of the Benchmarking study, ASUG and SAP helped us identify opportunities that enable that vision."

Chris Vane Liew Director, IT Enterprise Systems SAP Support Weyerhaeuser

QUESTION:
What methodology is used in the benchmarking process?

ANSWER:

Benchmarking Methodology
Step 1: Key Performance Indicators	Step 2: Gap to Q1 and Average	Step 3: Best Practice Adoption
Submitted data from the participant is used to calculate key performance indicators (KPIs).	The participant's KPIs are compared against the averages and the first quartiles (Q1) of the peer group(s), which is typically defined by criteria such as industry, company size, or geography.	Results for the KPIs are then supplemented with a detailed assessment of adoption of best practices, which helps to explain why a participant may excel or have a gap vis-à-vis the peer group.

QUESTION:
What type of information is needed to successfully participate and ensure meaningful information is the outcome?

ANSWER:
The surveys require basic company information, as well as a quantitative baseline on key metrics and performance indicators. A qualitative assessment is included as well, where coverage and importance of best practices is covered. Note that only mandatory questions are marked with a red asterisk – those that are required to receive a meaningful outcome.

QUESTION:
How long does the process take?

ANSWER:
The abbreviated surveys take generally between one – two hours and up to one – two days (depending on availability of the information). The comprehensive surveys generally take a few days, as the information often has to be collected from several stakeholders.

QUESTION:
How can I ensure my data\information will not be shared with other competitors?

ANSWER:
The benchmarking interchange is treated as confidential to the individuals and organizations involved. Organization-specific survey responses and the resulting analysis can only be shared with the individual(s) submitting the data and cannot be shared outside of said individual(s), either internally within the individual(s)' organization or externally outside of the SAP benchmarking organizations, without the prior consent of the individual(s) who submitted the data. See our Terms and Conditions on the registration page

QUESTION:
Is there a high level overview that can be shared so I can have a better understanding of what really happens throughout the process?

ANSWER:

Survey Registration and Completion Process
Step 1: Survey Registration	Step 2: Data Validation	Step 3: Analysis and Report Creation	Step 4: One-to-One Session
Register and complete survey	Validate data provided in the survey	Assess KPI and best practice adoption Summarize key business pain points	Present findings to process owner(s)
1 week post-survey submission		1 - 2 weeks post-data validation
Key Stakeholders: Survey Participant(s) Engagement sponsor Business process owner(s) Process level IT owner(s)		Key Stakeholders: SAP Engagement sponsor VE team member(s) VE Business process expert(s)