Benchmarking Commercial Reliability Practices

Benchmarking is a process for finding the world-class standards for a product, service or system and then adjusting one's own products, services and systems to exceed those standards. These world-class standards can be found by looking at competitors who are recognized leaders for the product, service or system. The method, now commonly used by companies as part of their efforts to improve quality, is a necessary element for winning the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. This publication provides an understanding of the best R&M practices being used by commercial industry. Areas of divergence and commonality among commercial reliability practices are identified, as well as the general commercial approach to designing, developing, and manufacturing reliable products. Insights into the motivations behind commercial companies' approaches are provided.