The American Water Works Association, the Water Environment Federation and their research foundations have partnered to create a Benchmarking Clearinghouse to help drinking water and wastewater utilities improve their performance.
The clearinghouse is in the design stage, but organizers hope that it will help utilities improve their operations, identify and implement best practices, operate more efficiently, and save money. It will provide information and tools for all areas of the water/wastewater industry, including treatment facilities, collection and distribution systems, and customer service.
According to literature from the WEF, benchmarking is a continuous process of improvement using comparison and change. Organizations search to identify the ?best? and then copy those methods or ?best practices.?
Benchmarking started in the manufacturing sector with the now famous Xerox? turnaround. In the late 1970s, with sales and market share slipping, Xerox looked outside for help. The company borrowed ideas from L.L. Bean? (warehouse and inventory), American Express? (billing), and Hewlett-Packard? (R&D). Since 1983, benchmarking has helped Xerox reduce manufacturing costs by nearly 50 percent and brought parts acceptance to nearly 100 percent.
Organizers plan for the clearinghouse to be a financially self-supporting service that is jointly developed and managed by WEF and AWWA. The associations plan to use a phased approach in developing the clearinghouse, beginning with a pilot program. Elements and tools will be evaluated against the needs of the industry and the most critical will be implemented first. Some portions of the clearinghouse should be available this year.
The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) and the American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AWWARF) are providing funding for a portion of the development. A small number of other organizations will be asked to support and influence the benchmarking program by becoming Founding Charter Members of the Pilot Benchmarking Clearinghouse. The associations are in the process of recruiting founding members.
The goal is to have clearinghouse information on the Internet. A web site will serve a variety of clients, from the Charter Members, who can use all services, to the public who can access general information about benchmarking and clearinghouse services. Some services, like training, will be offered both on the web site and at conferences and meetings. All members will be asked to share data to support clearinghouse studies and other activities.
WEF and AWWA are coordinating on design and management of the clearinghouse. Each organization will lead the development of specific elements. Where possible, existing benchmarking tools will be modified to fit the requirements of the water and wastewater industry. This may include incorporating existing data or using the services of other organizations.
According to the WEF, clearinghouse development will start once the charter membership has reached a critical minimum. The associations plan to host an introductory forum in April. It will be by invitation only.
To receive the electronic Benchmarking Development Newsletter by e-mail, or if you have questions or are interested in being a supporter, contact the WEF at 703-684-2400, ext. 7245.
