Business professionals may glean considerable insight on benchmarking and best practices from a growing number of books published on both topics. Many of the books offer practical advice and insight on the how-tos as well as the unique challenges that companies and other organizations encounter when measuring and comparing their performance. This tool outlines key performance indicators and process steps organizations should follow when benchmarking.

Sample process steps include deciding what to benchmark, understanding your process, identifying and collecting data on best-in-class, comparing performance data, and planning to "meet and surpass" the best.