What is VIA Benchmarking?

• We took the Six Most Important Categories of Business and asked 10 Questions in each category.  The answers reveal *best practices in the industry" 
• To get started: A company logs in and takes the self-assessment revealing how many of the best practices they are currently doing. It leaves a roadmap of where to go next. 
• It is the process of measuring your own performance relative to your previous year’s performance.  
• It is also the process of measuring your own performance against those organizations in the peer group.
• This tool can stand alone.  The Awards program is an extra benefit.
  

*” Best practices” as determined by VIA contributing Members and VIA subject-matter experts… ​

​Why is Benchmarking important?

• ​Gain an independent perspective about how well you perform compared to other companies.
• Drill down on performance gaps and identify areas for improvement.
• Enable a mindset and culture of continuous improvement.
• Set performance expectations.
• Monitor company performance and manage change.

How long does it take to complete the Benchmarking?

​That all depends! Some companies take months to do it, others take hours.  You can assign a Champion to each category and review answers as a team.  The Tool is open for a few months so many companies do a little bit at a time.  How much time do you have to work on this is the real question! 

​Is there an essay portion on benchmarking? 

​No, but if you make it to the Interview phase (top assessors get an invitation) you can present your greatness to the judges. You can write an essay if you want to – we will read it. 😊 Not required though. 

​Do I have to do all six sections of the Benchmarking?

​No.  You can just do one and give it a try.  But you do get reports to show how you rank in the Association if you do all 6. 

Why is there a cost now to Benchmark?

​When upgrading our site, we needed to do some new development that was costly.  We are keeping the cost for members very low, so it is still an affordable benefit. It is $150 per company.   Access to the tool is $500 for a non-VIA member to participate each year.  In the first year of membership NEW VIA Members have access to the tool for free. Please reach out to our staff for your new member code.

What are the Spark Awards?

​The Spark Awards are one of our Signature Events. It’s a company recognition event where we recognize the winners of the Benchmarking program. We (with the help of GCAMP) have added two new awards – Manufacturing Educator of the year and Student of the Year.  This year the Spark Awards are on March 6, 2024.
 

If I  Benchmark, do I have to compete in the Spark Awards?

​No, Many companies use the tool internally only.

​Why should a company care about winning an award? 

• Solidify your reputation as a trustworthy brand.
• Raise brand awareness and increase visibility.
• Differentiate yourself and showcase leadership.
• Easier time attracting new employees and customers.
• Improve employee morale!
• https://sig.org/6-positive-benefits-winning-corporate-award

Where do I obtain the VIA provided marketing materials for the Spark Finalists and Winners?

If you are a 2024 Spark Finalist or Winner the marketing provided by the VIA are linked below. Click on the link button to access the marketing materials. Please note:  These materials are restricted to the Companies who were either SPARK finalists or award winners in 2024.  If you can not access the materials please, contact the office to obtain access.

2024 Spark Award Winner

2024 Spark AWARD Finalist

​How was the Benchmarking system developed? 

VIA had an Awards program back in 2017 that was based on similar categories, but we were looking for a tool that could give some objective feedback.  Inspired by a prestigious awards program, input from over 35 of our member companies, local experts, and our friends from IMEC, we came up with this tool.  

​What is my username and password? ​

If you have been around a while with the VIA your username is probably your first initial and last name. Try it, and then hit “forgot my password” to reset in the new system. If you are new – just go ahead and register in the system.  When in doubt, or at the first sign of trouble – send a note to the VIA. It is a newly developed site, so we are working out a few registration kinks. 

Login to Benchmarking Survey Tool