No, its nothing to do with the Iranian Embassy attack or other exploits of the SAS. But it could be. Knowing in fine detail what the other side is doing and how to defeat them is what gives the SAS the edge over most they come up against. They are the elite because they carefully benchmark themselves against their opposition before drawing up their plan of attack.

Likewise winners in business benchmark themselves against the best of their competition in the market place. One highly efficient window manufacturer benchmarks their manufacturing practices against what they see as the premier performance industry - automotive.

At MRA we have been conducting a survey that provides the basis for benchmarking. We call it the Norms survey. It has taken much longer than originally planned because the initial sample revealed such wide variations between the best and the average companies across the range of norms that we had to extend the sample.

Some surprising findings so far are;

1. The most efficient manufacturers are not those with the highest volumes.
2. The most efficient companies are not those who have invested the most.
3. There are a few examples of manufacturers with old machinery performing at optimum in a well-balanced production environment.

Too often stock management and production control is the Cinderella of organisations. As a result their customers do not get what they want and when they want it. Additionally there is definite scope to release to release cash tied up in stock.

The very best companies sampled are always seeking ways to improve. They seek knowledge and want to add to their bank of expertise. They openly ask where and how they can improve and are anxious to take on board any expertise we at MRA have. This inevitably means there will be a widening of the gap between the best and the rest.

The survey is absolutely confidential meaning results are not attributed to any company. However, the average and range across a range of over twenty norms provides a powerful benchmarking tool that is now available to manufacturers.

The survey has helped us to galvanise with solid facts that view that a performance elite is emerging and what constitutes "eliteness". Call David Amos or Mike Rigby at MRA for details of how we can help you to improve by benchmarking your business with the industry norms.