| Average, median, and "benchmark" measurements for the 1998 finalists in selected categories: | |||
| Category | Average | Median | Benchmark |
| Reduction in mfg. cycle time (5 yrs) | 51% | 47% | 95% |
| Reduction in order-to-shipment leadtime (5 yrs) | 45% | 45% | 90% |
| On-time delivery rate | 96% | 98% | 100% |
| Reduction in total inventory (5 yrs) | 29% | 36% | 62% |
| Reduction in WIP turns (5 yrs) | 39% | 41% | 84% |
| Percentage of finalists that extensively use these methods: | |
| Manual statistical process control (SPC) | 68% |
| Computerized SPC | 64% |
| Operators inspect own work | 96% |
| Quality function deployment | 52% |
| Total quality management | 88% |
| Design of experiments | 56% |
| Poka-yoke methods | 76% |
| Design for quality | 76% |
| Quality circles | 48% |
| Employee problem-solving teams | 100% |
| Failure mode effect analysis | 68% |
| Bottom-line measures of competitive improvement for the 1998 finalists in selected categories: | |||
| Category | Average | Median | Benchmark |
| Productivity improvement -- increase in value-added per employee (5 yrs) | 58% | 35% | 325% |
| Productivity improvement -- increase in annual sales per employee (5 yrs) | 60% | 46% | 346% |
| Manufacturing cost reductions per unit, excluding purchased-material cost (5 yrs) | 35% | 27% | 100% |
| Manufacturing cost reductions per unit, including purchased-material cost (5 yrs) | 22% | 22% | 44% |
| Plant-level return on assets | 238% | 65% | 2,670% |
| Increase in return on assets (5 yrs) | 154% | 50% | 876% |
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