Benchmarking

Benchmarking Challenge

1. Introduction-: In this project we have to perform the case study for a group of cars in same segment. The main aim of this activity is to perform the benchmarking processes in details from every aspect from its features to its functionality to its manufacturing quality.

2. Objective-: We have been provided with a case study according to which we have to perform benchmarking process and rate the car best suitable according to the case study.

Benchmarking yourself against the industry to increase product growth is the main aim of this case study.

3. Benchmarking & its significance in Automotive Industry-:

Benchmarking, is an evaluation practice of a manufacturer that is measured against the features & process of its competitors or peer’s product within a given industry. The goal of an engineer behind the benchmarking process is to analyse and implement the improvement programs to enhance the product efficiency and better manufacturing ability/ product lifecycle. To eliminate the gaps between the processes and rectifying the problems in the existing process is the benchmarking aim of an engineer.

While benchmarking in automotive industry involves products from another manufacturers & its peer’s. The objective for performing this activity is to enhance & upgrade the internal processes such as manufacturing process, design process etc. More frequently benchmarking is focussed on the manufacturing processes & features in the product:

In any, benchmarking study, the selection of benchmarking parameters to measure is of utmost importance. This outcomes as a study on performance measures and an approach towards the “lean production model”. The main outcomes for the benchmarking study will be increased & efficient productivity, reduced time, enhanced quality.

4. Methodology for Benchmarking Case study-:

Methodology for Benchmarking is an easy and convenient process. The detailed approach to benchmarking case study is listed below –

1. Understand the objective for case study & choose the products similar to your product segment & rivals/peers available in market.
2. Shortlist the products & list down the parameters & quantitative measures required for the study.
3. Obtain the required information for the product features, price, functionality, safety & manufacturing quality.
4. Perform the case study to analyse & point out the features, variation in approach to manufacturing processes.
5. Study the gathered information & opt out the enhanced approach for manufacturing operations, features and gaps.

5. Benifits of Benchmarking-:

1. Higher Product Quality.
2. Increased sales & market value.
3. Increased Production.
4. Reduced Scrap/wastage.
5. Enhanced products & internal processes.

6. Case Study-: D.S. Pughazhyendhii is a married man who lives in Bangalore which is a highly crowded city. His Family comprises five members including his wife, a five-year-old boy, his father, and his mother. He visits his native place Madurai which is 500kms away from Bangalore once a month. Also, he will be using his car to commute to his office. His budget falls between 8 to 10 lakhs on road. Please suggest to him options so that he will buy a good car for his family?

Note: Pughazhyendhii is fond of big cars.

For the above statement we will be considering the Compact SUV segment for the benchmarking study. The reason for opting the Compact SUV is the price range and taking into consideration the love of Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii in big cars.

So compact SUV will be the suitable segment for him as per the price range and specs required so now, we will list out five best cars available in the market in this segment and list out the rankings in the case study conclusion.

Compact SUV - A Compact sport utility vehicle is a class of or group of small sport utility vehicle and larger than mini-SUV’s but smaller than midsize SUV’s. Its length ranges from 4.25 m to 4.60m.

Now-a-days this segment is in huge boom in India. As the manufacturers in this segment are providing some luxurious as well as high safety features such as 4 air bags and 6 air bags etc.

Now we will perform our study below-:

Note-: The columns highlighted in yellow are the Pro's and in red are marked Con's.

7. Conclusions-: By the case study we get up to a conclusion that this compact SUV space is filled with cars having lot of features and safety measures. Getting up-to a conclusion for best cars among them is difficult when compared to features.

Based on the car performance, mileage, build quality and safety features we had concluded for the ratings of the car benchmarked above.

1. Tata Nexon.
2. Maruti Suzuki Breeza.
3. Tata Punch.
4. Hyundai Venue.
5. Kia Sonet.

According to the case study the best suitable vehicle for D.S. Pughazhyendhii is Tata Nexon.