Adventures in Benchmarking LEE CHEATHAM BUSINESS OPERATIONS ADVISORY

Adventures in Benchmarking LEE CHEATHAM BUSINESS & OPERATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MAY 11 -12, 2016

Disclaimer These comments, conclusions are mine alone They do not reflect Arizona State University leadership, either then or now

Benchmarking Biodesign The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University A new laboratory research facility 2006 Laboratory Building of the Year Focus: Facilities Management Maintenance – building and relationship to University services Utility costs, environmental footprint Research productivity related to space Exiting the “start-up” phase Costs, long-term considerations becoming important Invited 4 -5 like organizations to visit Held onsite discussions

Conclusions Benchmarking: when you know you’re “pretty good” Consulting – when in trouble Review panel – when justification is required Value is both expected and unexpected Learn better practices, new ideas Enhanced reputation Sample size is (necessarily small) What is a good result? Outliers are probably the most valuable; looking for a direction Honestly accomplished and helpful It is still tough to remove entrenched beliefs

Tips Recruit someone already invested to help identify participants Present results with credible metrics that stakeholders relate to Linear-foot-of-bench Have leader of affected organization be the champion Otherwise it isn’t benchmarking Her/his full participation is required Keep it focused AND be prepared for the unexpected

Biodesign Result Confidence reformulate maintenance agreement with University Changed the discussion on research productivity (by space) Confirmation that the space-faculty interface as a dangerous place Expanding network among similar institutions Reputation of Biodesign and Facilities Manager improved Externally within research facilities community With Biodesign faculty

Thank you. Comments?