Benchmarking: An implementation sample in ready-to-wear sector

Rapid improvements in technology throughout the world and necessity to be within the information network have formed the so-called "Quality Revolution" by increasing competition in production, service and labourforce. Continuous efforts inclined towards further progress and more quality have gained vital importance for contemporary business enterprises trying to achieve their fundamental objectives such as to "Become Customer Oriented", "Ensure Ultimate Customer Satisfaction". Should Benchmarking is regarded in this context, it is considered as one of the techniques to increase the advantage of competition and to guarantee customer satisfaction. Quality management, on the one hand, has a significant role in increasing internal and external performance of a firm by setting objectives; and on the other hand it also emphasises the necessity to follow the applications in the world in order not to fall behind of their rivals. Therefore, Benchmarking appears to be a systematic approach for this particular goal. The way to excellence for a firm is through comparing itself with applications of the rival firms and with the ones in the world and taking the necessary steps to adapt superior implementations. In the first chapter of this study, the reasons why Benchmarking was selected as a topic, the aim of the study and the significance of Benchmarking for the Turkish Ready-to-Wear Sector have been presented., In the second chapter, theoretical and conceptual basis of Benchmarking have been explained; then planned implementations of Benchmarking by the firms and Benchmarking Process, which has significant and effective results, have been presented in stages. In addition to this,246 various available resources on Benchmarking were dealt with in related sections. In the third chapter, materials and techniques of this study have been explained. In the fourth chapter of this research, Process Benchmarking, which is used by the firms in male shirt production, was presented by monitoring of the Benchmarking Process. Eventually, with the data collected after implementation, the benefits of Benchmarking brings about was analyzed in detail. The implementation process lasted about six months and after this study, some improvements in various sections have been observed such as in quality control system, in production time per unit, in sewing process and in job training. Finally, successful business enterprises can be said to try to go beyond its own and rivals' limits constantly, and to have a dynamic and innovative structure and if this is taken into consideration, it is seen that the importance of Benchmarking implementations will be increasing gradually.