WERC Releases Benchmarking Study

OAK BROOK, Ill.—The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) has released “DC Measures 2008,” its fifth annual benchmarking study of warehouse and distribution center performance.

According to WERC, the study reports on 50 operational metrics grouped into five sets—customer, operational, financial, capacity/quality and employee. Two additional sets are related to perfect order and cash-to-cash cycle measurement. Data from nearly 700 companies was used to compile the survey.

This year, WERC collaborated with the Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association and the Material Handling Institute of America on standardized definitions.

“‘DC Measures 2008’ gives managers the most current information available to compare their operation’s performance with companies across a variety of industries, type of operations, size, customers served and business strategy,” says Robert L. Shaunnessey, WERC’s executive director. “The study also shows key trends in terms of priorities and performance that can help managers plan and execute so they can stay competitive.”

The research was conducted and reported by Karl B. Manrodt, PhD, associate professor at Georgia Southern University and co-director of the Southern Center for Logistics and Intermodal Transportation, and Kate L. Vitasek, managing partner of Supply Chain Visions. In addition, the study was produced with support from Staubach and Ryder.

The report is available for purchase at www.WERC.org. WERC members receive a free copy.