The IMM Benchmarking Report is in its fourth year and this month provides data from the fourth quarter of 2001. We've developed a strong core group of molders who have volunteered this data, but we are constantly looking for more participants who want to take advantage of what the report has to offer. Its validity, vitality, and survival depend entirely on data from molders. If you enjoy and make regular use of this information, we encourage you to join the project today.

For those new to the Benchmarking Report, the project is simple. Several molders have volunteered to share their benchmarking data with us each quarter. The information comes in two parts. The first is the profile data (see table, below), which characterizes the molders by press quantity, resin quantity processed, parts quantity, and revenue, among other measurements. The information in the pies is the benchmarking data. We're measuring nine benchmarks: machine utilization, productive downtime, training per employee, mold change time, scheduled ship date on time, accident incident rate, scrap as produced, customer returns, and employee turnover. Each month we present three of these nine benchmarks.

If you want to get involved, participation is easy. In exchange for your time and data each quarter, you will receive from IMM detailed reports on key production and market data for every participating molder. These reports are sent in hard copy form or as Excel spreadsheets if you would like to manipulate the data yourself. To receive a sample, e-mail the address in the box below.

Should you choose to participate, your anonymity is guaranteed. Use the contact information listed at left if you are interested in joining the program, or if you have questions regarding it. We will fax or e-mail to you the forms you need to enroll and get started. This service is free of charge.