What is a 'Benchmark' in the context of CMMI?

In the context of CMMI, a benchmark serves as a standard for measuring performance against industry standards. This concept is crucial because benchmarks provide a reference point that organizations can use to evaluate their performance and identify areas for improvement. By comparing their practices and outcomes to established benchmarks, organizations can ascertain how well they are performing relative to their peers or industry best practices.

Benchmarks help organizations understand not only their strengths and weaknesses but also where they stand in the landscape of their respective industries. This enables them to make informed decisions based on performance metrics and strive for improvement. Overall, utilizing benchmarks fosters a culture of continuous improvement and helps organizations achieve higher levels of maturity in their processes.