ST. PAUL – In a comprehensive benchmarking study released today by the Minnesota Department of Administration, data shows the state compares favorably in delivering cost-effective and efficient services. The study further analyzes areas for improvement and outlines reform opportunities developed by state employees.

“This is a breakthrough effort in collaboration across widely varied state agencies and an example of Governor Dayton’s focus on data-driven improvement through the Better Government for a Better Minnesota initiative,” said Spencer Cronk, Commissioner of Administration. “We know we can do even better, and we’re pursuing improvements big and small, from simplifying our processes and policies to upgrading our technology. Fewer resources spent on administrative duties means more for direct service to Minnesota’s citizens.”

The state contracted with IBM to compare the state’s performance in human resources, finance, payroll and procurement to the performance of leading private and public sector organizations. Data was comprised of several dozen performance metrics and collected from 40 state agencies and boards. The results of the study show that state performance in these administrative functions is generally above average, despite challenges due to differences in how individual agencies operate as well as technological limitations. Dozens of opportunities for improvement were developed by the Department of Administration and approximately 200 state employees through multiple workshops.

The benchmarking study was authorized and funded during the 2012 legislative session. Please view more details on the /admin/assets/benchmarking_ibm_report_tcm36-205835.pdfcomparison report and /admin/assets/benchmarking_opportunities_report_tcm36-205836.pdfopportunities report of the benchmarking study.