Benchmarking is a Reference Point
The way I see it, benchmarking is a reference point that is used as a comparison to everything that follows. If there is a new process in manufacturing and an audit it to be administered, then the first one becomes the benchmark to where all others are compared. In addition, when a benchmark is to be set you should make sure that whatever it is has the desired outcome. If a process is put into place for the first time the outcome is mere theory. Therefore, until the planned results occur then and only then can a reference point be applicable i.e. the benchmark. As for Sun Tsu also said, "To win 100 victories in 100 battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.