"You can't manage what you don't measure" is a management adage that frequently gets trotted out when the conversational topic turns to performance measures. The challenge is the vast numbers of questions the adage begs, including: Who should measure? What should be measured? Do these measures drive improved business performances?

An IndustryWeek survey, in partnership with Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association International, answered some of the questions. One thing is clear: A majority of manufacturers employ performance metrics to improve their performance. Indeed, slightly more than a third (37 percent) said they "always" leverage such measures to boost their bottom line, while another 47 percent said they "sometimes" leverage metrics for that purpose.

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