Led by a group of retail giants, over 600 companies are participating in an industry-wide assessment of supply chain best practices.

Facilitated by consultant Tompkins Associates and driven by companies such as Coca-Cola, Campbell Soup Co. and Coors, the survey has broken down company data into a specific metric set to ensure an even playing field for comparative purposes, according to Bruce Tompkins, a principal at Tompkins.

Tompkins explains that the exhaustive, 3,000-question online survey is designed to ensure that study facilitators are able to get an accurate understanding of a company's operations. Metrics explored include profile and budgets, transportation, distribution center operations and international operations. Supply chain technologies and store distribution networks are also analyzed.

Tompkins asserts that the study exceeds typical supply chain analysis. "We are asking process practice questions that go way beyond the numbers," he says. Tompkins notes that an online seminar in the coming months will analyze the survey's findings and is available to all study participants. "This year will serve as a starting point for the study," he says. "Major retailers have indicated they want other areas explored as well."