News

Benchmark is entering the digital age

Published: 22-03-2021

Benchmark is a national scheme designed to ensure best practice for the installation, commissioning and servicing of domestic heating and hot water products.  Introduced over 20 years ago, it is a ‘certificate of demonstration’, showing that the system was commissioned correctly and the appliance controls were explained correctly to the end user.

Now, on Monday 22^nd March, Benchmark will see an important change, moving into the digital era in the form of an app. This can be accessed via an app on your smartphone or tablet. The paperwork will be replaced by a digitalised checklist of dropdown boxes, forming a continuous record and helping to reduce   paperwork.

The bulk of the material from the original Benchmark will pass over to the digital version with some new additions, so the majority will be recognisable and easy-to-follow for engineers.

The App does not require connection to the Internet either. The Benchmark checklist can be completed via the App even if you are not online. It will automatically upload information to the database once connection is restored.

The digital Benchmark will benefit engineers and installers by making the process far easier, more convenient, and less time-consuming, allowing them to focus on the job at hand.

One practical (and environmental) benefit of the app is to be a one-stop-shop for the user, preventing loss of documentation as well as reducing administration for installers and homeowners.

The digital version will also allow more efficient assessment, as installers will (subject to the end user’s agreement) be able to access the boiler’s service history even if they have never worked on it before.

The move to the digital format will see Benchmark continue to support best practice and consumer protection, but it will go one step further to make the process far more convenient, accessible, and simple – seeing both installers and homeowners benefit.

In the coming months, Worcester Bosch will be taking steps to streamline the process of registering Benchmark online for our loyal installers.

Watch Benchmark’s video below for an overview of the new process.