It should normally be achievable. However, I think that the reference rate assume that maximum proliferation is done on all inputs. Sometimes I don't do this if the only benefit is increased speed. In these cases the reference rate is much higher than what I get or expect to get.

For most buildings, reference rate seems to be accurate. It will update if a building has proliferator bonus active. Buildings that are idle or unpowered or not connected at all will still be part of the reference rate, so try no to leave unfinished work lying around.
For the sprayer, reference rate is pure garbage. It assumes max flow rate on everything, everywhere, which is pretty much impossible to do.

Definitely achievable for most things, about the only thing you'll pretty much never be able to match it on is fractionators, because there is always some efficiency lost unless you're feeding in new hydrogen after every single fractionator which is not at all practical.