Operational Excellence
in Ireland
By Geoff Beggs, Chief Executive, Front Square
front square
A successful Lean programme can halve costs
and double productivity, while at the same time
improving customer satisfaction. Lean has its roots
in the manufacturing industry. However, over the
past decade, Lean cultures have been successfully
implemented across almost all other industries, from
financial services to pharmaceuticals.
Due to the openness of the Irish economy and the
large number of multi-nationals operating here,
there is a mature continuous improvement culture
within the workplace. Irish people are resourceful
and adaptable and are thus a good match for Lean
cultures. The Irish Government realises this, and
through Enterprise Ireland, can provide state aid to
companies who want to become Lean.
To compete in today’s global market; companies
need to focus on their operational processes.
Processes need to be aligned to corporate strategic
objectives. In addition, they should be customer
centric and be executed in the most efficient and
effective way possible. An operational excellence, or
‘Op Ex’ programme, is a proven way of
achieving this.