How can we help?

Leading Edge Group supports local government organizations, including municipalities, to achieve operational excellence; increased capacity; enhanced productivity and levels of service; cost savings/avoidance; increased customer and employee satisfaction; among other improvements.

We provide training programs and improvement consultancy support, specifically designed for the sector, empowering staff at all levels to achieve positive change.

Lean and Agile in Local Government

We improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall quality of the services provided by a local government. This can include a wide range of initiatives and programs, such as streamlining processes, implementing new technologies, and enhancing communication and collaboration between different departments and agencies.

One key aspect of operational excellence in local government is the use of data and analytics to inform decision-making. By collecting and analyzing data on the performance of different programs and services, local governments can identify areas where improvements can be made and measure the impact of changes that are implemented. This can help local governments to allocate resources more effectively, improve the delivery of services to residents, and make better use of taxpayers’ money. Another important aspect of operational excellence in municipalities is the effective management of resources, including personnel, equipment, and facilities. This can involve implementing best practices in areas such as budgeting, procurement, and human resources management, as well as ensuring that equipment and facilities are well-maintained and used efficiently.

Implementing Lean and Agile in local government also requires strong leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement. This includes setting clear goals and objectives, providing the necessary resources to achieve those goals, and holding staff and elected officials accountable for results. Overall, operational excellence in local government is a challenging but important endeavor that can have a significant impact on the quality of life for residents and the overall effectiveness of local government.

Training Programs

We help local government to develop and enhance a culture of continuous improvement through Lean and Agile certification programs and tailor-made Lean for Local Government training courses.

Consultancy Support

Our consulting team has successfully worked with local government organizations including cities, towns, counties and regions. Our approach is based on a collaborative, partnership-driven working style; effective stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer and consensus building to develop an optimal future state that will best meet the needs of the organization and the residents it serves.

Establishing a Lean Deployment and Management System

Inclusive of vision and strategy; governance; capability building model; measurement framework; stakeholder engagement plan and deployment roadmap.

Lean Transform

Our transformation framework is designed to support the individual needs of each organization. This journey takes your organization from daily firefighting and silo managed processes to work area self-reliance and sustained growth.

Lean Performance Improvement

Leading Edge Group provides both structured Lean consulting programs and tailored support for your organization. Our Lean Start and Plus programs introduce Lean to your organization through facilitating short and medium sized process improvements built around a framework for further progression. We can also provide expertise to support specific continuous improvement initiatives including service delivery reviews and specific Lean improvement initiatives.

Research and Evaluation

We provide qualitative and quantitative research services that help organizations make data-informed decisions and improve programs and services. Our services include digital and continuous improvement assessments; commercial feasibility studies and specific health check diagnostics to measure baseline performance of relevant processes and services.

Lean Digital Transformation

Lean Digital transformation is the process of using Lean practices and digital technologies to improve operational performance and customer experiences. It will drive innovation across your teams and enable you to successfully evolve your organization. Our 5D approach to digital transformation integrates seamlessly with our Lean Transformation framework to deliver an integrated model for your organization.

Agile

Agile is a proven way to transform your organization, encourage innovation and accelerate a culture where everyone is working better, smarter and more efficiently. We have developed a portfolio of Agile support programs and services to enable organizations to build capabilities and maximize the execution of improvements.

How can we help?

Leading Edge Group has been working with the manufacturing and industrial sector for over 27 years. We have worked with a range of organizations, from small and medium, local and national companies to large global organizations.

We help manufacturing and industrial organizations reduce waste and increase value-add across the entire production process and value chain in order to enhance sustainability and competitive advantage.

Operational Excellence and Lean in Manufacturing

Operational excellence, or “OpEx,” is a philosophy and set of practices that aims to improve an organization’s operations’ efficiency, effectiveness, and flexibility. Lean manufacturing is one of the key frameworks used to achieve operational excellence.

Lean manufacturing is a set of principles and practices that aim to minimize waste and increase value in manufacturing operations. It is based on the idea that there is always room for improvement, and that by identifying and eliminating waste, an organization can become more efficient and responsive to customer needs.

The core principles of lean manufacturing include:

Identifying value from the customer’s perspective

Identifying the value stream and mapping it

Creating flow in the value stream

Establishing pull in the value stream

Pursuing perfection

Lean in manufacturing can be used to improve a wide range of operations, including development, assembly, packaging, logistics, and more. When implemented effectively, it can significantly improve quality, efficiency, and cost, as well as increase customer satisfaction and employee engagement. However, it’s important to note that implementing lean principles and practices is not always easy. It requires a significant commitment from leadership and the workforce, and it often requires significant changes to the way an organization operates.

Training Programs

We help the manufacturing sector to develop and enhance a culture of continuous improvement through Lean and Agile certification programs and tailor-made Lean training courses.

Consultancy Support

Over the past 27 years our consulting team has successfully worked with a range of manufacturing sector clients. Our approach is based on a collaborative, partnership-driven working style; effective stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer and consensus building to develop an optimal future state that will best meet the needs of the organization.

Establishing a Lean Deployment and Management System

Inclusive of vision and strategy; governance; capability building model; measurement framework; stakeholder engagement plan and deployment roadmap.

Lean Transform

Our transformation framework is designed to support the individual needs of each organization. This journey takes your organization from daily firefighting and silo managed processes to work area self-reliance and sustained growth.

Lean Performance Improvement

Leading Edge Group provides both structured Lean consulting programs and tailored support for your organization. Our Lean Start and Plus programs introduce Lean to your organization through facilitating short and medium sized process improvements built around a framework for further progression. We can also provide expertise to support specific continuous improvement initiatives including service delivery reviews and specific Lean improvement initiatives.

Research and Evaluation

We provide qualitative and quantitative research services that help organizations make data-informed decisions and improve programs and services. Our services include digital and continuous improvement assessments; commercial feasibility studies and specific health check diagnostics to measure baseline performance of relevant processes and services.

Lean Digital Transformation

Lean Digital transformation is the process of using Lean practices and digital technologies to improve operational performance and customer experiences. It will drive innovation across your teams and enable you to successfully evolve your organization. Our 5D approach to digital transformation integrates seamlessly with our Lean Transformation framework to deliver an integrated model for your organization.

Agile

Agile is a proven way to transform your organization, encourage innovation and accelerate a culture where everyone is working better, smarter and more efficiently. We have developed a portfolio of Agile support programs and services to enable organizations to build capabilities and maximize the execution of improvements.

How can we help?

Leading Edge Group has been working with organizations in the services sector for over 27 years. We have worked with companies of all scales, from small and medium, local and national to large global organizations.

We help organizations in the services sector reduce waste and increase value-add across the entire value chain in order to enhance sustainability and competitive advantage.

Lean in the Service Sector

Lean is a philosophy and set of practices that originated in manufacturing, but has since been applied to many other industries, including the services sector. The goal of lean is to continuously improve processes to eliminate waste, reduce lead times, and increase customer value.

In the context of a service, lean practices can be used to improve efficiency, reduce errors and rework, and increase customer satisfaction. Some of the key practices and tools used in lean services include:

Value stream mapping: This is a tool for identifying and analyzing the flow of activities involved in delivering a service, from the customer’s perspective. The goal is to identify and eliminate any steps that do not add value to the customer.

Kanban: This is a pull-based system for managing work, which allows teams to visualize their workflow and make sure they are not overburdening any one step of the process.

Standardized work: This is the practice of documenting and training on the best way to perform a task or process, to ensure consistent quality and make it easier to identify and correct errors.

Continuous improvement: This is the practice of regularly reviewing processes and seeking out opportunities for improvement. In a service context, this can involve seeking feedback from customers and employees, and experimenting with new ways of working.

Root cause analysis: When issues or errors are identified, it is important to understand the underlying causes to prevent them from happening again in the future.

By using these methods, Lean in the service sector can help businesses identify and eliminate unnecessary steps, speed up processes, and improve quality and customer satisfaction.

Training Programs

We help the services sector to develop and enhance a culture of continuous improvement through Lean and Agile certification programs and tailor-made training courses.

Consultancy Support

Over the past 27 years our consulting team has successfully worked with a range of services sector clients. Our approach is based on a collaborative, partnership-driven working style; effective stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer and consensus building to develop an optimal future state that will best meet the needs of the organization.

Establishing a Lean Deployment and Management System

Inclusive of vision and strategy; governance; capability building model; measurement framework; stakeholder engagement plan and deployment roadmap.

Lean Transform

Our transformation framework is designed to support the individual needs of each organization. This journey takes your organization from daily firefighting and silo managed processes to work area self-reliance and sustained growth.

Lean Performance Improvement

Leading Edge Group provides both structured Lean consulting programs and tailored support for your organization. Our Lean Start and Plus programs introduce Lean to your organization through facilitating short and medium sized process improvements built around a framework for further progression. We can also provide expertise to support specific continuous improvement initiatives including service delivery reviews and specific Lean improvement initiatives.

Research and Evaluation

We provide qualitative and quantitative research services that help organizations make data-informed decisions and improve programs and services. Our services include digital and continuous improvement assessments; commercial feasibility studies and specific health check diagnostics to measure baseline performance of relevant processes and services.

Lean Digital Transformation

Lean Digital transformation is the process of using Lean practices and digital technologies to improve operational performance and customer experiences. It will drive innovation across your teams and enable you to successfully evolve your organization. Our 5D approach to digital transformation integrates seamlessly with our Lean Transformation framework to deliver an integrated model for your organization.

Agile

Agile is a proven way to transform your organization, encourage innovation and accelerate a culture where everyone is working better, smarter and more efficiently. We have developed a portfolio of Agile support programs and services to enable organizations to build capabilities and maximize the execution of improvements.

How can we help?

Leading Edge Group supports organizations from across the health sector including acute care; public health; community health and social services to achieve increased quality and safety; increased operational excellence; enhanced productivity and levels of service; cost savings/avoidance; increased patient/employee satisfaction; among other improvements.

Leading Edge Group provides training programs and improvement consultancy support, specifically designed for the sector, empowering staff at all levels to achieve positive change.

Lean and Agile in Healthcare

Lean and Agile are two different methodologies that have been used in a variety of industries, including healthcare.

Lean methodology is a system of management that originated in the manufacturing industry but has been adapted for use in healthcare and other industries. The core principles of Lean are to identify and eliminate waste, create flow, and build a culture of continuous improvement. In healthcare, Lean methodology can be used to improve the efficiency and quality of care in hospitals and clinics, as well as to reduce costs. Some common tools used in Lean healthcare include value stream mapping, which is used to identify bottlenecks in the process of care delivery, and Kaizen, which is a process for continuous improvement.

Agile methodology is a set of principles for software development that have been adapted for use in other industries, including healthcare. The core principles of Agile include an emphasis on customer collaboration, the ability to respond to change, and a focus on delivering working products or services in short iterations. In healthcare, Agile can be used to develop new products or services, such as electronic health records, or to improve existing ones. Agile methodologies in healthcare also help to better manage change, increase collaboration and communication, promote faster problem-solving, and improve overall workflow.

When combined Lean and Agile methodologies can be used together to enhance the speed of delivery, quality, and efficiency, it can be called Agile Lean Healthcare. The Agile Lean approach aims to bridge the gap between the two methodologies by creating a process that is both efficient and responsive to change. This can be achieved by using Agile methodologies to manage the delivery of new services or products and Lean methodologies to continuously improve existing ones.

It should be noted that, like all methodologies, these are tools and are most useful when applied to specific problems and areas of a hospital or clinic, both methodologies have their own advantages and disadvantages, and they are not one size fit all solution.

Training Programs

We help health service organizations to develop and enhance a culture of continuous improvement through Lean and Agile certification programs and tailor-made Healthcare training courses.

Consultancy Support

Our consulting team is a unique mix of clinical and Lean practitioners who have experience and knowledge of working with healthcare clients internationally. We have successfully worked with healthcare clinical teams, administrators, service partners and community groups in providing Lean quality improvement implementation support. Our approach is based on a collaborative, partnership-driven working style; effective stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer and consensus building to develop an optimal future state that will best meet the needs of the organization and the community it serves.

Establishing a Lean Deployment and Management System

Inclusive of vision and strategy; governance; capability building model; measurement framework; stakeholder engagement plan and deployment roadmap.

Lean Transform

Our transformation framework is designed to support the individual needs of each organization. This journey takes your organization from daily firefighting and silo managed processes to work area self-reliance and sustained growth.

Lean Performance Improvement

Leading Edge Group provides both structured Lean consulting programs and tailored support for your organization. Our Lean Start and Plus programs introduce Lean to your organization through facilitating short and medium sized process improvements built around a framework for further progression. We can also provide expertise to support specific continuous improvement initiatives including health service reviews; Lean planning and design and rapid improvement events.

Research and Evaluation

We provide qualitative and quantitative research services that help organizations make data-informed decisions and improve programs and services.

Lean Digital Transformation

Lean Digital transformation is the process of using Lean practices and digital technologies to improve operational performance and customer experiences. It will drive innovation across your teams and enable you to successfully evolve your organization. Our 5D approach to digital transformation integrates seamlessly with our Lean Transformation framework to deliver an integrated model for your organization.

Agile

Agile is a proven way to transform your organization, encourage innovation and accelerate a culture where everyone is working better, smarter and more efficiently. We have developed a portfolio of Agile support programs and services to enable organizations to build capabilities and maximize the execution of improvements.

How can we help?

Organizations within the Food & Drink sector have been part of our portfolio for over 27 years helping them to achieve operational excellence; increase throughput; deliver a consistent service; reduce lead times and improve overall quality; among other improvements.

We provide training programs and improvement consultancy support, specifically designed for the sector, empowering staff at all levels to achieve positive change.

Lean in the Food and Drink Industry

We have been working with the Food and Drink industry for over 27 years, helping them with their operational excellence and lean journeys.

In the food and drink industry, lean manufacturing principles can be applied in a variety of ways. For example, a lean approach to food manufacturing might involve streamlining the production process to reduce waste and inefficiencies, implementing just-in-time inventory management to minimize the need for storage, and using advanced technologies such as automation and data analytics to optimize production.

Some key principles of lean manufacturing in food and beverage industry are: 

• Eliminating waste
• Maximizing efficiency
• Improving quality
• Enhancing safety
• Increasing flexibility
• Reducing lead times
• Optimizing flow
• Increasing productivity
• Reducing costs
• Enhancing customer satisfaction

By implementing these principles, food and drink manufacturers can improve their operations and become more competitive in their markets.

Training Programs

We help the Food & Drink sector to develop and enhance a culture of continuous improvement through Lean and Agile certification programs and tailor-made Lean training courses.

Consultancy Support

Over the past 27 years our consulting team has successfully worked with a range of clients from single-site, local and national companies to large, multi-site global operations. Our approach is based on a collaborative, partnership-driven working style; effective stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer and consensus building to develop an optimal future state that will best meet the needs of the organization.

Establishing a Lean Deployment and Management System

Inclusive of vision and strategy; governance; capability building model; measurement framework; stakeholder engagement plan and deployment roadmap.

Lean Transform

Our transformation framework is designed to support the individual needs of each organization. This journey takes your organization from daily firefighting and silo managed processes to work area self-reliance and sustained growth.

Lean Performance Improvement

Leading Edge Group provides both structured Lean consulting programs and tailored support for your organization. Our Lean Start and Plus programs introduce Lean to your organization through facilitating short and medium sized process improvements built around a framework for further progression. We can also provide expertise to support specific continuous improvement initiatives including service delivery reviews and specific Lean improvement initiatives.

Research and Evaluation

We provide qualitative and quantitative research services that help organizations make data-informed decisions and improve programs and services. Our services include digital and continuous improvement assessments; commercial feasibility studies and specific health check diagnostics to measure baseline performance of relevant processes and services.

Lean Digital Transformation

Lean Digital transformation is the process of using Lean practices and digital technologies to improve operational performance and customer experiences. It will drive innovation across your teams and enable you to successfully evolve your organization. Our 5D approach to digital transformation integrates seamlessly with our Lean Transformation framework to deliver an integrated model for your organization. Our 5D approach to digital transformation integrates seamlessly with our Lean Transformation framework to deliver an integrated model for your farm.

Agile

Agile is a proven way to transform your organization, encourage innovation and accelerate a culture where everyone is working better, smarter and more efficiently. We have developed a portfolio of Agile support programs and services to enable organizations to build capabilities and maximize the execution of improvements.

How can we help?

Leading Edge Group supports Construction sector organisations to achieve operational excellence; increased capacity; enhanced productivity and levels of service; cost savings/avoidance; increased customer and employee satisfaction; among other improvements.

We provide training programs and improvement consultancy support, specifically designed for the sector, empowering staff at all levels to achieve positive change.

Operational Excellence in Construction

The Construction industry has a need to be as efficient with their resources and staff as possible when in times where there is such huge demand and few resources.

Operational excellence in construction refers to the application of best practices and efficient processes to improve the performance of a construction project. It involves implementing systems and procedures that optimize efficiency, quality, safety, and overall project delivery.

There are several key principles and strategies that are commonly used to achieve operational excellence in construction, including: 

• Lean construction: This philosophy emphasizes the elimination of waste and the maximization of efficiency in the construction process, with techniques such as just-in-time inventory management and value stream mapping.
• Integrated project delivery: This approach involves bringing together all stakeholders in a construction project, including owners, designers, builders, and suppliers, to work as a cohesive team to achieve the project’s goals.
• Project management: Effective project management involves setting clear goals, developing detailed plans, monitoring progress, and adjusting as needed to ensure that a project is completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
• Quality management: This involves implementing systems and procedures to ensure that the project meets or exceeds the expectations of all stakeholders in terms of quality and performance.
• Safety Management: Implementing a comprehensive safety management program is key for a successful project, including the identification and assessment of potential hazards, and the implementation of controls to minimize the risk of injury or harm.
• Data and technology: The integration of data and technology can be a powerful tool for achieving operational excellence in construction. For example, building information modeling (BIM) can be used to improve communication and collaboration among team members, while advanced data analytics can help identify and mitigate project risks.

Operational excellence in construction is an ongoing process, and companies must continuously strive to improve and optimize their operations.

Training Programs

We help the Construction sector to develop and enhance a culture of continuous improvement through Lean and Agile certification programs and tailor-made Lean training courses.

Consultancy Support

Over the past 27 years our consulting team has successfully worked with a range of Construction sector clients. Our approach is based on a collaborative, partnership-driven working style; effective stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer and consensus building to develop an optimal future state that will best meet the needs of the organization.

Establishing a Lean Deployment and Management System

Inclusive of vision and strategy; governance; capability building model; measurement framework; stakeholder engagement plan and deployment roadmap.

Lean Transform

Our transformation framework is designed to support the individual needs of each organization. This journey takes your organization from daily firefighting and silo managed processes to work area self-reliance and sustained growth.

Lean Performance Improvement

Leading Edge Group provides both structured Lean consulting programs and tailored support for your organization. Our Lean Start and Plus programs introduce Lean to your organization through facilitating short and medium sized process improvements built around a framework for further progression. We can also provide expertise to support specific continuous improvement initiatives including service delivery reviews and specific Lean improvement initiatives.

Research and Evaluation

We provide qualitative and quantitative research services that help organizations make data-informed decisions and improve programs and services. Our services include digital and continuous improvement assessments; commercial feasibility studies and specific health check diagnostics to measure baseline performance of relevant processes and services.

Lean Digital Transformation

Lean Digital transformation is the process of using Lean practices and digital technologies to improve operational performance and customer experiences. It will drive innovation across your teams and enable you to successfully evolve your organization. Our 5D approach to digital transformation integrates seamlessly with our Lean Transformation framework to deliver an integrated model for your organization.

Agile

Agile is a proven way to transform your organization, encourage innovation and accelerate a culture where everyone is working better, smarter and more efficiently. We have developed a portfolio of Agile support programs and services to enable organizations to build capabilities and maximize the execution of improvements.

How can we help?

Leading Edge Group’s experience in the agriculture sector spans education, training and consulting services helping them to achieve operational excellence; increased capacity; enhanced productivity and levels of service; cost savings/avoidance; among other improvements.

We provide training programs and improvement consultancy support, specifically designed for the sector, empowering staff at all levels to achieve positive change.

Training and Consulting for Agriculture and Dairy

Training and consulting in the agriculture sector can help farmers and agribusinesses improve their operations and become more competitive in the market.

Lean principles can be applied in agriculture and dairy operations to improve efficiency, quality, and profitability.

In agriculture, a lean approach can involve optimizing production processes to reduce waste, increase yields, and improve the overall quality of crops and livestock. For example, a lean farmer might use precision agriculture techniques such as GPS and sensor networks to optimize planting, fertilization, and irrigation practices, or use “just-in-time” inventory management to minimize the need for storage.

Similarly, in dairy operations, a lean approach can involve streamlining production processes to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and increase the quality of the final product. For example, a lean dairy farm might use automated milking systems to improve the speed and efficiency of the milking process or implement a “pull” production system to ensure that milk production is matched to customer demand.

By using the key principles of lean in agriculture and dairy operations, you can become more efficient, productive, and profitable. Lean principles have been successfully implemented in many manufacturing and service industries, but as every farm and dairy is unique, it requires specific adaptations to be useful.

Training Programs

We help the agriculture sector to develop and enhance a culture of continuous improvement through Lean and Agile certification programs and tailor-made Lean training courses.

Consultancy Support

For the past 27 years our consulting team has successfully worked with a range of Agri clients and farmers and our approach is always based on a collaborative, partnership-driven working style; effective stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer and consensus building to develop an optimal future state that will best meet their needs.

Establishing a Lean Deployment and Management System

Inclusive of vision and strategy; governance; capability building model; measurement framework; stakeholder engagement plan and deployment roadmap.

Lean Transform

Farming in Ireland can build resilience to fluctuations in earnings through adopting a Lean operations approach. Our transformation framework is designed to support the individual needs of each farm. This journey takes your farm from daily firefighting and silo managed processes to work area self-reliance and sustained growth.

Lean Performance Improvement

Leading Edge Group provides both structured Lean consulting programs and tailored support for the farming sector. Our Lean Start and Plus programs introduce Lean through facilitating short and medium sized process improvements built around a framework for further progression. We can also provide expertise to support continuous improvement initiatives and specific Lean improvement projects.

Research and Evaluation

We provide qualitative and quantitative research services that help farms make data-informed decisions and improve programs and services. Our services include digital and continuous improvement assessments; feasibility studies and specific health check diagnostics to measure baseline performance of relevant processes and services.

Lean Digital Transformation

Lean Digital transformation is the process of using Lean practices and digital technologies to improve operational performance. To operate efficiently and remain modern and productive, farmers need easy access to the latest information on agricultural issues, farming methods and new technologies to assist with the constant drive to maximise productivity and minimise effort. By integrating smart farming technologies, farms can become more efficient and profitable. Our 5D approach to digital transformation integrates seamlessly with our Lean Transformation framework to deliver an integrated model for your farm.

Continuous Improvement Maturity Model (CIMM)

Drawing on 20 years’ experience, Leading Edge Group’s continuous improvement maturity model (CIMM) provides structured tools to objectively assess and develop an organization’s continuous improvement capabilities. Municipalities can assess and benchmark their current baseline level of continuous improvement, innovation and culture change against a reference standard.

How can we help?

Leading Edge Group supports Utilities sector organizations to achieve operational excellence; increased capacity; enhanced productivity and levels of service; cost savings/avoidance; increased customer and employee satisfaction; among other improvements.

We provide training programs and improvement consultancy support, specifically designed for the sector, empowering staff at all levels to achieve positive change.

Lean in the Utility Sector

The utility sector encompasses a wide range of industries that provide essential services such as electricity, natural gas, water, and sewage treatment to customers. The primary goal of utility companies is to provide reliable and affordable energy and water services to their customers.

In recent years, the utility sector has been undergoing significant changes due to factors such as advances in technology, changing customer preferences, and new regulatory requirements. For example, the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) are changing how electric utilities generate, transmit, and distribute power. Similarly, there is an increasing emphasis on water conservation and recycling which affects water utilities.

Lean principles can be applied in the utility sector to improve efficiency, quality, and profitability. The goal of lean in the utility sector is to eliminate waste, increase efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining or improving the quality of service provided to customers.

Some specific examples of how lean principles might be applied in the utility sector are:

• Implementing a “Just-In-Time” inventory management system to reduce unnecessary inventory and increase efficiency in the supply chain.
• Using advanced analytics and data to monitor and optimize the performance of power plants and transmission systems.
• Implementing automation and digital technologies to improve the speed and efficiency of meter reading, billing, and customer service processes.
• Implementing a comprehensive safety management program to minimize the risk of injury or harm to workers.
• Implementing a Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) program to improve the reliability and availability of equipment and infrastructure.
• Implementing a “pull” system to match production with customer demand and minimize overproduction.
• Improving logistics and material handling to optimize the flow of goods and services through the organization.

The lean methodology can help utility companies increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the quality of service provided to customers, which ultimately leads to increased competitiveness and profitability. As utility companies face an ever-changing environment, which includes shifts in energy generation and distribution, as well as changes in customer preferences and regulatory requirements, the application of lean principles can help them adapt and continue to meet the needs of their customers.

Training Programs

We help the Utilities sector to develop and enhance a culture of continuous improvement through Lean and Agile certification programs and tailor-made Lean training courses.

Consultancy Support

Over the past 27 years our consulting team has successfully worked with a range of Utilities sector clients. Our approach is based on a collaborative, partnership-driven working style; effective stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer and consensus building to develop an optimal future state that will best meet the needs of the organization.

Establishing a Lean Deployment and Management System

Inclusive of vision and strategy; governance; capability building model; measurement framework; stakeholder engagement plan and deployment roadmap.

Lean Transform

Our transformation framework is designed to support the individual needs of each organization. This journey takes your organization from daily firefighting and silo managed processes to work area self-reliance and sustained growth.

Lean Performance Improvement

Leading Edge Group provides both structured Lean consulting programs and tailored support for your organization. Our Lean Start and Plus programs introduce Lean to your organization through facilitating short and medium sized process improvements built around a framework for further progression. We can also provide expertise to support specific continuous improvement initiatives including service delivery reviews and specific Lean improvement initiatives.

Research and Evaluation

We provide qualitative and quantitative research services that help organizations make data-informed decisions and improve programs and services. Our services include digital and continuous improvement assessments; commercial feasibility studies and specific health check diagnostics to measure baseline performance of relevant processes and services.

Lean Digital Transformation

Lean Digital transformation is the process of using Lean practices and digital technologies to improve operational performance and customer experiences. It will drive innovation across your teams and enable you to successfully evolve your organization. Our 5D approach to digital transformation integrates seamlessly with our Lean Transformation framework to deliver an integrated model for your organization.

Agile

Agile is a proven way to transform your organization, encourage innovation and accelerate a culture where everyone is working better, smarter and more efficiently. We have developed a portfolio of Agile support programs and services to enable organizations to build capabilities and maximize the execution of improvements.

There is wide acknowledgement that we need to look at digitalizing the way we work to ensure that we will evolve in line with ever changing external forces. Organizations are re-evaluating their business models and efficiencies to meet the changes and challenges that result from unprecedented developments such as pandemics and accelerated advancements in technology. For some, it is a means to stay competitive, for others it is a means to stay in business.

Our 5D approach to digital transformation integrates seamlessly with our Lean Transformation framework to deliver an integrated model for your organization.

Digital Strategy

A successful Lean Digital transformation must be based on an appropriate digital strategy, focused on making wise investment choices, maximizing return and value, and implementing with discipline.

Digital Insights

This is the discovery phase which allows you to probe elements of your digital strategy in greater detail and develop a clearer view of the future digital experiences you are looking to develop.

Digital Architecture

This is the design phase where you define how you will prepare all facets of your organization (people, process, technology, culture, etc.) to deliver on your digital ambitions, typically leveraging Lean and Agile principles.

Digital Platform

This is the delivery phase which focuses on enabling the digital capabilities and services (platforms, tools, workforce, integrations) to realize your digital strategy.

Digital Governance

This critical element ensures the right focus in areas such as digital leadership, culture, metrics, reporting, value realization, change management, delivery and budget.

Lean Transformation is the process of using Lean practices and digital technologies to improve operational performance and customer experiences. It will drive innovation across your teams and enable you to successfully evolve your organization.

Lean Transformation Framework

Our Lean Transformation framework is designed to support the individual needs of each facility or business unit within an organization. This journey takes your organization from daily firefighting and silo managed processes to work area self-reliance and sustained growth. The framework builds upon established methodologies such as Lean, Agile and other operational excellence models and international standards in areas including digital transformation and climate action. The aim is to create one single approach to operational excellence.

Lean Digital is the process of using Lean practices and digital technologies to improve operational performance and customer experiences. It will drive innovation across your teams and enable you to successfully evolve your organization. Lean thinking can help your organization to address competitiveness issues within your business by building the capability of your people to identify problems, improve operations and create a more innovative organization.

Leading Edge Group provides a number of lean programs enabling your organization to increase performance, competitiveness and an improved bottom line including funded programs such as Lean Start, Lean Plus and Lean Transform.

Gain a Competitive Advantage through Agile Practices

Agile is a proven way to transform your organisation, encourage innovation and accelerate a culture where everyone is working better, smarter and more efficiently. We have developed a portfolio of Agile support programs and services to enable organisations to build capabilities and maximise the execution of improvements.

Agile Consulting and Facilitation

Leading Edge Group provides Agile consulting services specifically tailored to fit your needs. Supported by experienced Agile consultants, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you successfully deploy Agile and achieve culture change in your organisation.

Whether your organisation is getting started or has already implemented aspects of Agile, we can work with you to:

• Coach Agile practices at all levels
• Adopt Agile practices with a focus on value delivery
• Run business agility assessment and diagnostics
• Provide Agile SAFe consulting
• Create a roadmap for Agile deployment

Using an Agile diagnostic we can also assess your company’s maturity on a variety of critical enablers, showing where real change can be made and where Agile can be best implemented.

Clime action is transforming the Climate Action Solutions space through offering services to organizations of all scales. We help you navigate the challenges in taking action. We take a full picture approach to Climate Action, bringing together a diverse team of experts from across the industry to deliver practical and measurable results. Climate Action brings together our over 27+ years experience in business transformation, training and continuous improvement with our expertise in Energy, Environment & Sustainability. Every Organization is different and Climate Action is too important to take a generalist approach – we seek out the correct mix of people & experiences to provide you with a unique solution using international best practices in decarbonization.

What is Climate Action?

Climate Action is a deliberate undertaking by an individual, organization or government to mitigate their impact on Climate Change. Climate Change is the single biggest challenge facing mankind in the next century.

The need for change in almost every facet of our daily lives is beyond comprehension for most of us. The scale of the problem is so significant that most people, organizations and governments are struggling to find the solutions to the challenge. There are solutions – many off the shelf, readily available – however in isolation all these solutions are not enough.

The way we will succeed is through integration of all the solutions at a rapid pace and in the most cost-effective manner while also continuously seeking out additional solutions for the near future.

To develop a business that can make a measurable impact and provide real solutions to governments, organizations and the people of the world it must be a business which harnesses the expertise of many, in all areas of the economy and be agile enough to be able to respond rapidly to change. That is what Climeaction from the Leading Edge Group offers.

Our Approach

Our approach to Climate Action seeks to develop a full strategy which accounts for the requirements to reduce the carbon emissions of an organization across the full scope.

• Capacity building is a key feature of our approach. The Pathway to Net Zero is a 30 year time frame – we believe that capacity building in the early stages is essential to the success of any organizations strategy.
• Communications both internally and externally are necessary mechanisms to create a culture of sustainability and to demonstrate to all stakeholders the valuable work that an organization is undertaking.
• The effects of climate change on our water systems, biodiversity and the stress on our waste management systems need to be mitigated as part of any strategy. The societal impacts of climate change are far reaching, a just transition can only be realised through the support of some of the worlds largest organizations – governments alone cannot support.

Funding Sources (Ireland)

We offer many services in all areas of Climate Action Consultancy. See below some examples which have funding available from Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland & IDA.

Each level of support is characterized by increasing levels of capability in implementing Climate Action, Energy, Environmental & Sustainability best practice approaches to drive company awareness, adoption and integration of environmental best practice approaches, tools and techniques.

Funded Services

A Green assignment could incorporate some of the following depending on the specific areas under investigation:

• Resource Efficiency Assessment –
• Renewable Energy Potential –
• Energy Efficient Design – EXEED
• Energy Management Systems – ISO50001

Other Services

• Measurement & Verification – IPMVP Standards
• Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme Consultancy
• SEAI Grant Support
• Community Energy Consultancy
• Green Marketing & Communications

Leading Edge Group has over 27 years’ experience delivering research and evaluation services that help organizations make data-informed decisions and improve programs and services.

Research

We provide qualitative and quantitative research services for organizations of all sizes with the ultimate objective of delivering the right insights for your business.

More recent research projects include commercial feasibility studies, SAS product research, health economics research for an oncology project and a baseline legislative study.

Continuous Improvement Assessment

Drawing on 27+ years’ experience, our continuous improvement maturity model (CIMM) provides structured tools to objectively assess and develop an organization’s continuous improvement capabilities.

The CIMM assesses the organization against fourteen enterprise excellence “ways”. The level to which each “way” is embedded in the organization contributes to the overall enterprise excellence maturity rating. The output from the CIMM can be an integral component of the annual strategic review and deployment.

Digital Assessment

There is wide acknowledgement that we need to look at digitalizing the way we work to ensure we evolve in line with strong external market forces. Leading Edge Group employs a proprietary digital maturity model to deliver enhanced operational performance to your organization and support the development of a tailored digital strategy and roadmap.

Climate Action Assessment

Climeaction is building upon Leading Edge Group’s 27+ years experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence and consulting. By bringing together leading experts in energy, environment, sustainability, digital, supply chain, HR, change management, finance and marketing, Climeaction is creating new ways of transforming organizations by embedding Climate Action into their core systems and values.

Benchmarking

Our benchmarking services will provide the competitive edge that allows your organization to adapt and grow. We measure key business metrics and practices and compare them across business areas or against competitors to understand how and where your organization needs to change to improve performance.

Health Check Diagnostics

Our diagnostics establish current state baseline, identify gaps, provide recommendations and a roadmap for improvement. We provide specific options for your organization including supply chain, procurement and cybersecurity.

Introducing OneView

Many organizations are juggling operational capacity/efficiency and climate change programs. However, separate internal work streams persist with competing resources. Operational excellence and climate change are typically viewed separately.

These organizations face increasing challenges from rising operating costs and energy prices; customer expectation for more sustainable processes and resource retention and staffing issues.

We are architects of the “OneView” solution which analyses a process, product or service from a climate change, operational excellence and digital perspective to deliver an integrated improvement roadmap to meet business, environmental and digital goals.

It builds on 27 years of Lean and change management expertise matched with Climeaction carbon reduction focus to deliver an integrated approach that makes sense for businesses.

Objectives and Approach

Lean Green OneView is focused on developing a Lean and climate value stream view and maturity assessment of core processes beginning to end. In doing so, it will detail and document the following wastes: 

• Sustainability – energy, carbon, plastics, etc.
• Operational – traditional TIMWOOD/DOWNTIME elements
• Digital – underutilized/sub optimal digital technologies

The Outcomes

An integrated view of improvement work streams resulting in;

• Process/systems and climate change savings (financial, resources, time and delivery)
• Continuous and step improvements that incorporate climate solutions enabled by enhanced digital/technology
• Documented OneView roadmap that consolidates all improvement opportunities