Almost two hundred distinguished individuals renowned for their problem-solving skills and capability enhancing procedures came together for the prestigious awards ceremony situated at the Crowne Plaza, Santry, on May 30th. The event, which commenced four years ago, was presided over by author and renowned comedian Colm O’Regan. Throughout the course of the evening, a total of 19 awards were presented to their respected recipients.
Competition was fierce, but An Post Commerce emerged victorious as the recipient of the operational excellence award. According to the presiding judges, An Post Commerce embodiment of operational excellence is evident through their An Post Way initiative by demonstrating innovative and efficient methods. The combination of consistent improvement tactics and phenomenal team involvement allowed them to establish unprecedented standards of operational excellence, greatly augmenting both performance and customer satisfaction.
Robert Hernan, a specialist in the implementation of lean processes across various industries and sectors, received one of the evening’s special awards: Operational Excellence Leader. The judging panel lauded Hernan’s crucial role as senior lean advisor in Enterprise Ireland’s Lean/operational excellence team. He guided various food businesses – ranging from large enterprises like Kerry and Diageo to smaller entities like McCambridge’s and Nomadic Foods – in their lean transformation journeys, effectively driving efficiency and innovation.
In addition to his other achievements, Hernan spearheaded the Lean for Micro pilot project with the Local Enterprise Office, introducing lean principles to over 2,500 micro and small businesses and dispelling the notion that lean processes are restricted to larger companies or manufacturing. Hernan partially authored the Lean Implementation in Micro & Small Enterprises Book of Cases.
Hernan’s past contributions include support for the 2016 IDA lean scheme, leading the 2018 Lean Business Ireland’s regional Lean networks roll-out and being a member of Lean Business Ireland, Midlands, and West-Northwest lean network committees. An undoubtedly deserving winner.
The eminent judging panel was led by Brian Coll, a lecturer of lean and operational excellence at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo. Coll noted his admiration for how the award entries showcased successful incorporation of lean and operational excellence tools within various organisations.
The efficiency of Lean, Six Sigma and OpEx methodologies were proven through successful submissions that led to a decline in costs, reduction in lead time, quality elevation and eventually, expansion of businesses. The increasing quality of submissions each successive year and the participation of new competitors in every category is highly notable.
More so, the commitment of prior award winners to maintain their recognised excellence amidst intensifying competition, showcases their continual dedication to improvement, a key necessity for organisations utilising lean and OpEx strategies.
Even those who didn’t clinch an award found their shortlisting advantageous. Personalised pilgrimage provider, Follow the Camino, fell under this category for operational excellence in tourism & entertainment. Ciarán Bruder, their marketing and product specialist, delineated their nomination for the award as a significant honour. Acknowledging the demands of contemporary travelling for bespoke tours, Bruder highlighted their approach to creating distinctive holidays through their competent team.
ISS Ireland, a facility services business, acted as a gold sponsor for the awards. Eric Doyle, the director, stated their ongoing sponsorship as a way to shine a spotlight on Irish businesses excelling in their fields. It also aligns with ISS Operations’ dedication to excellence.
Another nominee was South Coast Logistics, shortlisted for two awards: Operations manager / COO of the year and operational excellence in transport and logistics. Commercial director, Richie O’Flynn emphasised the importance of entering an accredited awards programme to encapsulate their focus on constant improvement throughout their business functions.
Sensori FM was yet another gold sponsor. Managing director, Mark Cullen, applauded the Operational Excellence Awards as pivotal for highlighting talent within the industries getting awarded. He expressed his congratulations to all the winners and his anticipation for their enduring support of the event.
During the ceremony, Business River’s director of partnership programmes, Kevin O’Driscoll thanked the 2024 sponsors and professional partners, including ISS Ireland and Sensori FM, for their significant contributions. Their funding mirrors their dedication and the backing of essential business areas.
The panel of judges featured
– Brian Coll of Atlantic Technological University Sligo
– Robert Burdock of Ipsen Manufacturing Ireland Limited
– Eric Clinton of DCU National Centre for Family Business
– Paul Davis from Dublin City University
– Pauline Found from University of Buckingham & Cardiff University
– Steven Giles at Aurivo
– Richard Hayes and Shane Horgan at Viatris
– Jessica Minghinelli at Salesforce
– Seamus O’Reilly at Cork University Business School, UCC
– Michael Phelan at Tirlan
– Patrick Quinn at Cheshire Ireland
– Darren Woods at WD Excellence
Winners included
– ISS – Pure Space Cleaning, for Innovative Operations
– Dublin Bus – Public Procurement Graduate Programme, for the best Graduate Training Programme
– All View Healthcare – TeleDermatology, for Best Use of Technology in Operations
– Comfort Keepers Homecare won for Operational Excellence in Healthcare
– An Post Commerce – The An Post Way for Operational Excellence in Transport & Logistics
– Gleneagle INEC Arena for Operational Excellence in Tourism & Entertainment
– Viatris Little Island for Operational Excellence in Manufacturing
– BWG Foods for Operational Excellence in Warehousing
– Apleona Ireland for Operational Excellence in Facilities Management
– Aldi Ireland for Operational Excellence in Retail and Sustainability
– Griffith College – Faculty of Law for Operational Excellence in Higher Education
– Gas Networks Ireland – Service Window Cutter for Operational Excellence in Utilities
– APC & VLE Therapeutics for Operational Excellence in Life Sciences (Sponsored by ISS Ireland)
/”Champion: An Post Commerce with their project – The An Post Way
Demonstrating outstanding performance in the field of construction
Champion: Writech in Fire Protection Engineering
The year’s top COO/Operations manager (Supported by Sensori FM)
Champion: Adrian Curtin from ISS Ireland
Best operations group of the year
Champion: Team Astellas from Sensori FM
The leader in demonstrating operational excellence
Acknowledged recipient: Robert Hernan from Enterprise Ireland
Supreme award for overall operational excellence
Champion: An Post Commerce with their project – The An Post Way.”/