Manufacturing
How can we help?
Leading Edge Associates has worked with organizations in the manufacturing and industrial sectors for over 27 years. We have worked with small and medium organizations at a local, national, and global level.
We help these organizations increase value-added activities and reduce waste across the entire production process and value chain to improve competitive advantage and long-term sustainability.
Lean in Manufacturing
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:
- Recognize benefits 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 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. We help manufacturing organizations adopt these principles through Lean training courses.
Agile in Manufacturing
Agile methodology originated in software development and has been adapted for use in other industries, including manufacturing. Agile’s core principles include:
- Emphasis on customer collaboration
- Swift responses to change
- Delivering products and services using short iterations
In manufacturing, Agile methodologies can help foster collaboration between cross-functional teams like engineering, design, production, and quality assurance. Agile also helps adopt iterative prototyping, allowing for quick adjustments and refinements, which reduces the risk of costly errors later in the production process.
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.
Our manufacturing clients are achieving real, sustainable results
18% reduction in cycle times, 4.5% reduction in costs and a significant €50k cost saving from improvements in cleaning between batches as a result of a Lean Plus program
Detailed Value Stream Mapping for business processes identifying what can be automated
Digital Strategy, Roadmaps and KPIs via Digital Maturity Assessments
Further Information
Please complete the form below to request further information on our training programs.
Request a Proposal
Leading Edge Associates can assess the unique needs of your manufacturing organization and provide you with a tailored proposal. Please get in touch with us to find out more.
Practical Training Programs
Our training programs are suitable for all manufacturing sector employees who wish to fully understand the advantages available from Lean and Lean Agile techniques. We can also provide tailor-made programs that focus on a specific tool or technique – for example, Lean strategic planning and deployment; value stream mapping; 5S; visual management; etc.
Lean Belt Certification
Training options are suitable for staff at all levels.
Agile Belt Certification
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 standard capabilities and maximize the execution of improvements depending on your requirements.
Consultancy Support
Leading Edge Associates delivers both strategic and operational consulting for manufacturing sector organizations.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 Associates 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.Case Studies
Replacing “Push” with a “Pull” System
The Challenge The main objectives of the program were to reduce lead time, eliminate waste,…
Manufacturer of High Quality Diodes: Digital Maturity Assessment
Organizations are re-evaluating their business models and efficiencies to meet the changes and challenges resulting…
Paper, Print & Packaging Company: Lean Layout and Flow
The challenge was to improve productivity on one of the manufacturing cells by 25%. Value…
Manufacturer of Tail Lifts for Vehicles: Lean Operations Management (Supply Chain, Logistics, Capacity & Production planning)
Materials management was not fully in control which was leading to delays in shipping, inventory…
Led by Experts
Our experts have significant experience in delivering process and quality improvement consulting, facilitation and training across diverse stakeholder groups from all levels across the manufacturing sector.
All Experts
What our Clients Say
Our Clients
We work with staff at all levels and functions of the organization. We’ve helped both large and small manufacturing companies with their Continuous Improvement efforts.
(Some client engagements reflect work completed prior to the reorganization of Leading Edge Associates’ global operations.)
Any questions?
If you have any further questions, or want to register a group, get in touch:
North America – Canada
60 St. Clair Avenue East Suite 805,
Toronto, ON,
M4T 1N5,
Canada
Tel: +1 (416) 637 5074