OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Recognition for the people who make improvement possible.
Where Good Examples Inspire Change
The Operational Excellence Awards were created by Lean Institute Bulgaria as one of a kind in the market, dedicated to the people and organizations that turn continuous improvement from an idea into real, measurable results. Over the years, the awards have established themselves as a symbol of recognition for those who have the courage to challenge the status quo, develop their teams, and build a culture of operational excellence.
Our mission is not simply to recognize achievements, but to give visibility to good
examples, share knowledge, and inspire more companies and professionals to embark on the journey of continuous improvement. Because true progress happens when the success of some becomes an inspiration for many others. That is why, every year, the stage of Tomorrow Redefined becomes not simply a place for presenting awards, but a stage for the people who are creating the better business of the future.
The Award Is for Everyone
What do approved applicants receive?
The opportunity to receive a prestigious trophy and a certificate
The opportunity to be recognized at the largest Operational Excellence conference
A complimentary 4-hour Gemba Walk (company tour) with recommendations and guidance
Six months of Lean coaching sessions at preferential rates
Support in defining the next challenge
What Questions Should the Application Answer?
Tell the story of the improvement clearly — from the problem to the sustainable result.
Categories
Choose the category that best represents the leading results of your project.
*Each company may participate with more than one project in each category.
Processes and Productivity
Flow, lead time, productivity, capacity, and costs
Тhis category recognizes initiatives that make work faster, more stable, and more efficient through systematic process improvement. We are looking for examples of optimizing flow, reducing lead time, eliminating waste, and making better use of available capacity.
Projects may relate to manufacturing as well as administrative, logistics, or other business processes.
What matters are tangible results – for example, increased productivity, reduced lead time, lower costs, inventory, or work in progress. We recognize solutions that do not simply achieve a short-term effect, but create a better, more sustainable way of working.
Customer and Quality
Quality, delivery, customer experience, and reliability
This category is for improvements that deliver greater value and a better experience for the customer – whether external or internal. We are looking for initiatives that reduce defects, errors, and complaints; increase reliability; and improve the timeliness and quality of deliveries. Projects may cover the entire customer journey – from request and fulfillment through delivery, service, and follow-up communication. It is important for the organization to demonstrate how it understands customer needs and translates them into specific improvements to its processes and standards.
We recognize sustainable results that simultaneously improve quality and build greater trust in the organization.
People and Lean Culture
Engagement, leadership, ownership, and culture
This category recognizes organizations that transform continuous improvement from a standalone initiative into part of the everyday way of working.
We are looking for examples of leadership that develops people, encourages problemsolving, and creates an environment in which employees take ownership and propose improvements. These may include daily management systems, Kaizen programs, Lean leader development, internal academies, structured problem-solving, or other practices for engaging teams.
Particularly valuable are approaches in which employees do not simply implement change, but actively participate in creating and developing it. We recognize organizations that build sustainable improvement knowledge through their people – a principle that lies at the heart of Lean Institute Bulgaria’s mission.
Innovation and Lean Transformation
Digitalization, AI, automation, and innovative Lean applications
This category recognizes organizations that use technology and new approaches to transform how they work and create value.
We are looking for successful applications of digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and other technologies in support of Lean and Operational Excellence. The technology itself is not what matters, but the problem it solves and the measurable improvement it delivers for processes, people, or customers.
We recognize initiatives that successfully combine Lean thinking and technology to create a smarter, more efficient, and sustainable way of working – a direction that is also at the heart of Tomorrow Redefined.
Independent Jury
Projects are evaluated by an independent jury comprising Lean experts and representatives of the Lean Global Network (LGN) — a global network of organizations dedicated to developing and spreading Lean thinking and practice around the world.
*Lean Institute Bulgaria does not participate in the evaluation process.
Application Process
Six clear steps. No unnecessary administration.
Submit Your Application
Send your inquiry, providing basic information about your organization – industry, department, team size, number of employees, turnover, and the goal you wish to achieve with the project.
Gemba Walk and Potential Assessment
We will schedule an on-site visit during which our team will gain an in-depth understanding of your processes and assess the project’s potential.
Membership in the Bulgarian Lean Association (BLA)
To continue participating in the initiative, you will need to become a member of the Bulgarian Lean Association.
Lean Coaching
In the months leading up to the awards ceremony, our team will support you on your journey toward operational excellence through one coaching visit per month. We will work together on developing the project, tracking progress, and successfully implementing the planned improvements.
Preparation of Final Materials and Evidence of Results
Once the project is completed, the necessary evidence of the results achieved will be prepared and submitted — a completed A3, photographic and/or video material, measurable indicators, and other relevant evidence.
The materials will be reviewed and evaluated by an independent jury comprising experts from the Lean Global Network (LGN).
Independent Evaluation and the Opportunity to Present on the Tomorrow Redefined 2027 Stage
Following the evaluation, winners will be selected in the respective categories. The recognized projects will be presented and awarded on the stage of Tomorrow Redefined
2027.
Make It Lean
One document describing the entire project
Tell the story of your success using the A3 method.
THE AWARD IS NOT THE FINISH LINE
It recognizes what you have achieved. The months that follow will help you decide what to
improve next.