Promoting enhanced productivity 'best practices':

Water's Edge - edge out competition

Charmaine Fernando

'Waters Edge' was awarded a 'Certificate of Commendation' at the Productivity Awards 2009 ceremony held end August 2010 for Large Scale organizations in the Western Province.

What made Water Edge have an edge over other competitors to bag an award at the National Productivity Awards, I queried from Thusitha Samaraweera, General Manager, of Water's Edge. He insisted that the objective of the Ministry of Labour Relations and Productivity Promotion is to encourage and recognize organizations that have striven to face International Competitiveness through productivity promotion.

It involves the effective implementation of productivity strategies, adoption of effective techniques of productivity improvement, consideration to innovative approaches whilst creating a harmonious workplace with employee involvement programs and good labour management relations, I gathered.

The National Productivity awards are to encourage Sri Lanka to face the International Competitiveness through the promotion of Productivity and Contribute to the National Development and enhancing standard of life which is a way of life with Water's Edge.

I had the good opportunity to observe what enhancements have been implemented within its precinct for the benefit of both customers and employees. Meticulous attention to detail seem the order of the day at Water's Edge.

A new entrance, well lit to facilitate the staff leaving after late working hours, was constructed to facilitate the staff and suppliers which, is manned by out sourced security companies. Alternate security companies are contracted on a three month basis to reduce familiarity and relationships which may affect the safety and security of the company's operations, I was told.

A new motorcycle shed was constructed to house the employees and visitors vehicles providing safety to the vehicles and inculcating a sense of discipline to the riders, taking into account the large numbers of vehicles that enter through the gates of Waters Edge. Drivers of these vehicles now, have the convenience of newly constructed washrooms.

With the Introduction of the '5S' system driving the organization to degrees of discipline, orderliness, and methodologies has removed the clutter from all areas. A more organized facility of storage of equipment in the Engineering Store and Carpentry Shed made a big practical difference.

The company has invested in a new air conditioned garbage room separated into identified into dry and wet areas. On clearing of garbage the area is washed by high pressure water hose every day.

Throw away items are separated into plastics, bottles, tins and cardboard and identified by the colors and are regularly cleared by the appointed clearing agents,

A compact bio-gas plant has been put in place in using waste food as feedstock to supply bio-gas for cooking. The 'Methane' gas produced is an environmentally friendly cooking system. The plant is sufficiently compact to be used by small scale cooking outlets. Trial is being carried out for the 'Boardwalk' kitchen. It is estimated that typically 250 gms. of gas per day is obtained from 1kg. (dry matter) of feed.

'Victory reflects the commitment and drive of everyone in the Company. The employees believe that the customer deserves nothing but the best and the achievements of the International Property award and other accolades, recently received by Water's Edge, is an incredible feat standing the test of co-operation and camaraderie that now pervades the entire organization' said Anusha Abeysinghe, Corporate Affairs Manager.

Waters Edge was awarded the "5 STAR' International Property Award as the Best Leisure Development - Sri Lanka by a panel of international judges. The award is a testament to excellence in the property field, and the very innovation and high standards demonstrated by the world's leading property professionals.

The most outstanding entries are issued with a 5 Star Award. The personalized logo is a badge of merit, which is an endorsement of the expertise and professionalism of the organization she explained.

In the year 2010 International Property Awards and Bloomberg TV signed the sponsorship deal with an illustrious rostrum of other sponsors and media partners from across the world. These include the New York Times, Sydney Morning Herald and more.

Established 16 years ago, the International Property Awards - a UK based organization is the world's most prestigious competition dedicated to finding the most outstanding property professionals across the globe. In 2010 Hong Kong was added to the list of cities where winners are presented with their awards.

Having competed for the first time in the '5S' discipline 'Waters Edge Ltd.' was awarded a 'Certificate of Commendation' in the Service Sector - Large Scale in the Western Province - Sri Lanka she said with the passion of one who had seen Water's Edge shape up from the untouched wilderness to what it has emerged today.

Water's Edge is not only conscious of its immaculate management of its precincts but promotes from within a spectrum of wide and varied culinary talents to emerge winners at the Culinery Awards 2010. The team was successful in winning 24 medals at the event for innovative creations and incomparable taste.

Thinking out of the box is what draws the line and lifts Water's Edge above the rest. Its all about doing things differently.

Their process of converting a non revenue department to revenue was implemented by using the Grounds & Gardening Department lately driving its scenery typical to Sri Lankan culture. The area which during the rainy season was water logged is now a luscious paddy field providing paddy 3 times a year to the staff cafeteria.

The former golf course is now a vegetable patch growing luscious green vegetables that are given to the kitchen for the preparation of staff meals.

Waters Edge lost the Golf Course in Feb 2009 but to compensate the loss a hive of new activities such as horse riding, canoing, cycling have been introduced in the past few months. The activities are operated with professionals in the field of their chosen sporting activity.

Water's Edge attracts 'off-road' enthusiast, another captured market segment, to visit the newly launched "Boardwalk" - down the beaten track - keeping a distance from the main building. It attracts 'adventure' addicts. The 'Equestrian' sport attracts the foreign clientèle that has used 'Waters Edge' as a membership base.

Although this is a small market the sight of a horse rider is a tempting sight & thus interests those not into this sport as yet,

Water Edge is shaping up with just the apt out of the box thinking, heart warming gestures and idolized best practices to emerge a winner and a tough competitor with an attitude, that is hard to match but worthy of emulation.