Driving Hydrogen Integration in Heavy Industry with KanBo
Decarbonization Through Innovation
As global pressure mounts to decarbonize heavy industry, hydrogen emerges as a critical solution for sectors like steel, chemicals, and energy. A major industrial technology firm has embraced this challenge with an ambitious hydrogen program. To manage complex cross-functional projects—from electrolysis R&D to logistics and infrastructure deployment—the company implemented KanBo as its enterprise work coordination platform.
Company’s Overview
Industry:
Industrial Technology & Manufacturing
Key Focus Areas:
Hydrogen integration and decarbonization
Size:
Automotive, steel, energy, and chemical sectors
Challenges:
Electrolysis development, infrastructure planning, and compliance
Stakeholder Perspective
CChief Technology Officer
Decarbonizing heavy industry through hydrogen adoption requires seamless collaboration between R&D, production, suppliers, and policymakers. We needed a digital platform that could translate our high-level vision into day-to-day actions. KanBo met that need, providing structure, visibility, and integration with our Microsoft tools.
How the Organization Uses KanBo
KanBo enables full-spectrum coordination of hydrogen innovation, from laboratory breakthroughs to large-scale industrial deployment.
I. Strategic Structuring by Domain
- Workspaces: Dedicated to core pillars like R&D, Production, Policy, and Infrastructure.
- Spaces: Focused on sub-initiatives, such as membrane optimization or pilot trials in steelmaking.
- Card Templates: Standardized task structures used across all project types.
II. Task Management & Dependency Mapping
- Cards: Represent individual milestones—prototype builds, emissions analysis, regulatory filings.
- Card Relations: Visualize task dependencies, such as test validation → mass production approval.
- Statistics & Status Flags: Provide real-time performance visibility.
III. Visual Planning Tools
- Gantt Charts & Calendar Views: Timeline tracking for electrolysis rollout and site construction.
- Forecast Charts: Predict delivery risks using historical task data.
- Bottleneck Detection: Delays and blockers flagged based on resource usage or task lags.
IV. Cross-Functional Resource Management
- Workload Balancing: Resource Manager detects conflicts (e.g., overbooked teams, critical machinery).
- Role-Based Allocation: Assigns staff based on skills, availability, and compliance needs.
- Supply Chain Monitoring: Tracks vendor task statuses and lead times within shared Cards.
V. Collaboration & Communication
- KanBo Comments & Mentions: Enable threaded, traceable communication.
- Live Document Sharing: Technical files, test results, and certifications stored in Cards.
- MS Teams & SharePoint Integration: Ensures seamless internal and external collaboration.
VI. Compliance & Reporting Oversight
- Regulatory Spaces: Track permits, sustainability metrics, and documentation updates.
- Audit Readiness: Historical records and card activities fulfill compliance needs.
- Sustainability Analysts: Use dashboards to visualize progress toward emissions targets.
Roadmap for Implementation
Planning and Setup
Pilot Phase
Pilot Evaluation
Full Rollout
Project Highlights
Pilot Launch:
Within 2 months
ERP Integration:
Full synchronization with inventory and finance tools
Efficiency Gains:
20% reduction in component development time
Real-World Applications in KanBo
Hydrogen Electrolysis R&D
Linked Cards tracked material testing, design iterations, and prototype approvals—creating a full view of innovation cycles.
Supply Chain Bottleneck Alerts
Statistics flagged recurring issues with key catalyst suppliers, triggering procurement adjustments.
Policy Compliance Management
Regulatory teams used checklists and documentation Cards to maintain audit readiness and share progress with policymakers.
Benefits of Using KanBo for Hydrogen Integration
Connected Strategy & Execution
Every initiative aligned with real-time operational progress
Faster Innovation Cycles
Efficient workflows across R&D, production, and infrastructure
Predictive Risk Management
Early detection of delays and resourcing issues
Compliance-Ready Oversight
Centralized audit trails and document controls ensure accountability
Security and Installation Options
On-Premises & Government Cloud Deployment
Ensures compliance with national security regulations.
Role-Based Access Controls
Restrict sensitive investment data to authorized personnel.
Data Encryption & Audit Logging
Protects against cyber threats and ensures transparency.
KanBo – Work Coordination Platform
KanBo is a work coordination software designed to help self-organizing teams work smarter and faster. You can see KanBo in action by accessing our demonstration environment.