Investment Planning Global manufacturers
Manufacturing sector
Global manufacturers face complex challenges such as geopolitical shifts, supply chain disruptions, rising operational costs, and regulatory changes. To navigate these demands, KanBo provides a structured, transparent, and agile platform that supports collaborative planning, resource management, and rapid decision-making across the enterprise.
Company’s Overview
Industry:
Global Manufacturing
Key Focus Areas:
Supply chain agility, cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation
Size:
50,000+ employees, 30+ global facilities
Challenges:
Tariff risks, production reallocation, cross-functional coordination, integration with existing systems
Stakeholder Perspective
CChief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) of a Global Manufacturing Company
Geopolitical shifts compelled us to reassess our global supply chain and consider shifting production to the U.S. To succeed, we needed a transparent, coordinated, and agile approach across multiple teams and systems. KanBo enabled us to orchestrate this transformation by aligning workflows, ensuring stakeholder visibility, and simulating scenarios for informed decision-making.
How the Organization Uses KanBo
KanBo offers an integrated digital workspace supporting agile supply chain transformation in the manufacturing sector. It centralizes information, streamlines planning, and enhances coordination across departments. Key functional areas include:
I. Strategic Planning & Production Shift Management
- KanBo Gantt Chart View: Plan, track, and manage production relocation timelines and milestones.
- Decision Support Tools: Guide strategic evaluations of shifting production in response to tariffs or political instability.
- Dynamic Workspaces: Align objectives between leadership, operations, and finance for seamless transition.
II. Supplier Management & Procurement Optimization
- Contract Lifecycle Management: Track contract renegotiations with vendors impacted by the transition.
- Supplier Scoring Boards: Evaluate performance, compliance, and cost-effectiveness of potential U.S. suppliers.
- Integrated Dashboards: Align procurement goals and supplier timelines with production readiness.
III. Operations & Facility Onboarding
- Facility Onboarding Workspaces: Standardize workflows for setting up U.S.-based facilities — including regulatory inspections, equipment installation, and staffing.
- Task Management: Assign setup responsibilities to functional leads and track completion status.
- Process Automation: Streamline onboarding procedures with automated workflows, checklists, and reminders.
IV. Logistics Planning & Inventory Coordination
- Centralized Transport Scheduling: Track inbound component shipments and outbound finished goods movement in KanBo.
- Warehouse Optimization Tools: Redesign storage and delivery flows to adjust for new production routes.
- Real-Time Alerts: Notify planners of delays, bottlenecks, or route change decisions.
V. Compliance, Risk Mitigation & Scenario Planning
- Regulatory Workflows: Ensure compliance with U.S. labor, environmental, and import/export laws.
- Scenario Planning Boards: Simulate tariff impact, facility downtime, and alternative sourcing routes.
- Risk Dashboards: Visualize supply chain vulnerabilities and actionable mitigations.
VI. Cross-Team Collaboration & Stakeholder Visibility
- Real-Time Activity Streams: Share updates across procurement, logistics, finance, and compliance.
- Executive Dashboards: Aggregate key metrics for leadership to oversee progress.
- Communication Channels & Context Cards: Facilitate transparent discussions, document changes, and align expectations.
Roadmap for Implementation
Planning and Setup
Pilot Phase
Pilot Evaluation
Full Rollout
Project Highlights
Implementation Duration:
6 months from strategic design to operational launch of U.S. facility.
System Integrations:
ERP platforms (SAP, Oracle), logistics trackers, compliance tools.
Performance Improvements:
25% increase in transparency and stakeholder satisfaction
Real-World Applications in KanBo
Supplier Consolidation
Aligned sourcing with new operational regions by streamlining vendor selection and contract reviews.
New Facility Onboarding
Accelerated setup of U.S.-based plants with digitized compliance, equipment installation checklists, and staff training flows.
Logistics Optimization
Reduced shipping delays and costs through simulation of new distribution routes and centralized tracking of transportation assets.
Benefits of Using KanBo in Manufacturing Supply Chain
Enhanced Agility
Rapid adaptation to geopolitical changes
Cross-Team Collaboration
Seamless communication and role clarity
Improved Decision-Making
Scenario planning and simulation tools
Transparency & Trust
Real-time visibility for internal and external stakeholders
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.