Strengthening U.S. Operations in Response to Tariff Pressures
Regional Production Expansion
Facing a 25% tariff on imported vehicles, a global automotive leader expanded its U.S.-based electric SUV production. The goal: reduce reliance on imports, increase operational efficiency, and reassure investors. KanBo was selected as the digital backbone for this transformation—bridging strategy, execution, and communication across teams.
Company’s Overview
Industry:
Automotive Manufacturing / Electric Vehicles
Key Focus Areas:
Local production expansion, workflow efficiency, supply chain adaptation
Size:
Global OEM with multiple manufacturing hubs
Challenges:
Tariff pressure, real-time coordination, shift management, strategic visibility
Stakeholder Perspective
CChief Information Officer (CIO)
Responding to tariff challenges meant more than just building capacity—it required a digital platform to connect strategic goals with day-to-day operations. KanBo helped us align executive planning with on-the-ground actions, manage production workflows, and ensure clear communication across departments.
How the Organization Uses KanBo
KanBo acts as an operations control center that connects strategic planning with execution across the U.S. plant. The platform structures work across production lines, supports resource allocation, and increases transparency at every level.
I. Production Program Management & Scheduling
- Workspaces per Program: Each vehicle model has its own dedicated Space.
- Gantt & Forecast Views: Visualize key milestones, bottlenecks, and part dependencies.
- Timeline Coordination: Align project phases with procurement and engineering activities.
II. Workflow Execution & Real-Time Monitoring
- Task Cards: Represent tooling, assembly, logistics, and testing activities.
- Swimlanes & Grouping: Organize work by department, shift, or production stage.
- Comments & Mentions: Keep shift supervisors and engineers aligned on task progress.
III. Resource Planning & Shift Coordination
- Integrated Resource Dashboard: Assign technicians and supervisors based on skillset and workload.
- Real-Time Adjustments: React to unexpected delays or personnel changes.
- HR System Integration: Sync roles, shift schedules, and team availability.
IV. Engineering & Procurement Synchronization
- Shared Spaces: Enable engineering and procurement to collaborate on tooling timelines.
- Gantt-Based Delivery Mapping: Match part arrivals to production needs.
- Notifications & Alerts: Trigger action when parts are delayed or specifications change.
V. Strategic Oversight & Performance Reporting
- Executive Dashboards: Monitor plant progress in real time across multiple vehicle lines.
- KPI Tracking: Review completion rates, delay causes, and team productivity.
- Cross-Functional Analytics: Inform strategic planning and resource reallocation.
VI. Documentation & Template Reusability
- Document Templates: Standardize launch documents, approval processes, and shift checklists.
- SharePoint Integration: Store and manage SOPs, technical drawings, and HR documents.
- Reusable Frameworks: Apply templates to future vehicle lines and plant expansions.
Roadmap for Implementation
Planning and Setup
Pilot Phase
Pilot Evaluation
Full Rollout
Project Highlights
Implementation Duration:
12 months from kickoff to full plant-wide adoption
System Integration:
Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and internal HR systems
Performance Outcomes:
30% increase in task visibility, 20% reduction in decision-making time
Real-World Applications in KanBo
Tooling Workflow Optimization
Engineering teams used task Cards to manage tooling development and reduce unexpected delays by flagging issues early.
Procurement & Delivery Sync
Procurement teams mapped part arrivals to production milestones using Gantt views, improving alignment between departments.
Shift Handover Communication
Supervisors used Card comments and real-time notifications to ensure seamless communication during shift changes.
Benefits of Using KanBo for Production Scaling
Streamlined Production Planning
Eliminate delays through visual workflows and tracking
Clear Visibility Across Teams
From engineers to execs, everyone stays on the same page
Template-Driven Scalability
Templates simplify new model launches and plant rollouts
Executive-to-Line Transparency
Executives monitor plant status in real time, enabling quick decisions
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.