#Japan #Nagoya #Nulab #Backlog #Sanwa Chemical

Revolutionizing Drug Development with Backlog

In today's fast-paced pharmaceutical industry, effective project management is crucial. Sanwa Chemical Institute, a prominent player in drug development, has successfully implemented a groundbreaking approach by utilizing Backlog, a project management tool provided by Nulab. This innovative strategy has not only streamlined their processes but has also set a precedent in the industry for how to conduct work efficiently and collaboratively.

Background of Backlog Implementation

The challenges faced by Sanwa Chemical Institute were significant. With a vast and complex new drug development project involving multiple departments, the previous management system, primarily based on Excel, proved insufficient. This method often resulted in miscommunication across departments, delayed decision-making, and a lack of clear accountability among team members. The company realized that achieving a common understanding of “who does what by when, and why” was vital.

The decision to integrate Backlog was driven by the need for enhanced teamwork and real-time visibility of tasks and progress. By choosing a tool that could simplify task management and improve the clarity of communication, Sanwa aimed to foster a collaborative environment where all members could easily track project developments and their roles within the team.

Achievements Through Backlog

Increased Meeting Productivity

The implementation of Backlog allowed for continuous task progress sharing, leading to a dramatic decrease in redundant project status reports during meetings. This transition enabled team discussions to shift from mere reporting to constructive debates, enhancing the overall productivity of meetings. Instead of wasting time on updates, team members could focus on strategic decision-making and problem-solving, which ultimately led to improved project outcomes.

Unified Understanding Across Departments

One of the key benefits of using Backlog is its ability to clarify responsibilities and deadlines assigned to specific tasks. Now, even when team members attended the same meeting, everyone had a consistent understanding of project statuses and individual contributions. This transparency eliminated the discrepancies that previously existed among team members regarding their responsibilities, significantly smoothing interdepartmental collaboration.

Implementation Support Program

The success of Backlog’s implementation at Sanwa Chemical also highlights the importance of Nulab's support program. The “Safe! Backlog Implementation Support Program” facilitated the transition from Excel to Backlog seamlessly, by assisting with data migration, the establishment of new rules, and organizing internal training sessions. This comprehensive support helped embed the tool into the team’s workflow effectively. By communicating the purpose behind using Backlog, it transformed from a simple tool into a pivotal element of the company’s management system.

Perspectives from Sanwa Management

Comments from Murase and Konishi from the management strategy group of Sanwa Chemical highlight the significant impact of Backlog. They have recognized it not only as a task and schedule management tool but also as an effective communication facilitator that strengthens teamwork. The company now uses Backlog across various projects, expanding its influence beyond just drug development.

They emphasized the need for a system of ‘Backlog Sweepers’ — champions within the organization who can promote effective use of the tool and drive cultural changes, such as fostering an environment of appreciation and collaboration among team members.

The Future of Team Dynamics

As workforces become more diverse and dynamic due to demographic changes, Nulab believes that there is a growing need for effective “teamwork management.” By facilitating collaboration among individuals from different backgrounds and roles, Backlog supports companies in achieving shared goals efficiently.

Nulab plans to continue enhancing Backlog and its other services to meet the evolving needs of teams of all sizes and industries. The company’s goal is to ensure that users can adapt Backlog according to their unique operational demands and take full advantage of its capabilities.

About Backlog

Backlog is an all-in-one project and task management tool that supports teams across various industries. Its user-friendly design and extensive features, including Wiki, Git integrations, and Gantt charts, make it accessible for everyone.

Since its launch in 2005, Backlog has facilitated collaboration for teams worldwide, offering both cloud-based and on-premise solutions with flexibility for unlimited users. With over 1.4 million users globally, it remains a leading choice for project management.

For more information about Backlog and Nulab’s services, please visit the official Nulab website.