#Japan #Tokyo #Nulab #Backlog #JBN

Enhancing Project Management with Backlog

Web production company JBN has successfully integrated Nulab's Backlog into their operations to address challenges in project management. Located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Nagano, Japan, JBN specializes in website creation with a focus on CRM utilization. The use of Backlog has transformed the way they manage client and external partner relationships, minimizing the opacity and complexity traditionally associated with such projects.

Background of Implementing Backlog

JBN faced significant hurdles during their web development projects due to dispersed information and unclear progress. It became challenging to track the overall project status as tasks were often communicated individually via chat. This led to management complexities, consequently making it difficult for team members to concentrate on their core responsibilities.

To tackle these issues, JBN turned to Backlog, which allows all stakeholders involved in the project to monitor progress in real-time and communicate effectively. Initially, Backlog was utilized to visualize estimates and actual time taken for minor tasks like content revisions and PDF replacements. However, its application quickly expanded to include comprehensive project tracking, making it essential for both internal and external project management.

Benefits of Using Backlog

1. Improved Transparency through Centralized Management

Through Backlog, all clients and partner companies are given access to a common project space to manage tasks. This centralized approach has alleviated clients’ anxieties about project status, granting them assurance about what stage the project is at and how things are progressing. The consolidation of information has dramatically reduced the effort required to verify project details, facilitating smoother communication.

2. A Streamlined Environment for Task Management

Backlog’s Gantt chart feature aids in quickly identifying tasks assigned to external partners through color coding. This visual representation allows for immediate understanding of responsibilities, reducing the need for clarification. As team members can instantly see what needs to be done, they can focus more on their work without the distraction of needing to search for or organize tasks.

3. Enhanced Team Capability through Backlog Sweepers

With Backlog, all parties come together in one platform, which ensures efficient task management and sharing of updated information. Additionally, roles such as “Backlog Sweepers” are embraced by JBN and their clients to keep track of tasks effectively, ensuring that no issues fall through the cracks. This collaborative use of Backlog has noticeably boosted team capabilities, enabling faster project progress.

Insights from JBN's Team

The JBN team underscores the goal of advancing Nulab’s concept of ‘Teamwork Management.’ According to Hiroki Abe, Director, and Daichi Kaneko, Director/Leader, the next step is to foster a collaborative atmosphere where both engineers and designers can contribute tasks directly. It’s essential to build an environment that promotes autonomy and proactivity among all team members. They aim to delve deeper into foundational project management principles to cultivate a unified language for teamwork.

To further this vision, JBN plans on utilizing Backlog's Wiki and documentation features to share knowledge and methodologies among team members, thereby accelerating the establishment of a more autonomous work environment.

As the workforce evolves to include a diverse range of team members and employment types, Nulab foresees the growing necessity for effective ‘Teamwork Management’ in organizations where members from varied backgrounds collaborate toward common goals. JBN is dedicated to continuously improving Backlog and Nulab's services to meet the multifaceted needs of their clients in this changing landscape.

About Nulab

Nulab promotes a form of teamwork management that empowers teams consisting of members from different departments to autonomously and effectively work towards shared goals, enhancing overall organizational productivity. Their project management tool, Backlog, is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in June 2025, with a dedicated site showcasing its journey and future directions.

For more information about Nulab’s services visit: Nulab Website and check out their Backlog Tool.