#Japan #Digital Transformation #Tokyo #Backlog #Onward Holdings

Introduction

In today's fast-paced business environment, companies are increasingly leveraging technology to streamline their operations and improve collaboration. One such example is Onward Holdings, a prominent Japanese holding company that is making significant strides in digital transformation through the integration of Backlog, a project and task management tool developed by Nulab.

Background of Onward Holdings

Onward Holdings, based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, comprises several business subsidiaries, including Onward Kashiyama and Onward Personal Style. A recent initiative, aimed at launching a new custom suit brand named "KASHIYAMA," called for a shift from traditional paper-based order management to a more robust, tech-driven solution. This led to the inception of the smart factory project at the Dalian factory in China.

The project involved multiple stakeholders, including construction companies, IT vendors, consultants, and local staff. However, this multicultural team faced difficulties in communication and information sharing, primarily relying on email, which resulted in fragmented knowledge and confusion about the latest updates. To tackle these issues, Onward Holdings decided to implement Backlog as a centralized management tool.

Utilizing Backlog Across the Organization

Backlog has become an essential platform for enhancing communication and ensuring that all decisions and discussions are documented in one place. With approximately 800 users, the platform facilitates a cohesive flow of information, enabling both internal team members and external partners to monitor project progress. This transparency ensures that stakeholders know who is responsible for what, significantly reducing miscommunication and the chances of tasks being overlooked.

Additionally, the Gantt chart feature allows teams to visualize their progress effortlessly. As task details are updated, the Gantt chart remains synchronized, providing a real-time view of timelines, milestones, and responsible individuals. This has changed the way Onward Holdings conducts project checks, allowing for remote collaboration instead of relying on in-person visits, which has reduced travel requirements.

Security Measures with Nulab Pass

As the scale of user engagement grew, so did the need for secure information management. To address this, the company implemented Nulab Pass, a dedicated security and account management service. This ensures that access to company resources is limited to managed devices and accounts, maintaining a clear audit trail of actions performed by the 800 users. This robust security framework safeguards against data breaches while allowing for efficient account management.

Voices from Onward Holdings

Representatives from Onward Holdings expressed their views on the transformative impact of Backlog on their operations. According to Mizutani and Kobayashi, officials within the digital transformation division, Backlog is not merely a task management tool; it acts as a communication medium that allows individuals to understand their roles clearly and the project's status. They noted, "Without Backlog, we can’t get our work done. It has become the foundation for our dialogue and collaboration."

Looking ahead, Onward Holdings plans to leverage the upcoming Backlog AI Assistant to streamline various processes further. This includes efficiently searching through accumulated tasks and documents and organizing discussion threads. They hope to reduce the onboarding burden for new members by enhancing the user experience and exploring advanced functionalities that allow teams to not only document information but also collaboratively strategize their next actions.

About Backlog

Backlog, developed by Nulab, is an intuitive project and task management tool that supports teams by centralizing task management, communication, documentation, and project progress tracking. It is designed to enhance productivity and collaboration among team members, making it an invaluable asset for any organization.

Website: Backlog

About Nulab

Nulab, headquartered in Fukuoka, Japan, is dedicated to providing innovative software solutions for project management and collaboration. In addition to Backlog, they also offer other services tailored to meet the needs of modern teams.

Corporate Website: Nulab
Careers: Nulab Careers