]Hoshin Kanri (also known as Hoshin Planning) is a Lean management principal that involves moving an organization toward long-term, strategic objectives while maintaining and improving key business processes and results through systematic planning and good organizational alignment.

In other words, leaders must lay the track and drive the train at the same time. That’s a tall order. Hoshin Kanri software can help.

Where’s The Next Stop?

In too many organizations, strategic planning is so far divorced from front line employees that they have little insight into short term and long term goals and the activities that are necessary to achieve them. As they say, if you don’t know where you’re going, any path will get you there.

Hoshin Kanri software brings the strategic plan to life for every team member. They know exactly what results the organization is aiming to achieve and how they are positioned to help.

Are we there yet?

From the conductor’s seat, you can see the changing terrain, but those at the back of the train won’t be able to see what you see for a while.

Digitizing the Hoshin process makes it possible for everyone to see the results of improvement work in real time. They don’t have to wait for something to directly impact them to see forward movement.

Is the Track Clear?

In the same way that Hoshin Kanri software makes it easy to recognize and broadcast success, it also gives managers visibility into barriers to progress. When obstacles arise or momentum stalls, leaders can take quick and decisive action to clear the way.

What’s the View from the Caboose?

Did you ever wonder why trains have a caboose? Cabooses serve several purposes. One of the most important is to allow the crew to keep an eye out for load shifting, damage to equipment and cargo, and overheating axles. You can’t see those things from the conductor’s chair.

In much the same way, front line employees have a view into the challenges and triumphs of the organization that executive leaders don’t. The insight of every team member is necessary to make sure that the train keeps rolling forward smoothly. Hoshin Kanri software creates a platform for bottom-up feedback.

Defining and steering toward key strategic goals and objectives are two of the highest priorities for any leader. Hoshin Kanri software is a valuable tool for doing exactly that and making sure that your train pulls into the station intact and on time.