How a leading manufacturer used Smartsheet to improve it's product development

Challenge:

Our client, a leading manufacturer was facing the following challenges with their product development process:

• Lack of collaborative tool: Work managed in Excel or Sharepoint was time-consuming and unproductive

• Inefficient communication: Communication between 50+ project members was challenging and required weekly meetings to follow up on status

• Dispersed team: Hundreds of employees, partners and vendors globally impacted by product development process

Solution:

Achievan built a custom solution on the Smartsheet platform with the following components:

• Formulas were used for conditional formatting to show status of task

• Automated update requests keep team members engaged and projects on track

• Cell linking keeps status across projects up to date

• Back and forth email communication and Excel spreadsheets were replaced

• Individual dashboards for all employees which make tracking personal tasks easier

• Automated alerts to all stakeholders regarding any potential delays

Result/Impact:

• Increased transparency and fewer emails: Real-time visibility, reducing email chains and phone calls

• Reduced meetings: Teams make real-time updates resulting in fewer status update meetings

• Collaboration: Improved communication and collaboration culture across teams