Why you should connect more suppliers to your KanbanBOX license
More suppliers you connect to KanbanBOX, more efficient everyone becomes
If you’re already using KanbanBOX to collaborate with one or more external suppliers, you know how impactful it is to have aligned processes, centralized communication, and real-time visibility on order and material status. [If not, read this dedicated article.]
But the true potential of the platform is unleashed when your entire supply network is connected, not just direct suppliers, but also subcontractors and even your customers.
This way, you can turn a simple supply chain into an integrated and collaborative network, capable of reducing inefficiencies and reacting quickly to change. Let’s explore why.
Why connect more suppliers to KanbanBOX?
The more suppliers you connect, the more efficient you become
Having just one supplier integrated on the platform is certainly a great first step, but true efficiency is achieved only when most or all suppliers are connected. In fact, even if one connected supplier operates smoothly and on time thanks to KanbanBOX, your entire process can still experience slowdowns if the rest of your supply chain is managed traditionally with emails, urgent requests, and lack of visibility. This leads to delays, emergencies, avoidable manual work, and production stoppages, even when part of the chain is perfectly on schedule. Extending the connection to more suppliers reduces these bottlenecks, creates a more coordinated and responsive flow, and truly unlocks the power of pull flow across the entire supply chain.
One centralized tool to manage all supply activities
Connecting your suppliers to KanbanBOX allows you to manage all supply activities with a single, centralized tool, eliminating the need to use emails, Excel files, external portals, or parallel systems. All information (orders, kanban cards, comments, technical documents, material status) is tracked and shared in real time in a single platform that can be integrated with your company ERP. And it’s not limited to kanban components: you can also manage closed orders, consumables, subcontracting, and any other type of supply. The result? Less complexity, more control, and a continuous, structured information flow.
When every link is connected, the chain is strong
In a supply chain, every delay ripples downstream. If one of your suppliers faces issues because they are waiting on materials from an unconnected supplier, your process suffers too. When multiple players in the supply chain use KanbanBOX, it reduces the domino effect of delays and creates a stronger, more transparent, and responsive system.
The more companies use the platform, the more collective efficiency grows: with real-time kanban updates, visibility on consumption, realistic lead times (automatically adjusted based on shared calendars), and contextual communication on each kanban card, management becomes continuous and collaborative.
Not just suppliers: the benefits of a connected network
The advantages of a connected supply chain are even greater when it evolves from a simple “chain” into a truly interconnected network. Connecting not just direct suppliers, but also subcontractors, distributors, and customers, creates a continuous information flow across the entire production ecosystem, reducing delays, surprises, and lack of visibility. In an integrated digital network, each link becomes an active node, capable of responding in real time, preventing bottlenecks, and contributing to the overall fluidity of the supply chain. The result? A more responsive, collaborative, and efficient system that truly supports pull flow principles.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of also connecting subcontractors and customers to KanbanBOX.
Extending the connection to subcontractors
Imagine working with a supplier who outsources part of the process to a subcontractor. With KanbanBOX, you can create a free license for the subcontractor as well, integrating them into the flow in a structured and transparent way. The process is simple:
- You generate the order (kanban card) directly in KanbanBOX, sent to the supplier as part of a multi-process flow.
- The system automatically creates two separate cards: one for the supplier and one for the subcontractor. Both parties can view and update their own card, including technical drawings, comments, and information.
- Meanwhile, you can monitor the entire progress from your board: you see the updated status of every phase (no need for emails, calls, or update requests) and always have the current lead time.
Everything is visible in real time, under control, and fully traceable, even when production is distributed across multiple players.
Extending the connection to customers and distributors
Once your suppliers are connected, expanding the network to include customers and distributors helps close the supply chain loop, extending kanban benefits downstream. Your customers and distributors can directly release replenishment cards, share demand forecasts, and generally enjoy all the benefits of managing orders through KanbanBOX.
No additional cost for connecting more partners
If you already have a supplier or customer connected to your license, connecting more suppliers, customers, or partners is free.
That’s because your “supply chain” license (which allows integration with external partners) is not priced based on the number of connected companies, but on the total number of active kanban loops, according to your subscription’s structure. In other words: you can connect as many suppliers, subcontractors, and customers as you want (at no extra cost) and decide how many loops to activate with each one.
This allows you to expand your network without limits, choosing how many loops to create for each supplier and which materials to manage with KanbanBOX, whether with kanban or closed orders.
Start growing your network today
Each new connection is a step toward a more integrated, streamlined, and high-performing supply chain. If you’re already experiencing the benefits with one or more suppliers, why not extend them to the others? Our support team is here to guide you through the process and help you onboard your partners directly. Building a truly integrated supply chain is simple, with the right support.
Contact your KanbanBOX account manager or check the KanbanBOX Guide!