Easier management of teams in complex matrix organizations
Autonomous integration of external tools through Planforge's API
More accurate project and resource management with scenario planning
Informed management decisions using the timeline feature
indie Semiconductor FFO GmbH, based in Frankfurt (Oder), designs and develops high-frequency circuits for radar, sensor, and wireless communications. The company consists of an international team with in-depth system know-how, which has been specializing in the development of standardized chip products and ASICs since 2006.
Program Manager indie Semiconductor FFO GmbH"Planforge combines high functionality with ease of use."
indie Semiconductor FFO initially had no software solution to monitor its project management landscape. The company used Excel and other tools to gain insights into project status and progress.
However, the growing number of 'digital documents' led to an inconsistent view of project phases and steps as well as individual tasks and processes.
Additionally, the company undertakes various external customer projects which require accurate documentation and allocation of effort to each project.
Once again, effort, such as employee hours, were also entered via digital documents.
In addition, indie Semiconductor FFO needed a clear overview of the financial aspects of projects to document internal management requirements for project progress and outcomes, such as:
To meet these challenges, the company was looking for a software solution that would provide a transparent view of project activities while seamlessly integrating project controlling and resource management.
indie Semiconductor FFO's Location in Frankfurt
We didn't have a project management system before, so we did what many companies do: use Excel and other tools. However, this often resulted in inconsistent project visualization.
— Jan Balbach-Sobkowicz
Program Manager
Today, indie Semiconductor FFO benefits from a clearly structured project landscape in Planforge.
The tool enables individual departments to keep track of ongoing projects, thus promoting greater project management transparency. The company benefits from Planforge's combination of resource management and project controlling.
indie Semiconductor FFO uses the software to monitor all resources of its development projects, including time tracking, and to analyze progress and utilization regarding resources and budget.
For example, the company evaluates time tracking at project and work package level and effectively compares the results with project progress reporting in controlling.
Planforge provides balanced program management across multiple projects with the ability to create scenarios.
— Jan Balbach-Sobkowicz
Program Manager
Example: The Gantt chart in Planforge
Example: Resource management in Planforge
We can now implement the magic triangle of project management holistically. This allows us to efficiently plan and control quality, time, and budget.
— Jan Balbach-Sobkowicz
Program Manager
indie Semiconductor FFO creates portfolios for "framework" or "bird's-eye" projects that mirror all higher-level project and product interrelationships - from pilot development to series production, including the supply chain.
Within these portfolios, indie Semiconductor FFO uses gate checks, scenario planning, and the timeline to make clear decisions about the ongoing development of individual product categories.
The timeline provides a transparent view of these decision points, supporting informed decision-making.
A key parameter in our decision-making is the transparency provided by the timeline.
— Jan Balbach-Sobkowicz
Program Manager
According to indie Semiconductor FFO, the main reasons for choosing Planforge were the tool's cost advantage, scalability, ease of use, and ability to be deployed on-premises. The company particularly values the software’s manageability and range of functionality.
Mr. Balbach explains that Planforge helps him to work in a disciplined, goal-oriented, and structured way. In his opinion, these aspects are indispensable for a successful routine in everyday project work.
Example: Hybrid KPIs in Planforge
Customer projects (e.g., development projects)
Funded projects at national level
Customer projects at EU level
Projects with external partners
Internal product devlopment projects (e.g., radarchips)
Supply chain projects (e.g., modeling of series production)
Management projects (e.g., tool implementations)
"Bird-Perspective" projects (read more)
Example: The project dashboard in Planforge
Example: The timeline in Planforge
Program Manager indie Semiconductor FFO GmbH"We now have a clear overview of our entire project landscape. We can see how our internal and external projects are structured and connected within the company."
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