Become a Strategy Execution Expert

Explore our resources to learn everything about Hoshin Kanri and strategy deployment.

Strategy deployment can be a complex and challenging process. On this page, you’ll find valuable resources designed to increase your chances of successfully executing your strategy. By leveraging these insights, you’ll be better equipped to transform your organization’s vision into actionable steps, ensuring that your strategic goals are met effectively and efficiently.

Hoshin Kanri, OKR & BSC: Which Method is Best for You?

There are various methods for strategy implementation, but no single approach works universally for every organization or scenario. To help you navigate this, the table below outlines the three most widely used methods – Hoshin Kanri, Balanced Scorecards, and OKRs – allowing you to select the one that best aligns with your organization’s unique needs and objectives.

Hoshin kanri

OKR

Balanced scorecard

Description

A goal-setting framework which combines long term objectives with annual objectives and improvement priorities with KPIs.


Alignment process to reduce waste and to ensure common direction.

OKRs are a goal-setting framework which consists of objectives and key results.


Measurable goals create alignment.

Strategy is formulated using 4 perspectives: finance, customers, internal processes, and learning & growth.


Aim to balance financial and non-financial KPIs.

Orientation

Change and performance.

Growth.

Performance and operational management.

Principle

Tiered according to organizational level.

Focus on teams.

Business unit focus.

Strategy horizon

3–5 years and focus on annual planning.

Focus on a quarter of a year with an annual horizon.

More than 1 year. Focus on annual planning.

Pros

  • Strong alignment across organizational levels.
  • Forces maintaining of focus & clarifying ownership.
  • Simple strategy visualization.
  • Fast pace
  • Relatively simple.
  • Aligned to roles in the organization.
  • Taught widely in universities.
  • Efficient in describing metrics of corporate strategy.

Cons

  • Perceived as a demanding method due to its lean roots.
  • Support for very short-term goals.
  • Easy to end up with too many objectives.
  • Alignment in a large organization.
  • Limits corporate strategy to a set of KPIs
  • Easy to lose the bigger picture.
  • Cascading down the objectives lacks precision.

Best suited to

Companies where internal cooperation and alignment are important.

Companies where the need for internal alignment is low.

Companies with simple organizational structure.

Hoshin Kanri’s inherent simplicity has inspired Amplon to visualize strategy in a way that engages managers and employees at all levels in the execution process. However, Amplon goes beyond this by addressing the limitations of the traditional Hoshin Kanri method.

With Amplon, companies aren’t bound by the strict lean philosophy—unless they choose to be. Instead, they can design a bottom-up strategy that is flexible and easily tailored to fit their unique culture and processes. Amplon facilitates seamless collaboration by making it easy to share and track development projects and activities, ensuring alignment and focus across the organization. Additionally, the software’s real-time dashboards provide instant visibility into strategy progress, enabling quick reactions to any deviations and ensuring that the organization stays on course.

All About Hoshin Kanri

Compass symbolizing the future, representing the Hoshin Kanri strategic planning framework that aligns organizational direction and goal achievement

What is Hoshin Kanri?

Hoshin Kanri is more than just a strategic planning method—it’s a practical approach that helps organizations turn big goals into everyday action. In this article, we break down the core phases of Hoshin Kanri, explore its real-world benefits, and show how Amplon makes strategy execution clear, collaborative, and continuous.

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Implementing Hoshin Kanri with Software

Hoshin Kanri software like Amplon transforms strategic planning by replacing static Excel files with a digital X matrix, enabling real-time updates, cross-functional alignment, and full transparency. With intuitive tools and integrated project tracking, it makes strategy execution more agile, collaborative, and effective.

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Amplon interface of interactive Hoshin Kanri X matrix for strategic planning and communication

The Ultimate Hoshin Kanri X Matrix Guide

The “Ultimate Hoshin Kanri X Matrix Guide” provides an in-depth exploration of the X Matrix as a critical tool for strategic planning and execution. This guide details how the X Matrix aligns organizational objectives, improvement projects, and KPIs to ensure cohesive strategy deployment across all levels. With a focus on clarity and alignment, the X Matrix simplifies complex strategic processes into a single, visually engaging framework.

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Download the Free Excel X Matrix Template

Many organizations start their Hoshin Kanri journey using an Excel spreadsheet, as it’s a common starting point. However, while Excel can serve as a basic tool, Amplon offers a dedicated Hoshin Kanri solution that overcomes its limitations. With a focus on user-friendliness, Amplon streamlines the process, providing a more efficient and intuitive way to manage your strategy deployment.

Strategy Execution Guides

8 Tips for World-Class Strategy Execution

Executing a strategy is where many good plans fall apart. In this article, we unpack 8 world-class tips to bridge the gap between planning and action. Whether you’re aligning teams, tracking progress, or adapting on the fly—these insights will help you move from intent to impact with clarity and confidence.

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Operational Pitfalls to Strategy Execution – Why Great Strategies Fail

Effective strategy execution goes beyond alignment—it’s about preparation and overcoming key operational barriers. This article dives into the challenges organizations face, including disengaged employees, fragmented focus, and weak communication. We also explore how solid performance management routines and clear objectives can help turn strategy into action, ensuring teams stay engaged and aligned throughout the process.

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Mastering Strategy Deployment with the Right Management System

The strategy is planned, objectives are set, and each department has a well-structured X matrix in place. But what comes next?

Up to 90% of strategies fail to be executed successfully, leaving only 10% of organizations achieving full implementation of their strategic plans. To be part of the latter, a structured approach to strategy execution is crucial. This article breaks down the seemingly complex but essential phase of the Hoshin Kanri process and provides a step-by-step guide for what to do after finalizing your strategy.

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Digitalize. Simplify. Optimize.

Robust, intuitive, and built to fit your organization – Amplon is everything you need for Hoshin Kanri in one solution.