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Comparing Hives.co and LeanSuite? These platforms overlap in idea collection but serve fundamentally different purposes. LeanSuite is a lean manufacturing software that digitizes operational processes like Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and shop-floor workflows. Hives.co is an idea management platform that structures how organizations collect, evaluate, and implement ideas from everyone. This comparison helps you understand which tool fits your operational needs.
What Is LeanSuite?
LeanSuite is a Toronto-based lean manufacturing software company founded in 2021. Their platform digitizes lean manufacturing processes: idea submission, Kaizen management, PDCA cycles, Gemba walks, KPI tracking, and shop-floor communication. They position themselves as "the only platform built by manufacturing experts" and offer a no-code workflow automation engine.
LeanSuite uses facility-based pricing (one flat rate per facility, no user limits), which is attractive for manufacturers with large workforces. They offer a free plan for small teams (up to 25 users). The platform is cloud-based and accessible on any device, making it suitable for factory floor use. Key certifications and methodologies supported include World Class Manufacturing (WCM), Toyota Production System (TPS), DMAIC, and PDCA.
What Is Hives.co?
Hives.co is a Scandinavian idea management platform for mid-to-large organizations (500+ employees) across manufacturing, retail, and industrial sectors. While not exclusively focused on lean manufacturing, Hives.co is used by manufacturers like Volvo and Scania to collect and implement ideas from frontline workers. Pricing starts at €695/month for up to 500 contributors.
Feature Comparison
Idea management. Both platforms support idea submission from frontline workers. LeanSuite integrates idea management into a broader lean manufacturing toolkit. Hives.co treats idea management as the core product, with deeper evaluation workflows, custom scoring criteria, and structured decision-making processes.
Lean methodology tools. LeanSuite offers Kaizen event management, Gemba walk digitization, PDCA tracking, and KPI dashboards specifically designed for lean practitioners. Hives.co does not include these operational lean tools. If your primary need is digitizing lean methodology execution, LeanSuite is purpose-built for this.
Workflow automation. LeanSuite includes a no-code workflow automation engine for manufacturing processes. Hives.co offers configurable evaluation workflows for idea assessment. Different tools for different purposes: LeanSuite automates operational processes, Hives.co structures idea evaluation.
Accessibility. Both platforms work on mobile devices and are designed for shop-floor use. Hives.co adds QR code submissions and anonymous contribution options. LeanSuite emphasizes real-time communication and digital thread integration.
Analytics. LeanSuite focuses on operational KPIs (OEE, cycle time, defect rates). Hives.co focuses on innovation metrics (submission rates, implementation rates, engagement, ROI from implemented ideas).
Where Hives.co Wins
- Idea evaluation depth. If your challenge is not just collecting ideas but systematically evaluating hundreds of submissions, prioritizing the best ones, and tracking them through implementation, Hives.co's structured workflows are stronger.
- Cross-industry applicability. Hives.co works for manufacturing, retail, energy, and any organization with frontline workers. LeanSuite is specifically designed for lean manufacturing environments.
- Enterprise client proof. Volvo, Scania, Halfords, and VINCI Energies demonstrate Hives.co's ability to scale across large, multi-site organizations. LeanSuite is newer (founded 2021) with a smaller client base.
- Innovation intelligence. The Findest merger brings external technology scouting alongside internal idea management. For manufacturers who also want to scan for emerging technologies, this is unique.
Where LeanSuite Wins
- Lean methodology coverage. If you need Kaizen event management, Gemba walks, PDCA tracking, and lean-specific KPI dashboards in one tool, LeanSuite is purpose-built. Hives.co does not offer these operational tools.
- Facility-based pricing. One flat rate per facility with no user limits is ideal for manufacturers with large shift-based workforces. You never worry about per-seat costs.
- Free plan. LeanSuite offers a free plan for teams up to 25 users. This is a genuine advantage for small manufacturers wanting to test the waters.
- Manufacturing-native design. Built by manufacturing experts, the entire UX is designed around how factories actually work: shifts, stations, visual management, and real-time communication.
- No-code automation. The workflow automation engine lets manufacturing teams build custom processes without IT involvement.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Hives.co if: You need a structured idea management system that works across departments and industries. Your priority is collecting, evaluating, and implementing ideas at scale with clear ROI tracking. You want a platform proven at enterprise scale (Volvo, Scania) with transparent pricing.
Choose LeanSuite if: You are a manufacturing operation that needs to digitize lean methodology tools (Kaizen, Gemba, PDCA) alongside idea collection. Your primary users are lean practitioners and CI managers who need operational KPI dashboards and real-time shop-floor communication.
Many organizations use both types of tools: a lean methodology platform for operational CI and an idea management platform for broader innovation. They are not mutually exclusive.
Want to see how Hives.co works for manufacturers? Book a 20-minute demo and we will show you how Volvo and Scania use it.
