Creating a Corporate Intranet Design That Works

Introduction

A corporate intranet is a powerful tool that can streamline communication, collaboration, and information sharing within an organization. It serves as a central hub for employees to access important documents, company news, and other resources. However, designing an effective intranet can be a complex task that requires careful planning and consideration.

The Benefits of SharePoint Intranet Development

SharePoint is a popular platform for intranet development due to its robust features and flexibility. Whether you choose SharePoint on-premise or SharePoint Online, there are several benefits to using this platform for your corporate intranet:

• Centralized Document Management: SharePoint allows you to store and organize documents in a centralized location, making it easy for employees to find and access the information they need.
• Improved Collaboration: SharePoint provides tools for team collaboration, such as document co-authoring, version control, and task management. This promotes teamwork and enhances productivity.
• Customizable Design: SharePoint allows you to customize the look and feel of your intranet to match your company’s branding and design guidelines.
• Integration with Other Systems: SharePoint can be integrated with other business systems, such as CRM or ERP software, to provide a seamless user experience and improve efficiency.
• Security and Permissions: SharePoint offers robust security features, allowing you to control access to sensitive information and ensure data privacy.

Choosing a SharePoint Development Agency

When it comes to intranet development, partnering with a SharePoint development agency can greatly simplify the process and ensure a successful implementation. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a SharePoint development agency:

• Experience and Expertise: Look for a SharePoint development agency with a proven track record and extensive experience in intranet development. They should have a deep understanding of SharePoint’s capabilities and best practices.
• Customization Options: Ensure that the agency can customize the intranet design to meet your specific requirements and branding guidelines.
• Integration Capabilities: If you have existing systems or applications that need to be integrated with the intranet, make sure the agency has experience in integrating SharePoint with other systems.
• Support and Maintenance: Inquire about the agency’s support and maintenance services to ensure that they can provide ongoing assistance and updates after the intranet is launched.
• Client References: Ask for client references and testimonials to get an idea of the agency’s reputation and the quality of their work.

Designing an Effective Intranet

Creating an intranet design that works requires careful planning and consideration of your organization’s needs and goals. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. User-Friendly Navigation: Ensure that the intranet is easy to navigate and that employees can quickly find the information they need. Use clear and intuitive menu structures and provide search functionality.
2. Mobile-Friendly Design: With the increasing use of mobile devices, it’s important to design your intranet to be responsive and accessible on different screen sizes.
3. Clear Information Architecture: Organize your intranet content in a logical and structured manner. Use categories, folders, and tags to make it easy for employees to find and access relevant information.
4. Engaging Homepage: The homepage of your intranet should be visually appealing and provide quick access to important resources and announcements. Consider using widgets or news feeds to highlight relevant information.
5. Personalization: Allow employees to customize their intranet experience by providing options to personalize their homepage, set preferences, and subscribe to relevant content.
6. Social Collaboration Features: Incorporate social collaboration features, such as discussion boards, employee directories, and social media integration, to encourage employee engagement and knowledge sharing.

Outsourcing SharePoint Development

Outsourcing SharePoint development can be a cost-effective solution, especially for small to medium-sized businesses that may not have the resources or expertise to develop an intranet in-house. Here are some benefits of outsourcing SharePoint development:

• Cost Savings: Outsourcing SharePoint development can be more cost-effective than hiring an in-house team. You can save on recruitment, training, and infrastructure costs.
• Access to Expertise: By outsourcing, you gain access to a team of SharePoint experts who have the knowledge and experience to develop a high-quality intranet.
• Focus on Core Business: Outsourcing allows you to focus on your core business activities while leaving the development and maintenance of the intranet to the experts.
• Scalability: Outsourcing provides the flexibility to scale your intranet development team up or down based on your business needs.
• Ongoing Support: A reputable SharePoint development agency will provide ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure that your intranet remains up-to-date and secure.

Conclusion

A well-designed corporate intranet can greatly improve communication, collaboration, and productivity within an organization. By partnering with a SharePoint development agency and following best practices in intranet design, you can create an intranet that meets your organization’s needs and enhances your business operations.