Getting the Most Out of Your SharePoint Intranet
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform that allows organizations to create and manage their own intranet sites. With SharePoint, you can centralize your company’s information, collaborate on documents, and streamline your business processes. However, many organizations struggle to fully utilize the capabilities of SharePoint and get the most out of their intranet. In this article, we will discuss some tips and best practices for maximizing the value of your SharePoint intranet.
1. Plan Your Intranet Design
Before diving into SharePoint development, it is important to have a clear plan for your intranet design. Consider the goals and objectives of your intranet, as well as the needs and preferences of your users. Think about the structure and layout of your intranet, and how information will be organized and accessed. By taking the time to plan your intranet design, you can ensure that your SharePoint intranet is user-friendly and meets the needs of your organization.
2. Customize Your SharePoint Intranet
While SharePoint offers out-of-the-box templates and features, it is important to customize your intranet to fit your organization’s unique needs. Consider working with a SharePoint development agency to create a custom SharePoint website that aligns with your brand and business processes. Customization can include creating custom workflows, integrating third-party applications, and designing a user interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate. By customizing your SharePoint intranet, you can enhance its functionality and improve user adoption.
3. Choose the Right SharePoint Deployment Option
SharePoint is available in both on-premise and online versions. When deciding on a deployment option, consider factors such as cost, scalability, and security. On-premise SharePoint allows you to have full control over your intranet and data, but requires more resources for maintenance and updates. SharePoint Online, on the other hand, is a cloud-based solution that offers flexibility and scalability, but may have limitations in terms of customization. Choose the deployment option that best suits your organization’s needs and resources.
4. Train Your Users
One of the key factors in getting the most out of your SharePoint intranet is user adoption. Make sure to provide comprehensive training to your users on how to use SharePoint effectively. This can include training sessions, documentation, and online resources. Encourage your users to explore the features and capabilities of SharePoint and provide ongoing support to address any questions or issues. By investing in user training, you can ensure that your employees are utilizing SharePoint to its full potential.
5. Consider Outsourcing SharePoint Development
If your organization does not have the in-house expertise or resources to fully develop and manage your SharePoint intranet, consider outsourcing SharePoint development to a specialized agency. A SharePoint development agency can provide the technical expertise and experience needed to create a customized and efficient intranet solution. Outsourcing SharePoint development can save your organization time and resources, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
Conclusion
By following these tips and best practices, you can get the most out of your SharePoint intranet. Plan your intranet design, customize your SharePoint website, choose the right deployment option, train your users, and consider outsourcing SharePoint development if needed. With a well-designed and properly utilized SharePoint intranet, your organization can improve collaboration, streamline processes, and increase productivity.
