Intranet Development Strategy: A Roadmap for Success
Introduction
An intranet is a powerful tool for organizations to improve communication, collaboration, and productivity among employees. However, developing an effective intranet requires careful planning and execution. In this article, we will discuss the key steps and considerations for developing a successful intranet.
1. Define Your Objectives
Before starting the development process, it is important to clearly define your objectives for the intranet. What do you want to achieve with your intranet? Are you looking to improve internal communication, streamline business processes, or enhance knowledge sharing? By identifying your objectives, you can align your development strategy accordingly.
2. Choose the Right Platform
One of the most important decisions in intranet development is choosing the right platform. SharePoint is a popular choice for intranet development due to its robust features and flexibility. Whether you opt for SharePoint on-premise or SharePoint Online, it is essential to select a platform that aligns with your organization’s needs and goals.
3. Plan Your Information Architecture
Information architecture refers to the structure and organization of content within your intranet. It is crucial to plan your information architecture in advance to ensure easy navigation and findability of information. Consider creating a logical hierarchy of sites, libraries, and pages to facilitate efficient content management.
4. Design and Customize Your Intranet
The design of your intranet plays a significant role in user adoption and engagement. A visually appealing and user-friendly design can enhance the overall user experience. Consider customizing your intranet’s branding, layout, and navigation to align with your organization’s branding guidelines and user preferences.
5. Develop and Test Your Intranet
Once you have defined your objectives, chosen the platform, planned your information architecture, and designed your intranet, it is time to develop and test your intranet. This involves building the necessary sites, configuring features and functionalities, and conducting thorough testing to ensure a seamless user experience.
6. Train and Support Your Users
Training and support are crucial for successful intranet adoption. Provide comprehensive training to your users on how to use the intranet effectively. Offer ongoing support and resources to address any questions or issues that may arise. Encourage feedback from users to continuously improve the intranet and meet their evolving needs.
Conclusion
Developing an intranet requires careful planning, execution, and ongoing support. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a successful intranet that improves communication, collaboration, and productivity within your organization.