SharePoint is a powerful platform that enables organizations to manage documents, collaborate on projects, and share information with employees, partners, and customers. SharePoint intranets are an essential tool for any organization looking to create a secure, centralized hub for their team's collaboration and communication. With SharePoint intranets, businesses can streamline processes, increase productivity, and create a more connected and engaged workforce. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 must-have features in your SharePoint intranet.
- Customizable Branding
Customizable branding is an essential feature of your SharePoint intranet. It is an excellent way to reflect your organization's brand and culture, making your employees feel more connected to the company. Branding customization options should include changing the colors, adding your company's logo, and changing the theme. SharePoint offers a range of customizable templates, and if you want to go further, you can work with a designer to create a unique look and feel for your intranet.
Custom branding is not just about aesthetics; it can also help with adoption rates. By incorporating your organization's brand elements, the intranet can feel more familiar to your employees. This familiarity can lead to an increased sense of trust and engagement with the platform.
- Easy Navigation
Ease of navigation is critical for any SharePoint intranet. It ensures that employees can quickly find the information they need without wasting time. A cluttered and confusing intranet can lead to frustration and reduced usage. Navigation should be intuitive, with a clean interface and prominently displayed search function.
To ensure easy navigation, content should be organized into categories and sections. The homepage should provide easy access to frequently used content and apps. A well-designed navigation structure can improve the intranet's usability, leading to increased usage and adoption.
- Document Management
Document management is a critical feature of any SharePoint intranet. SharePoint is an excellent platform for managing documents as it provides a centralized repository for documents, making it easy for employees to find and access the information they need. SharePoint also offers robust permission settings, allowing you to control who can access specific documents.
Version control is another essential feature of SharePoint's document management capabilities. With version control, everyone is working with the latest version of a document, ensuring consistency across the organization. You can track changes, revert to previous versions, and set up alerts for when changes are made to a document.
- Collaboration Tools
Collaboration is essential to any successful business, and collaboration tools are a must-have feature in your SharePoint intranet. SharePoint offers a range of collaboration tools that enable employees to work together on projects and communicate efficiently.
Team sites are a great way to centralize information and provide a space for employees to work together on specific projects. Discussion boards are another great tool for promoting collaboration and encouraging knowledge sharing. Wikis can also be used to create living documents that can be edited and updated by anyone in the organization.
Real-time co-authoring is a powerful collaboration tool that allows multiple people to work on a document simultaneously. It is an excellent way to streamline collaboration and improve productivity. Chat functionality is another useful collaboration tool that can be used to communicate in real-time with colleagues. It can be a valuable tool for remote teams who need to communicate quickly and efficiently.
- Mobile Compatibility
In today's fast-paced work environment, employees are frequently on the go. Mobile compatibility is a must-have feature for your SharePoint intranet, allowing employees to stay connected no matter where they are. SharePoint has a responsive design, which means it can adapt to the size of the device being used, making it easy to use on a desktop or a mobile device.
Mobile compatibility allows employees to access important information and collaborate with colleagues even when they are away from their desk. It can be a valuable tool for remote teams or those who frequently work outside the office. SharePoint's mobile compatibility makes it easy to work on-the-go, increasing productivity and efficiency.
In conclusion, incorporating these five must-have features in your SharePoint intranet can help create a more robust and efficient platform for your organization. Customizable branding can enhance employee engagement and make the intranet feel more familiar. Easy navigation ensures that employees can find the information they need quickly and without frustration. Document management provides a centralized repository for important documents, ensuring version control and secure access. Collaboration tools promote teamwork and knowledge sharing, while mobile compatibility allows employees to access the intranet and work remotely. By including these features in your SharePoint intranet, you can create a more cohesive and productive workplace for your employees.
