Benefits of using SharePoint online, building a cost effective Intranet within SMEs

SharePoint Online
SharePoint Online is a cloud-based platform developed by Microsoft that provides a wide range of features to create, share, and manage content, collaborate with others, and automate business processes. One of the key advantages of SharePoint Online is that it allows businesses of all sizes to build a cost-effective Intranet, which is a private network that is only accessible to the employees of the organisation. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of using SharePoint Online to build an Intranet within Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

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SharePoint Online is a cloud-based platform developed by Microsoft that provides a wide range of features to create, share, and manage content, collaborate with others, and automate business processes. One of the key advantages of SharePoint Online is that it allows businesses of all sizes to build a cost-effective Intranet, which is a private network that is only accessible to the employees of the organisation. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of using SharePoint Online to build an Intranet within Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

  1. Centralised Document Management

One of the primary benefits of using SharePoint Online is that it provides a centralised document management system. This means that all documents, such as policies, procedures, and forms, can be stored in a single location, making it easy for employees to access and collaborate on them. SharePoint Online also allows for version control, which ensures that employees are always working on the most up-to-date version of a document. This is a little like using a shared OneDrive with a website frontend.

  1. Easy Collaboration

Another advantage of using SharePoint Online is that it makes collaboration easy. Employees can work on documents together in real-time, using features such as co-authoring and commenting. This means that employees can work together on a project, even if they are in different locations. SharePoint Online also has features such as shared calendars and task lists, which help teams stay organized and on track. This could be a Purchase Ledger Spreadsheet which multiple people in the organisation use simultaneously to obtain PO numbers. This reduces errors and duplicates.

  1. Accessible Anytime, Anywhere

SharePoint Online is a cloud-based platform, which means that it can be accessed from anywhere, at any time. This is particularly beneficial for SMEs, which may have employees who work remotely or who travel frequently. With SharePoint Online, employees can access the Intranet from their desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Because this is centrally managed, restrictions can be put in place to restrict access from outside the UK for instance.

  1. Customisable

SharePoint Online is highly customisable, which means that SMEs can tailor the Intranet to their specific needs. This includes the ability to add custom branding, create custom workflows, and add custom web parts. This makes it easy for SMEs to create an Intranet that reflects their unique culture and business requirements.

  1. Cost Effective

One of the biggest advantages of using SharePoint Online to build an Intranet within SMEs is that it is cost-effective. This is because SharePoint Online is a subscription-based service built into even the most basic M365 licence. This means that SMEs do not have to invest in expensive hardware or software licenses. This makes it an attractive option for SMEs that may have limited resources.

  1. Increased Productivity

By providing a centralised location for documents and information, as well as easy collaboration tools, SharePoint Online can increase productivity within an organisation. Employees can spend less time searching for information and more time working on tasks. SharePoint Online also has automation features, such as workflows and alerts, which can help streamline business processes and reduce manual tasks.

  1. Secure

SharePoint Online is a secure platform that is built with industry-standard security measures. This includes measures such as data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and intrusion detection. SMEs can also set permissions and access levels, ensuring that employees only have access to the information that they need.

  1. Scalable

Finally, SharePoint Online is a scalable platform, which means that SMEs can start small and expand as their needs grow. This is particularly beneficial for SMEs, which may have limited resources and need to be strategic with their investments. As the organization grows, SharePoint Online can grow with it, providing additional features and capabilities.

In conclusion, SharePoint Online provides SMEs with a cost-effective and customisable platform for building an Intranet. By providing a centralised location for documents and information, easy collaboration tools, and automation features, SharePoint Online can increase productivity and streamline business processes. Additionally, SharePoint Online is a secure and scalable platform, which makes it an attractive option for SMEs that need to be strategic with their

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