Intranets have existed for over two decades and in the past, they’ve had a bad rap as the place where documents go to die. However, in today’s workplace of dispersed workforces and the need to work from anywhere, the ability for employees to share and access information and resources from any location has become a necessity for organisations of all sizes.

The intranet has undergone significant transformations since its creation, evolving from a basic document management tool to a complete business collaboration and communication platform.

One popular choice is SharePoint, Microsoft’s mobile, intelligent, web-based platform, that offers a range of benefits such as flexibility, scalability, robust security, advanced search functionality, analytics and reporting, integration with other systems, and built-in templates and web parts.

In this article, we will delve into the advantages of using SharePoint when creating a company intranet.

What is an Intranet?

An intranet is a private network within an organisation. It allows for the secure sharing of data, information, and resources among employees and can be accessed from any location within the company.

Intranets can help you securely create, share ideas, and make decisions with content management and collaboration tools that seamlessly integrate with other applications. To create an effective Intranet, businesses need to assess user needs and choose features and functions that meet those needs, promoting adoption and engagement.

Why Use It?

Intranets are valuable tools to help improve internal operations, foster a strong sense of community among employees and boost overall productivity.

An intranet designed to support employees can lead to improved user experience, better communication, increased efficiency, and higher employee satisfaction.

Intranets can help:

The Problem with Intranets

Intranets have had many issues over the years. What begins with the best of intentions can become bloated, disorganised, zombie wastelands if they are not properly built and maintained or if the wrong platform is chosen for your business.

Choosing the right solution for your intranet and building it carefully is therefore vital!

Businesses can create an intranet that is more accessible, efficient, and effective by putting the employee at the centre of the design process, making it an invaluable tool for facilitating collaboration and improving workflows.

Why SharePoint?

Developing an intranet that fulfils your business needs and achieves your goals can be challenging. When looking to create an intranet, SharePoint is a popular choice for organisations of all sizes. SharePoint is a web-based platform that can be used to create and manage intranets, as well as other types of websites.

Advantages of SharePoint

Flexibility and Customisation

One of the primary benefits of using SharePoint for an intranet is its flexibility. SharePoint can be configured to include a wide range of features and functionalities to meet the specific needs of an organisation.

SharePoint includes a plethora of built-in templates and web parts that can be used to create a wide range of intranet pages and features. These web parts and templates can be used to build everything from simple document libraries to more complex intranet pages with advanced features like calendars, task lists, and forms.

Scalable and Integrated Solution

Another advantage of using SharePoint for an intranet is its scalability. SharePoint can be used to create intranets for organisations of any size, from small businesses to large enterprises.

As part of the Microsoft 365 stack, it also integrates with other products, making for a simplified ‘all in one’ solution. Furthermore, SharePoint can be used to build a wide range of intranets, from simple document libraries to more complex intranets with advanced features like workflow automation and custom forms.

SharePoint can also be integrated with a variety of other systems, including CRM and ERP systems, to create a streamlined and integrated business environment. This enables organisations to capitalise on the strengths of various systems and applications, resulting in a more efficient and effective business environment.

Robust Security and Search Functionality

SharePoint also has robust security features that enable administrators to control access to information and resources. SharePoint allows you to control who can see and edit information by creating custom permissions, user groups, and access levels. This enables organisations to ensure that sensitive information is only accessible to authorised users while also protecting against unauthorised access or data breaches.

SharePoint has powerful search functionality that allows users to find information quickly. Users can search for documents, people, or websites and receive relevance-ranked results. The Delve feature in SharePoint also displays personalised, relevant content from the intranet, increasing efficiency and information access.

In Depth Analytics at your Fingertips

Finally, SharePoint also has strong analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing businesses to monitor how their intranet is being used and identify areas for improvement. SharePoint also integrates with Power BI, allowing for more in-depth data analysis and visualisation. This enables businesses to gain valuable insights into how their intranet is being used and make data-driven decisions about how to improve it.

Final Thoughts

An intranet is an invaluable resource for any organisation seeking to improve internal communication and collaboration. You can realise significant benefits and improve the efficiency of your internal operations by considering SharePoint when developing an intranet.

The implementation of an intranet has been shown to greatly enhance a company’s communication, collaboration, and employee engagement. However, without proper planning, management, and specialist support, the task of launching an intranet can prove to be quite challenging for any organisation. This is where Quorum can come in to lend a hand.

We understand that each business has unique requirements. Our experienced consultants will work closely with you to identify, design, and implement a strategy that aligns with your business needs and goals. This way, you can be sure to maximize the value of SharePoint for your organisation.

If you are exploring the possibility of introducing an intranet to your organisation or considering upgrading your existing one, speak to a member of our team today. Our goal is to provide you with a tailored intranet solution that addresses your current and future needs that delivers measurable results.