Author: Salman Bokhari

Do you know how frequently your employees access the intranet? Can you tell what time of day they are most active or which tools they prefer? Are you aware of which content appeals to them the most, or which search phrases they frequently use? Understanding this data through analytics is critical for optimising your intranet performance. In this blog, we’ll look at the benefits of intranet analytics, including important metrics, applications, and best practice guidelines to improve your intranet experience.

The Function of Analytics in Intranet Management

Analytics may track employee engagement on the intranet, revealing popular sites and content types. This data is critical for improving the user experience and ensuring that the intranet meets the demands of employees.

• Enhancing Content Strategy

Internal communications can enhance their content strategy by analysing which pages are popular and which are not, concentrating on successful components while upgrading or removing underperforming information.

• Supporting Informed Decisions

Data-driven insights from analytics allow executives to make educated decisions about future intranet innovations and initiatives, ensuring that the platform changes in accordance with employee usage and requirements.

• Demonstrating ROI

Analytics give actual proof of the intranet’s worth, including time savings, productivity gains, and general efficiency, which is crucial for justifying expenditures and upgrades.

• Identifying Issues

Analytics may function as a health check for your intranet, showing issues such as broken links, obsolete material, or regions that cause user dissatisfaction, allowing for timely changes.

Best Practice Tips for Using Intranet Analytics

• Define your Intranet goals.

Begin by identifying exactly what you want your intranet to do. Clear objectives will drive your plan, whether they be to reduce dependency on emails, increase traffic, or simplify access to HR information.

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs).

Decide how you will assess success. For example, if you want to increase traffic, measure page views and time spent on each page. If you want to improve access to policy papers, keep track of how many people visit and download important pages.

• Benchmark current performance.

Before making changes, evaluate your existing performance using your chosen KPIs as a baseline. Regularly evaluate this data to monitor success and alter strategy as required.

Key metrics for intranet success include:

• User metrics

Monitor active users, session length, and page views to assess overall engagement and uncover usage patterns.

• Content engagement

Measure content engagement by viewing, like, sharing, and commenting. This helps to determine what information is important and what needs to be improved.

• Search Analytics

Analyse search queries to better understand employee preferences, and then improve both the search function and content strategy to better fulfil their requirements.

• Navigation Paths

Investigate how workers utilise the intranet to improve the information architecture for a more seamless user experience.

• Feedback and Surveys

Collect direct input from employees to discover areas for improvement.

• Adoption Rates

Monitor how workers use new features or tools to inform training and support campaigns.

• Performance metrics

Track page load times and general responsiveness, since these aspects have a substantial influence on user happiness.

Intranet analytics are an effective tool for improving your organisation’s digital workplace. By measuring critical data, understanding user behaviour, and constantly adjusting content and navigation, you can keep your intranet current and efficient. Book a free demo to learn more.

SharePoint is a powerful platform that allows organisations to create robust intranet solutions tailored to their unique requirements. In this blog, we’ll explore best practices for customising SharePoint to meet your business needs.

1. Defining Objectives

Before diving into customisation, clarify your intranet’s purpose and objectives. Consider the following questions:

• What are your organisation’s communication goals?
• How will employees collaborate and access information?
• What features are essential for productivity?

2. Choosing Between Out-of-the-Box and Custom Solutions

Out-of-the-Box SharePoint:

• Quick setup with pre-built templates.
• Limited customisation options.
• Ideal for small businesses or basic needs.

Custom SharePoint Solutions:

• Tailored to your organisation’s unique requirements.
• Allows branding, custom workflows, and advanced features.
• Requires development expertise.

3. Branding and User Experience

Custom Branding:

• Apply your organisation’s colours, logo, and fonts.
• Create a consistent look and feel across the intranet.

User Experience (UX):

• Optimise navigation for easy content discovery.
• Ensure responsive design for mobile users.

4. Content Strategy

Content Types:

• Define content types (e.g., news articles, policies, forms).
• Organise content in libraries and lists.

Permissions:

• Set granular permissions based on roles.
• Control who can view, edit, or delete content.

5. Collaboration and Workflows

Document Libraries:

• Create libraries for document storage.
• Implement version control and check-in/check-out.

Workflows:

• Automate processes (e.g., approval workflows, content publishing).
• Use SharePoint Designer or Power Automate.

6. Personalisation and Search

Personalised Dashboards:

• Use web parts to display relevant content.
• Allow users to customise their homepages.

Search Functionality:

• Configure search settings for accurate results.
• Leverage metadata and tags.

7. Measuring Success

Key Metrics:

• Monitor engagement (page views, comments, likes).
• Gather feedback from users.

Continuous Improvement:

• Regularly assess and adapt based on user needs.
• Stay informed about SharePoint updates.

Customising SharePoint for business needs requires thoughtful planning, user-centric design, and ongoing evaluation. By aligning your intranet with organisational goals, you’ll create a powerful tool that enhances collaboration, productivity, and employee satisfaction.

Remember, your intranet is a dynamic platform—continuously evolve it to meet changing business needs! Book a free demo today to know more about how we can help you.

Generative AI tools like Microsoft Copilot are revolutionising the way we work and create, offering new levels of creativity, productivity, and efficiency. These tools can help with a range of tasks from research to time management, making them invaluable in both professional and personal settings.

The best part? You don’t need to be a tech expert to harness their full potential. By following three straightforward steps, you can effortlessly instruct Copilot to deliver exactly what you need.

1. Action
   Begin by clearly stating what you want the AI to accomplish. Be specific about the task to ensure precise results.
2. Style
   Specify how you would like the information to be presented. Whether you need a formal report, a casual summary, or any other format, detailing the style will guide the AI in delivering the content to suit your needs.
3. Key Details
   Provide additional context or relevant information to set the stage. The more details you give about your situation, the better the AI can tailor its response to meet your requirements.

By mastering these simple steps, you can leverage AI tools like Microsoft Copilot to enhance your workflows and unlock new opportunities for innovation and efficiency.

Book a free demo to learn more!

Intranet platforms have revolutionised the way organisations communicate internally. From their inception as simple information repositories, intranets have evolved into dynamic, interactive tools that facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community building.

In the early days, intranets were primarily used to store and distribute company policies, news, and HR documents. They were static, one-way communication channels that served more as a digital bulletin board than a collaborative workspace. Employees would access these platforms to retrieve necessary documents and information, but there was little room for interaction or engagement. This limited the intranet’s effectiveness in fostering a connected and informed workplace culture.

As technology advanced, so did intranets. The introduction of social features such as forums, blogs, and instant messaging transformed intranets into vibrant social networks tailored to the workplace. Employees could now interact with content, share ideas, and connect with colleagues across departments and geographies. This shift turned intranets into hubs of activity where collaboration and communication flourished. The integration of these social tools allowed for a more inclusive and engaging platform, where every employee could have a voice and contribute to the collective knowledge of the organisation.

Today’s intranet platforms are intelligent, integrated systems that seamlessly connect with other business tools like CRM systems, project management software, and customer support platforms. This integration streamlines workflows and ensures that all necessary information is easily accessible in one place. Employees no longer need to switch between multiple applications to complete tasks, significantly increasing efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, modern intranets offer personalised experiences with AI-driven content recommendations and search functionalities that make finding information faster and more intuitive. By analysing user behaviour and preferences, these intelligent systems can deliver relevant content to each employee, enhancing their overall experience and engagement.

AI plays a pivotal role in the evolution of modern intranets. With machine learning algorithms, intranets can continuously learn from user interactions and improve their functionality over time. For example, AI can automate routine tasks such as content tagging and document classification, reducing the administrative burden on employees and allowing them to focus on more strategic activities. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide instant support and answers to common queries, improving the overall user experience and ensuring that employees have access to the information they need, when they need it.

The modern intranet is also mobile-friendly, reflecting the shift towards remote and flexible work arrangements. Employees can access the intranet from anywhere, at any time, using their smartphones or tablets, ensuring they stay connected to the company’s pulse. This mobility is crucial in today’s fast-paced work environment, where flexibility and accessibility are key. Whether employees are working from home, traveling, or on-site, they can stay informed and engaged with the latest company updates and collaborate effectively with their peers.

Looking ahead, intranets will continue to evolve with emerging technologies like augmented reality for virtual training sessions and blockchain for secure document sharing. Augmented reality can bring training and onboarding processes to life, providing immersive and interactive experiences that enhance learning and retention. Blockchain technology, on the other hand, can offer unparalleled security for sensitive documents and transactions, ensuring that data integrity and confidentiality are maintained at all times. These advancements will further enhance the capabilities of intranet platforms, making them even more valuable assets for organisations.

The future of intranets lies in their ability to adapt to changing work environments and employee needs. As the workplace continues to evolve, so too must the tools that support it. Intranets that can anticipate and respond to these changes will be instrumental in driving organisational success. They will need to be agile, scalable, and user-centric, providing a seamless and engaging experience for all employees. AI will continue to be a driving force in this evolution, enabling more sophisticated and intuitive features that enhance productivity and foster innovation.

Intranets have come a long way from their humble beginnings. They are now at the forefront of transforming internal communication, fostering a culture of openness and collaboration that is essential for any forward-thinking organisation. By breaking down silos and encouraging cross-departmental interactions, modern intranets help build a more cohesive and innovative workplace.

Interested in seeing how an advanced intranet platform can transform your internal communication? Book a free demo and explore the possibilities!

Intranet solutions are the digital heartbeat of a company, providing a platform for seamless communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. They’re not just about technology; they’re about creating a digital environment that reflects and reinforces the company’s ethos. A well-designed intranet fosters an organisational culture rooted in transparency, engagement, and innovation, making it an indispensable tool in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose

At the core of any successful intranet are the principles of Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose, which are essential pillars of employee motivation.

Autonomy

An intranet that promotes autonomy allows employees to take ownership of their work, fostering a sense of independence and creativity. By providing tools and resources that allow employees to manage their tasks, access necessary information, and communicate effortlessly, the intranet cultivates an environment where individuals feel in control and confident in their roles.

Mastery

Mastery, another critical component, is achieved through continuous learning opportunities provided by the intranet. This digital platform can host a wealth of educational resources, such as training modules, webinars, and industry updates, enabling employees to develop new skills and advance in their careers. By facilitating easy access to knowledge and professional development, the intranet helps employees strive for excellence and become more proficient in their jobs.

Purpose

Purpose is instilled by aligning intranet content with the company’s mission, helping employees understand how their roles contribute to the organisation’s goals. The intranet can feature stories of how individual efforts have led to significant company achievements, highlight strategic objectives, and provide updates on company progress, reinforcing a sense of purpose and shared mission.

Intranets also play a pivotal role in building a sense of community within the workplace. They facilitate connections between team members, encourage collaboration on projects, and provide a space for celebrating successes. Through features like social networks, forums, and collaborative tools, employees can interact, share ideas, and work together seamlessly, regardless of geographical barriers. This sense of belonging is crucial for employee satisfaction and retention, as it helps individuals feel part of something larger than themselves.

Moreover, intranets can be a powerful tool for recognition. By highlighting individual and team achievements, they boost morale and encourage a culture of appreciation. Recognition features, such as virtual awards, shout-outs, and leaderboards, can be integrated into the intranet, making it easy to celebrate successes and motivate employees. Additionally, intranets serve as a platform for feedback, allowing employees to voice their opinions, share suggestions, and contribute to the company’s growth. Regular surveys, suggestion boxes, and discussion forums ensure that employees feel heard and valued, fostering a positive and inclusive organisational culture.

In essence, an intranet is more than just a repository of information; it’s a living, breathing space that embodies the organisation’s culture and values. It’s where ideas are born, collaborations flourish, and employees feel connected to the organisation’s vision.

Book a free demo today!

Our cutting-edge intranet solutions are designed to elevate your organisational culture, enhance employee engagement, and drive business success. With a user-friendly interface, customisable features, and robust security, our intranet solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of your organisation. Are you ready to elevate your company culture with our cutting-edge intranet solutions? Book a free demo today and take the first step towards transforming your workplace!

In the digital age, remote work has become a staple for many organisations, offering unparalleled flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere. Yet, this shift has also brought about a new set of challenges, particularly in maintaining the social fabric that binds teams together. In this blog post, we delve into practical strategies that can help remote teams foster social interaction and build a strong sense of community, ensuring that distance does not dampen the team spirit.

Here are some tips to keep the team spirit alive and encourage social interaction among remote workers:

1. Virtual Coffee Breaks: Set up regular virtual coffee breaks where team members can log in and chat informally. It’s a great way to catch up and build relationships.

2. Chat Rooms: Create dedicated chat rooms on Teams for non-work-related conversations. This can be a space for sharing jokes, discussing hobbies, or just saying hello.

3. Online Social Hours: Organise online social hours where employees can participate in games, watch YouTube shorts together, or simply hang out in a virtual space.

4. Video Conferencing: Encourage the use of video conferencing for meetings to maintain face-to-face interaction. Seeing each other can help build rapport and trust.

5. Recognition Programs: Implement recognition programs that highlight team members’ contributions and achievements. Public acknowledgment can boost morale and encourage camaraderie.

6. Collaborative Projects: Work on collaborative projects that require input from various team members. This can foster teamwork and give everyone a sense of contribution.

7. Virtual Team-Building Activities: Host virtual team-building activities such as online escape rooms and trivia contests to engage the team in fun and interactive ways.

8. Regular Check-Ins: Have regular check-ins with team members to discuss not only work progress but also personal well-being and interests.

As we navigate the complexities of remote work, it’s clear that fostering social interaction is not just a nice-to-have but a necessity for a thriving work environment. By embracing the strategies outlined in this blog, organisations can create a virtual space where team members feel connected, valued, and part of something greater. Remember, the strength of your team lies not just in its individual talents but in its collective spirit.

In today’s interconnected world, an intranet is the digital heartbeat of a company. It’s where information flows, collaboration flourishes, and productivity thrives. We understand the pivotal role intranet solutions play in empowering businesses to grow, adapt, and evolve. This guide will walk you through the essentials of intranet solutions and how they can transform your business operations. 

What is an Intranet Solution?  

An intranet solution is a private network tailored to your company’s needs. It’s a secure space where employees can communicate, collaborate, and access company resources. Think of it as your business’s internal social network, knowledge base, and communication platform all rolled into one. 

We offer intranet solutions that are not only rapid to deploy but also incredibly user-friendly. Our solutions, powered by SharePoint and Microsoft 365, are customised to reflect your corporate identity, ensuring a seamless fit with your brand. 

Features That Drive Productivity:

1. Rapid Deployment: Our intranet solutions can be integrated swiftly, often within just a day, minimising disruption to your business. Although the initial deployment is rapid, complete configuration tailored to specific requirements requires a few additional days. 

2. Ease of Use: Designed for simplicity, our solutions allow for easy updates and use, even for those with minimal SharePoint expertise. 

3. On Brand: We tailor your intranet to resonate with your corporate identity, creating a consistent and engaging user experience. 

4. Software Assurance: With automatic product updates, your intranet stays current, introducing new features directly to your SharePoint environment. 

5. Enhancing document control with docCentrum: Our secure document management solution, docCentrum, revolutionises document handling. It simplifies document management, promotes collaboration, and ensures robust security, all while providing seamless teamwork and real-time collaboration. 

“Working with Intelligent Decisioning was a great experience and we’ve benefitted a lot as an organisation. We look forward to continuing our journey of Digital Transformation with them” 

Blue Property Management

Navigating the world of intranet solutions can be challenging, but with our products and services, it doesn’t have to be. Our expertise in intranet solutions, combined with our specialised tools like docCentrum and Mercury Intranet, ensures that your business is equipped for productivity and efficiency. To learn more about how we can help your organisation, contact us at +44 845 643 9726 or click here to book a free demo. 

In today’s hybrid and remote work environment, collaboration is the cornerstone of productivity and efficiency. SharePoint, a versatile platform within the Microsoft 365 suite, is revolutionising how teams collaborate, regardless of their geographical locations. This blog explores the benefits of SharePoint and how it can be used to enhance teamwork in any organisation, big or small. 

The Essence of SharePoint in Team Collaboration 

SharePoint serves as a central hub for team collaboration, offering tools that facilitate communication, document management, and project coordination. Its integration with Microsoft 365 ensures a seamless collaborative experience. 

Key Features of SharePoint for Enhanced Teamwork

Document Libraries: Centralised repositories for storing and sharing documents, with real-time co-authoring capabilities. 

Team Sites: Customisable sites for teams to collaborate, communicate, and share resources efficiently. 

Workflow Automation: Tools to automate routine tasks, streamlining processes and freeing up time for more critical work. 

Optimising Team Collaboration with SharePoint 

To fully leverage SharePoint for teamwork, consider the following strategies: 

Structured Document Management: Implement a consistent file naming and storage structure to ensure documents are easily locatable. 

Effective Communication Channels: Utilise SharePoint’s communication features like newsfeeds and discussion boards to keep team members informed and engaged. 

Customisation and Integration: Tailor SharePoint sites to fit your team’s needs and integrate with other Microsoft 365 applications for a unified experience. 

The Impact of SharePoint on Remote Collaboration SharePoint’s cloud-based infrastructure is particularly beneficial for remote teams, providing: 

Accessibility: Access to documents and resources from anywhere, at any time, on any device. 

Security: Robust security measures to protect sensitive information, even when accessed remotely. 

Consistency: Uniform experience across devices, ensuring that all team members have the same information and tools at their disposal. 

SharePoint is an invaluable asset for organisations looking to foster a culture of collaboration. By embracing its features, teams can communicate more effectively, manage documents efficiently, and work together seamlessly, irrespective of their physical locations. To learn more about how we can help your organisation, contact us at +44 845 643 9726 or click here to book a free demo.

The hybrid work model is the new norm in the UK, offering a blend of in-office and remote work. This flexibility, however, introduces complexities in document management. docCentrum, our premier document management system, is designed to navigate these challenges, ensuring seamless document access and security across all work environments.  

The Hybrid Work Model: A New Frontier  

Hybrid work arrangements provide employees with the flexibility to work from various locations. This model requires a robust document management system that supports both on-premises and remote access.  

Challenges in Document Management: 

Managing documents in a hybrid setup involves:  

Version Control: Ensuring the integrity of documents as they are accessed and edited from multiple locations.  

Security: Protecting sensitive information from potential breaches in varied work environments.  

Accessibility: Guaranteeing that documents are available to all team members, regardless of their physical location.  

How docCentrum helps: 

docCentrum is our innovative solution tailored for the hybrid work model. It offers:  

Centralised Storage: A single repository for all documents, accessible from anywhere, at any time.  

Enhanced Security: Robust security protocols to protect your data, with customisable user permissions. 

Streamlined Workflows: Automated processes for document creation, categorisation, and approval, simplifying complex workflows.  

Mandatory Reads: Track who has read, and who hasn’t read, your organisational documents to maintain compliance with your accreditations 

The Role of SharePoint and M365: 

docCentrum integrates seamlessly with SharePoint and M365, leveraging their powerful features to enhance document management:  

SharePoint: Provides a secure and collaborative platform for storing and sharing documents.  

M365: Offers a suite of productivity tools that complement docCentrum’s capabilities, ensuring efficient document handling.  

docCentrum is the solution for businesses seeking to thrive in a hybrid work environment. By addressing the challenges of document management, it enables organisations to maintain productivity and security, regardless of where work happens. To learn more about how we can help your organisation, contact us at +44 845 643 9726 or click here to book a free demo.