
As Chicago IT Consultants, our projects range in size and scope. However, document management software continues to be a hot topic and SharePoint 2010, a product that allows users to connect and share information, is an often discussed solution.
Why SharePoint 2010?
The launch of SharePoint 2010 was one of the biggest releases to date; not only were updates made to the overall look and feel but additional enhancements, fixes and new features were added making it easier for people to work together.
Here are a few of the benefits your organization could experience when using SharePoint 2010 as your document management solution:
Improved Search
SharePoint 2010 comes with huge improvements on its findability features allowing for quick and easy access to information. Regardless of how large or small your company is, when you want information you want it now. Users can be more productive and make better and faster business decisions when they can get to the information they need with little hassle.
SharePoint makes search easier by allowing users to use metadata to filter through content. Results can be refined by the user, the audience, author or by the applications used most often (Word, Excel, etc). The number of views a document has had and its rating are also taken into account. System Administrators can also manage who can access and update documents and restrict changes on official documents.
SharePoint 2010 also comes with added accessibility through mobile phones. Users can now link to the office and access files on the go with their mobile devices.
Time savings with Workflow tools
SharePoint 2007 introduced workflow tools and SharePoint 2010 has improved on them by providing more choices to better create and maintain workflow models. Workflows can help streamline processes through automation. Examples of how workflows can help are as follows:
- Help employees boost productivity by automating and minimizing lengthy manual tasks like submitting vacation requests, expense reimbursement forms, time sheets and IT requests.
- Help managers maintain visibility of their departments with an overview of requests requiring attention and requests that have been completed. Workflows can also help managers enforce compliance of policies and reduce human error as the tool will manage the steps in the process.
One of the most noticeable changes to SharePoint 2010 was the upgrade to the user profile pages. The look is similar to Facebook and Twitter and offers features which are familiar to those involved in social networking. Users can tag pages or content they like, add comments on pages that are visible to other users and customize their own personal page where their own content and projects are stored.
More examples of how SharePoint can help your business:
- Human Resources can have a single receptacle to manage their documents for all relevant employee data that is easily searchable.
- Discussion boards and group calendars can be utilized to share information across teams
Whether you are upgrading from an older version or rolling out SharePoint for the first time there are some decisions you must make that will affect how well the solution works for your team. To learn more about document management best practices and how to implement this product while avoiding struggles that might affect performance contact us today!
At DLS Studios, we want to provide you with the very best IT solutions for your business. Contact us today to discuss how IT consulting can bring cost-effective, best in class solutions to your organization. From custom software development to systems analysis, we’ve got you covered. While we are located in the Chicago area, we take on projects throughout the country. Any project, anywhere, any time – We’ve got the solution for you.