A staggering 85% of companies rely on intranet software, which shows how important it is to find the perfect fit.
Investing in a robust intranet solution is essential for protecting your company’s sensitive information and boosting productivity. But, if you’re unfamiliar with this type of technology, it’s difficult knowing which one will best serve your business. Maybe that’s why you’re here; you’re on the hunt for intranet software and need a nudge in the right direction.
Does this sound like you? No worries, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s how to choose the best intranet software for your business.
Familiarize Yourself With the Benefits
When investing in all types of software, it’s essential to consider how it benefits you. A significant advantage is how easily your team can communicate and collaborate on projects, which is far more efficient than shooting off emails.
Intranet software solutions streamline employee onboarding, making it the go-to option for businesses. Because of this, new hires can access all the necessary information and ease into their new role with minimal hassle.
Further, intranet software helps employers manage and protect company data from hackers. This means you’ll have peace of mind while keeping valuable information organized.
If you want to learn more, check out these SharePoint consultants to get started.
Understand All Your Needs
Before implementing intranet software tools, employers should understand their needs.
Every business is different, so there’s no point in choosing software that takes a cookie-cutter approach, as it won’t be effective. Instead, figure out your main intranet focus and research the intranet’s essential functions to know what’s possible.
For instance, if you’re struggling with employee engagement, look for the best software that supports this, so it’s worth the investment.
Determine the Limits of Your Budget
The only way to find the best business software is by outlining your budget. You don’t want to fall in love with a solution only to discover that you can’t afford it.
Knowing how much you spend will depend on the startup and ongoing cost, your business’s ROI, and the time needed to install the system.
Once you have a ballpark figure, it’s easier to know which features you need and narrows your list of candidates.
Consider the End User First
As you browse options, keeping the end user in mind is essential.
Pretend you’re the employee and decide which features would make your job easier. You should also find software that integrates well with your current system and is easy to use; otherwise, you’ll spend more on training your team.
List Your Must-Have Features
The most crucial aspect of intranet software is its features.
A robust system will support direct messaging and search functionality, especially when scaling your business. Ideally, this will be simple so that it doesn’t impact your team’s productivity levels. Aside from communication, choose an intranet solution that supports document sharing, as larger files can’t be sent via email.
Because most employees have smartphones, choosing software that integrates into a mobile app is wise. This means that your team can stay connected during the day, regardless of where they are.
Further, one of the most critical aspects is technical support. A good rule of thumb is to choose a company that offers around-the-clock customer service so that if your system does go down, you can fix it promptly with minimal hassle.
Prioritize Accessibility
Make sure you choose an intranet software that’s easy to access. It should have a simple login process and be cloud-based, so remote workers can use the software from home. As a result, it will keep employees engaged and continuously drive productivity.
Also, aside from accessibility, choose software with an intuitive user interface. This should look sleek and clutter-free because it shows developers value their product.
Involve Your Team
If you’re struggling with the decision-making process, involve your team. Ask your employees what features they need and introduce them to the program, so they know what to expect.
The goal is to choose software that requires no training, which eats into valuable work time.
Ask for a Demo
Because your team must test the software, ask the company for a demo. This will give you an idea of whether the features align with your business and can deliver your goals. Directly contacting the company will also reveal whether their customer support team is effective and goes the extra mile for their clients.
Further, spend time reading the candidate’s online reviews on third-party sites like Google. Take note of what customers say about the service and whether they’d recommend it. But if you notice any recurring negative comments, continue your search, as that’s a massive red flag.
Once you’ve tested the demo, tell your employees to vote for their favorite choice. Then, meet with the winning company and discuss your business goals so that they can prove that their software is the right fit.
And because you’re talking with experts, these professionals may even suggest a solution you may have overlooked.
Find the Best Intranet Software Today
Hopefully, you’ll use this post to find the right intranet software for your business.
There are many ways to find the right software, such as familiarizing yourself with the benefits and understanding your needs. Employees should also involve their team during the process and test demos to determine the right fit. Good luck!
