FAQ's
Many customers ask us “What is SharePoint?”
The simple answer is that SharePoint is a tool, a skeleton of building blocks, and can be used in many ways.
- It will increase communication between staff and management through a SharePoint-based intranet, or improve external perception of the organisation through a fully content-managed internet-facing website.
- It will reduce the number of documents and files being distributed around the organisation using a centralised store, with control over checking documents out and in, and version lists to help understanding of document changes.
- It helps users locate files and documents quickly through a detailed search capability, it will bring structure and control to business processes through workflow controls, and it can be used as a business intelligence tool to analyse key performance indicators.
- It will provide the opportunity for users to work together more efficiently on projects, sharing information and knowhow in wikis and blogs, or be a framework for innovation in an organisation.
Where to start?
The general rule is to start small, which is why Program Framework’s implementation methodology is based on small incremental steps. SharePoint can deliver results really quickly using its inherent ready-made components.
What areas are best to start with?
There are three areas where a business pain can be alleviated quickly – a Corporate Intranet, Documents and Records Management, and Business Process Automation.
What benefits do these areas convey?
A Corporate Intranet will save time and energy disseminating information within the organisation, and as it is a content management system, it removes the need for content changes to be referred to web experts once the initial look and feel have been completed. Uses include communicating company news, achievements and HR policies, holiday calendars, etc.
Document and Records Management will organise company documents and files in a logical fashion, with version control, document history, and automatic archiving, removing the struggle to identify the current version of a document. An excellent search capability will allow users to easily find documents and files wherever they reside.
Business Process Automation will make users more efficient by formalising the flow of documents within the organisation. By automatically notifying key personnel when approval or input is required, it will help to speed business processes while maintaining your quality standards.
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The Program Framework Deployment Methodology
Program Framework will work with you to gain a better understanding of how a deployment of Microsoft SharePoint Server and allied technology will help you achieve your business goals. We will then build either a Proof of Concept, Pilot or Live SharePoint deployment, depending how far down your deployment roadmap you wish to travel.
Experience has shown us that frequent contact with clients ensures the final product is very relevant, delivering or exceeding the benefits envisaged at the beginning of the process. We break the delivery into short steps of development with multiple opportunities for client input and change to maximise the benefits.
As with all projects, a well-documented and controlled methodology will ensure a successful conclusion. Program Framework follows the following strategy for implementation:
Envisioning
Envisioning is key for clients to find out what benefits Microsoft SharePoint brings, and to start the structured planning needed for its implementation. This offering provides guidance on very specific solution capabilities that would relieve pain points within your organisation.
Proof of Concept
The Proof of Concept will allow your organisation to understand Microsoft SharePoint as a platform, and how it could be utilised in a chosen area to benefit the business. This will allow you to generate interest, develop more specific requirements, and accelerate user acceptance before introducing a live site.
Pilot
The Customised SharePoint Pilot is based on a specific scope coming out of the Proof of Concept, and will provide you with a working system, customised specifically to your business requirements. It will be rolled out to a pilot user community who will gain experience with the live operation of the solution and provide feedback on its use.
Deployment
The SharePoint Deployment will provide you with a fully working system, customised to your business requirements, and deployed over further sections of your business.
What to do next
For a free 90-minute workshop, please call 08000 74 29 29 or email pf@programframework.com. |
