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The intranet is an important part of any business. It allows employees to connect and collaborate and access all of the information they need to do their jobs. It also makes it easy for them to share information with customers and other outside parties, which can help improve customer service, marketing efforts, and more.
But despite its usefulness, many businesses don’t take advantage of their intranets or don’t use them properly. In fact, many are using outdated software that doesn’t meet today’s standards or needs. Worse, businesses do not research before purchasing intranet software, leading to an inefficient and ineffective intranet. This is where this article can help you.
We’ve put together a list of common mistakes businesses make when investing in an intranet software solution so you can avoid these pitfalls and get the most out of your investment. Read on.
4 Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in an Intranet Software
Not Defining the Purpose of Your Intranet
Defining the purpose before purchasing an intranet might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many small businesses don’t do this. As a result, they end up with an intranet that’s either too simple or too complex for their needs, which can lead to frustration and disuse.
To avoid this, take the time to sit down and figure out what you want your intranet to do. Do you want it to be a place where employees can share documents? Or do you need something more sophisticated to collaborate on projects? Once you have a clear idea of what you need, you can look for a software solution that meets those needs.
Not Considering the User Experience
Regarding software, the user experience should be a top priority. After all, if your employees can’t figure out how to use the intranet, they will not use it. And if they don’t use it, you’ll not get a return on your investment.
To ensure that your employees will actually use the intranet, look for a solution with a user-friendly interface. It should be easy to navigate and understand so that employees can quickly find what they need without any frustration. Additionally, the intranet should be mobile-friendly so employees can access it from their smartphones and tablets.
Not Having a Budget in Mind
Investing in an intranet without considering your budget is a recipe for disaster. Not only will you overspend on features you don’t need, but you also might not be able to afford the best solution for your needs.
Set a budget for your intranet before you start shopping around. This will help narrow down your options and ensure that you only consider software solutions that fit within your price range. Additionally, don’t be afraid to negotiate with vendors. They may be willing to offer discounts or lower prices if they know that you’re working with a budget.
Not Considering Maintenance and Support Costs
When you purchase an intranet software solution, you’re not just buying the business software itself. You’re also responsible for maintaining it and ensuring that it stays up-to-date. Additionally, you’ll need to pay for customer service support in case of any technical issues.
Before making a purchase, determine the vendor’s maintenance and support policies. How much do they charge? What do they cover? Are there any additional costs? Once you have this information, you can factor it into your budget and make sure that you can afford the long-term costs of the software.
Final Word
Intranets can be incredibly useful for businesses of all sizes. But before investing in a software solution, avoid the mistakes mentioned above to ensure you get the most out of your investment. Do your research, define your business needs, and consider your budget. And most importantly, don’t forget to test the software before making a purchase.