Custom Intranet : definition, functionality and benefits

by Jordan Washington

In today’s fast-paced business environment, a custom intranet, particularly one fortified with a dynamic CMS intranet, is pivotal in shaping a company’s internal communication and workflow management.

What is a Custom Intranet?

Tailored to address your business’s unique challenges and requirements, a custom intranet is more than a digital space; it reflects your organization’s culture, values, and operational methodologies.

Distinguished from generic, out-of-the-box solutions, a custom intranet offers unparalleled flexibility in design and functionality. It goes beyond basic needs, allowing your business to embed specific features such as advanced content management, real-time employee collaboration, and seamless integration with essential tools like SharePoint. This level of customization not only enhances the user experience but also aligns perfectly with your strategic business goals.custom intranet

What are the advantages of a custom intranet?

The intranet benefits that a custom solution like Powell Software brings to the table are extensive. Firstly, it dramatically amplifies employee engagement. In an era where workforce dynamics are rapidly evolving, having a platform that speaks directly to your employees’ needs and preferences is invaluable. A custom intranet does exactly that; it echoes your company’s voice, thereby fostering a deeper sense of belonging and motivation among the workforce.

Efficient communication is another hallmark of a well-designed custom intranet. In large organizations, quickly disseminating and accessing information is crucial. Custom intranets centralize resources, announcements, and collaborative tools in a user-friendly manner, cutting down the time employees spend searching for information.

Regarding content and document management, the integration of SharePoint within a custom intranet revolutionizes how information is handled. It provides a secure, organized, and collaborative environment for document sharing and management, as outlined in the intranet document management guide.

A significant advantage of a custom intranet is its scalability and adaptability. As your business evolves, so do your operational needs. A custom intranet is designed to grow and adapt with your company, ensuring that it remains a relevant and effective tool over time.

advantages custom intranet

How to choose your custom intranet?

Selecting the ideal custom intranet for your organization is a process that requires thorough assessment and understanding of your specific business needs and employee workflows. What features are vital for your daily operations? Do you need a robust content management system, seamless integration with other software tools, or a strong focus on employee communication and collaboration?

The choice of vendor is a critical decision in this process. It’s important to partner with a provider that understands your requirements and has a proven track record in delivering scalable and supportive solutions. Powell Software, with its expertise in creating dynamic and responsive digital workplaces, is an example of such a partner.

how choose custom intranet

How to implement a custom intranet within your company?

Implementing a custom intranet is a strategic project that requires detailed planning and execution. It’s essential to involve stakeholders from various departments early in the process. This inclusive approach ensures that the platform is designed to meet the diverse needs and expectations of the entire organization.

Selecting a reliable and flexible platform, such as SharePoint, is crucial. It provides a solid foundation for custom elements. Third-party solutions like Powell Intranet complete the SharePoint platform, ensuring a balance between functionality and user-friendliness (see how Powell Intranet stacks up against SharePoint’s out-of-the-box intranet solution here).

Comprehensive training and support are key to a successful transition. Employees need to feel confident using the new system, and ongoing support should be readily available to address any issues or questions.

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How to create a custom intranet?

The creation of a custom intranet begins with a clear understanding of your business objectives. What are your goals for the intranet? Are you looking to enhance internal communication, streamline document management processes, or foster a stronger sense of community within your workforce? Once these goals are established, the design and development phase can commence.

Collaborating with your chosen vendor is critical during this phase. This partnership ensures that the final product meets your specified requirements and reflects your company’s unique culture and operational style.

Before launching, it’s crucial to conduct thorough testing of the intranet. This should include gathering feedback from diverse users to ensure the platform is intuitive, user-friendly, and aligns with the business’s operational needs.

The journey to developing and implementing a custom intranet is one that requires careful consideration, planning, and execution. It’s a transformative tool that can greatly enhance how your organization communicates, collaborates, and operates daily.

For further guidance on creating an effective and efficient intranet, be sure to explore additional resources, such as how to build an intranet and what should an intranet include. To truly understand a custom intranet’s impact on your business, consider scheduling a demo with Powell Software, where you can explore firsthand the benefits and features of a tailor-made digital workplace solution.

EN - Demo : Powell Intranet

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