As more data and services move to the cloud, remote working gets easier. We take a look at the Microsoft tools that can mean that working from home doesn’t have to result in a drop in productivity.
Communication and Collaboration
As Microsoft Teams has superseded Skype for Business, rather than just being an alternative, it is now a powerful communication and collaboration tool in its own right, with a range of features that make remote working easier:
- Chat – Text chat in one-to-one or group conversations, with all the features you would expect in a messenger app
- Online meetings – supporting thousands of users at once, easily arrange and host virtual meetings, including video and audio conferencing
- Calls – Teams natively support internal calling, but by adding calling plans to Teams, it can also replace your existing phone system by allowing you to receive and make external calls
- Apps – Enhance Teams with apps to add additional functionality including shift management and streamlined workflows
Alongside Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive for Business also provide tools that enable straightforward document sharing, approvals and collaboration.
Office Productivity
Most office-based workers will be familiar with the installed suite of Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word and Outlook, but what happens when they are away from the office? For those users with their company-supplied computers, they can work from anywhere, but even using a personal computer doesn’t have to rule out remote working. Most Microsoft tools have online equivalents, all accessible via the Office Portal. All that is required is an internet connection and a web browser.
Dynamics 365
Although Microsoft Dynamics 365 has long had options for mobile access, the evolution of the users interface means that the product is easier to use than ever, on PC, tablet or phone. Offline access can also be comprehensively configured and controlled so that your workers can continue to work, regardless of their location and only with the data you want them to access.
Summary
The popularity of remote working will only continue to grow as the world and its devices grow more connected, so it’s important to be aware of the options that are available to ensure you and your business doesn’t get left behind. Microsoft have recently published a blog post that covers some of the considerations that should be made regarding remote working, but if you wish to discuss your options with us, please get in touch.
