16TH AUGUST 2019
Using Digital Collaboration Tools Collaboration noun 1. 1. the action of working with someone to produce something. It is a well established fact that the more organised and transparent the communication between colleagues is, the more productive an organisation becomes. To complete projects or tasks successfully, colleagues across departments need to cooperate and communicate effectively. If all participants are not informed of all the processes that are running, then the project is likely to be delayed, or even worse, fail. A simple way of avoiding these issues is to use collaboration tools . These tools started as simple team chat rooms but they have become essential because of their powerful features such as task management, video conferencing, time tracking and document management systems. Collaboration means improved efficiency and increased productivity. This will only happen if you have the right tools in place: 1. Instant Messaging Companies use instant messaging software to improve communication between their staff members who may be located in different departments, places or even countries. Instant Messaging is faster and easier than emails and phone calls. It’s a time-saving way to ask simple questions, propose ideas or even conduct live polls. 2. Document Management System (DMS) With document management systems businesses scale team members’ productivity. Through A DMS you can create, upload, store and share your files with everyone. Knowledge flows freely and safely in the organisation, encouraging and enhancing teambuilding and brainstorming among teams. 3. Video Conferencing Video conferencing is the technology that allows businesses to hold meetings with partners, clients and employees at different locations while seeing and talking to them in real-time. With this tool you can schedule product demos, interview prospective employees or discuss a new partnership without the need to travel. 4. Task Management Task management tools offer a checklist of tasks that can be checked off as tasks are completed. The user either creates tasks themselves or is assigned tasks by a supervisor. Other participants can be notified when a task has been completed. Some of their key features are online whiteboards, task prioritisation and timelines to meet deadlines. 5. Cloud Storage Data can be stored within the organisation but also in the cloud. Cloud storage takes advantage of the power of the server’s information storage system which exists in the cloud. The data can be stored remotely via a telecommunications network. 6. Idea Management Brainstorming sessions within a team can be an effective method for exchanging information and coming up with the best solution to a problem. Idea management or topics formalise this process, providing a space to capture and store ideas for review and implementation down the line. 7. Wiki and Knowledge Sharing Tools These collaboration tools allow businesses to create wikis and manage information and internal communication in an organised way. Wikis can be accessed by all the team members so that information can be added by multiple contributors. Some tools allow you to assign roles such as contributors, editors, administrators, and viewers. 8. Online Shared Calendars Shared calendars facilitate the organisation’s appointments and meetings without the need to consult all participants. The person organising the event finds a time slot and checks the availability of the other participants and a meeting room and then sends out an invitation. 9. Note Taking It’s always helpful to jot down notes from meetings or ideas as soon as they appear. Note-taking management apps allow users to store all notes in one formalised app, ensuring they are organized and easily found. Most of them have collaboration capabilities so multiple people access notes for reference later. 10. Enterprise Social Network (ESN) An enterprise social network (ESN) is an internal, private social network, which companies often use for faster networking among employees. The main advantage of these collaboration tools is that they resemble other widespread social media platforms, so employees are familiar with the use of them because they are experienced with similar interfaces such as Facebook and Twitter. Collaboration is a vital aspect for organisations wanting to survive and thrive. Companies that use these tools gain competitive advantage and are able to:
Rock is the authorised partner for Comidor in the UK, a unique platform that has best in class collaboration tools and an entire eco-system of other functionality to help you digitise and streamline your processes and transform your business. Next Steps? Speak to one of our advisors who can set up a demo and help explain how Comidor can improve collaboration in your organisation. |
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