Microsoft SharePoint is everywhere these days, but are you really tapping into everything it offers? Sure, you probably know it’s great for file storage, but that’s just scratching the surface. SharePoint is packed with features designed to help your team work smarter—not harder. So, let’s break it down and see what makes SharePoint such a game-changer for businesses.
Why Should You Care About SharePoint?
Let’s start with the basics: SharePoint is more than a digital filing cabinet. It’s a fully customisable platform that can help you streamline how your team works together. Think of it as your organisation’s central hub where everything—from files to workflows—is connected. Whether you’re running a small team or managing hundreds of employees, SharePoint adapts to your needs.
But here’s the thing: many people only use a fraction of its features. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to make your workday easier, this is your chance to uncover what SharePoint can really do, as we take a look at the best SharePoint features for 2024 that you should make the most of.
Document Management That Works
Raise your hand if you’ve ever spent way too long searching for the right version of a file. SharePoint takes that headache away.
● Version Control – Never worry about which version is the latest. You can track edits, view older versions, or roll back changes with ease.
● Tagging and Metadata – Forget messy folder systems. Add tags and keywords to files to make searching for them a breeze.
● Live Collaboration – Working on a file with your team? Everyone can make changes at the same time, with updates saved automatically.
No more emailing attachments back and forth or digging through folders. It’s all there, neatly organised and ready when you need it.
Custom Team Spaces
SharePoint’s Team Sites are a hidden gem. Each team, department, or project can have its own dedicated space. Think of it as your digital workspace where you can pull together files, schedules, updates, and conversations—all in one spot.
You’re in control here. Add a project timeline, link to shared documents, or integrate task lists to keep everyone on track. You can even customise the look and feel to suit your team’s vibe. Plus, with SharePoint’s permission settings, you control who can access what.
Seamless Integration With Microsoft 365
You probably already use tools like Teams, Outlook, or Word—so why not connect them all with SharePoint? Here’s where it shines. SharePoint acts as the glue between all your Microsoft 365 apps.
● Need to share a document in a Teams chat? Done.
● Want to link a project plan to Planner? Easy.
● Editing a Word document from OneDrive? It’s already synced with SharePoint.
This integration saves you from hopping between apps and keeps your workflows running smoothly. Best of all, because it’s cloud-based, you can access everything from anywhere.
Automate the Repetitive Stuff
Nobody loves repetitive tasks. SharePoint’s integration with Power Automate lets you create workflows that do the heavy lifting for you.
Imagine setting up these automations:
● Get a notification when someone updates a key document.
● Automatically archive old files after a certain time.
● Set up approval workflows for things like holiday requests or expense claims.
Once you’ve built a workflow, SharePoint handles it from there, freeing up your team for more important tasks.
Keeping Your Data Safe
Security is a big deal, and SharePoint doesn’t mess around. You have full control over who sees what, which is crucial when handling sensitive information.
Here’s what you get:
● Assign roles like “read-only” or “editor” to team members.
● Restrict access to specific files or folders.
● Use compliance tools to meet regulatory requirements.
Whether it’s confidential client data or internal documents, you can trust that SharePoint has your back.
Find Anything in Seconds
We’ve all been there—spending 15 minutes looking for a file that must be somewhere. SharePoint’s search tool makes this a thing of the past. It doesn’t just search file names; it digs into document content, tags, and metadata.
You can even use filters to narrow down results, making it quick and easy to find exactly what you need. And the search tool isn’t just for files—it can also help you locate tasks, discussions, or team members.
Insights With Dashboards
Need to keep tabs on projects, tasks, or performance? SharePoint lets you create custom dashboards packed with useful data. Want to see how many documents were updated last week? Check. Need to track the progress of a big project? Done.
Dashboards help you spot trends, stay on top of deadlines, and make informed decisions, all without digging through multiple tools.
Work on the Go
These days, you need access to your work wherever you are. SharePoint’s mobile app makes that simple. Whether you’re commuting, working remotely, or at a client site, you can review documents, check updates, and collaborate with your team right from your phone.
The mobile app is intuitive and doesn’t skimp on functionality, so you can stay productive wherever the day takes you.
Engage Your Team With Communication Sites
Sometimes, you need to share information with everyone in your organisation—updates, announcements, or even a bit of company news. SharePoint Communication Sites are perfect for this.
They’re sleek, customisable, and make it easy to share news or highlight important events. Whether it’s celebrating a team win or outlining next month’s goals, these sites keep everyone in the loop.
Ready to Take Your SharePoint Skills to the Next Level?
If you’re only using SharePoint for basic file storage, you’re missing out on its real potential. From automating workflows to creating custom dashboards, SharePoint is built to make your work life easier and more efficient.
Why not explore some of these features today? Whether it’s setting up a Team Site, building a workflow, or diving into its powerful search capabilities, you’ll be amazed at how much time and effort SharePoint can save you. It’s not just about storing files; it’s about transforming the way your team works together.
Take the leap and see how SharePoint can help you do more with less effort. Once you unlock its potential, you won’t look back.
