Improve your workflow with SharePoint Server 2007
By: Martin Harrison
In this article, we will look at how using Microsoft SharePoint can help your business to improve its workflow and hence improve productivity and efficiency amongst your workers.
A workflow can be roughly defined as a schedule of tasks which make up our daily working routine. These can be everything from administrative tasks to conversing with clients. In order to work as efficiently as possible, systems can be put in place to automate a lot of the processes that take up time in our daily working routine.
With the advent of the computer, we were sold the vision of never having to lift a finger again as machines catered to our every whim. This vision, sadly, never fully materialised. Although computers don’t carry out all of our daily work, they have had an undeniable effect on the modern workplace and have simplified many of the working processes which previously took up so much time and effort. One could, for example, look at the impact of spreadsheets in saving the effort of manually calculating figures.
As technology has advanced, so too have the innovations which help us in our everyday lives. Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007 is the latest of these innovations, helping workers to collaborate effectively on tasks and projects. SharePoint includes a component called ‘workflow foundation’ which provides the backbone for all of its applications. This appears in 3 forms:
1. Readymade workflows built in to the product (suitable for those with limited computer literacy).
2. Workflows which can be customised using SharePoint designer - similar to Microsoft FrontPage (suitable for the moderately computer-literate).
3. Workflows including custom applications which can be programmed using visual studio and the .NET framework. (suitable for advanced users.)
The great thing about these three options is that they cater to every level of computer competency, beginners, intermediate and advanced. These options offer organisations the opportunity to tailor workflows around the specific requirements of workers and to adapt to the ever changing needs of the modern workplace.
For those looking to implement SharePoint, there are 2 options. The system requires a dedicated server, which can either be housed within the organisation itself, or outsourced to a SharePoint Server hosting provider. The cost of Server equipment and the associated maintenance means that for many businesses, hosting a SharePoint server themselves is simply not a viable option. Using a SharePoint hosting provider is cost effective and takes away the additional responsibility of maintenance, which usually requires employing a full-time member of staff.
SharePoint hosting from Genesis Communications is a cost effective solution for businesses who want all of the benefits of SharePoint without having to shell out for expensive equipment and employing staff to maintain it.
http://www.genesis.co.uk/exchange2007 Genesis Communications Limited, Waterfold Park, Rochdale Road, Bury, Lancashire, United Kingdom BL9 7BJ Tel: 0844 847 9606 Fax: 0844 847 9636 Website: http://www.genesis.co.uk
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