Understanding The Importance Of An Intranet In Business
If you are a business owner then it is likely that you are constantly on the look-out for ways to improve your business operations. In your search for solutions, you are likely to have come across the term “intranet”. This guide is here to help you to understand the importance of intranet for businesses.
What is an Intranet?
An intranet is a private network of connected devices – it is like the Internet but much smaller and only limited to authorized users. It is, in basic terms, like a private Internet for a company. Imagine everything you can do online but in a controlled digital environment. That includes document management, communications tools (from text to video conferencing), sorting out HR tasks like training and job applications.
The possibilities are basically endless and, with an Internet system, you can control all of them in your own private network so all data is secure. Many companies use intranet systems for different tasks, from communications to employee engagement enhancements to sales to directories – the list goes on and on ad infinitum.
Why is an Intranet so Important for Business?
There are many reasons why an intranet is important for businesses. Below are just a few examples, for more information about the benefits of intranet for business, click here.
1. Capture Employees Attention
Research has found that the average human attention span has decreased from 12 seconds in 2000 to just 8 seconds. An intranet system gives you the ability to capture employees’ attention with an eye-catching display of up-to-date information that they will find useful. All displays can be personalized so that an employee only receives news that is relevant to them.
This news can be company information, sales information and even email – all displayed together on one page so that a user is completely up to date. The best thing about intranet systems is that they are two way – unlike traditional corporate communications which tend to be one way (like newsletters). Employees can be inspired, ask questions, share wisdom and more – all in one intranet system.
2. Intellectual Capital
Companies typically invest vastly in “intellectual capital”. This can be considered to be all the ideas and innovations that allow the company to succeed and maintain an advantage over competitors. They are more powerful when they are shared, so that all employees have the edge over your competition.
Many companies find it hard to effectively deploy their intellectual capital, perhaps due to capital outflows (employees leaving the company or just forgetting things). An intranet system can collect this intellectual capital and allow employees to capture ideas and preserve important information – it encourages a regular flow of intellectual capital across staff members. It can convert interactions between staff into a long-lasting collective knowledge.
3. Increased Productivity
An intranet can also greatly improve the productivity of a workforce. This is because it can enhance an employee’s focus by making sure that all the information that they need is instantly accessible. It creates an efficient business with productive and communicative workers.
