Microsoft 365 for Business is an all-in-one subscription plan that boosts productivity, collaboration, efficiency and security for all types of businesses – regardless of size and headcount. There are different features, softwares, and apps that can be leveraged depending on specific business workflows and goals. This blog will provide actionable tips to help businesses get the most of their Microsoft 365 for Business Subscription.
Understanding the Core Features of Microsoft 365 for Business
At its core, a Microsoft 365 subscription includes the suite of desktop apps we all know and use – Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. Depending on the needs and requirements of your brand, you can choose between Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Business Standard, Business Premium or Apps for Business.
With any of Microsoft 365’s business plans you are able to get access to a wealth of perks:
- Branded email address for your business
- Branded templates in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Appointment scheduling from online calendars
- Extra online storage and cloud-connected features for collaboration
- Access to Microsoft 365 Copilot (subscription add on)
It is important however, that you don’t stop with these perks. There are a lot more functionalities available within Microsoft 365. Read through to get an idea of how other apps can be used within businesses.
Optimize Collaboration with Microsoft Teams
Businesses thrive in collaboration – with Microsoft Teams, you can properly set up your workplace’s official online communication – externally with your prospects, and internally within your team members.
Organize and divide your team members into different channels, making it clean and easy for each individual to only access groups that are relevant to them. Depending on one’s preferred set-up, effective and seamless communication can be done via chat, video call, or online Teams meetings. Whiteboard, screen sharing, and the meeting recording functionalities also make it easier for team members to work together even in a remote setting.
In relation, creating a culture of collaboration is essential in order to foster a good working environment regardless of the company’s work set-up. Leveraging other Microsoft 365 Tools such as OneNote, Planner, and SharePoint within the Teams chat makes it easy to streamline workflows.
Utilize Cloud Storage with OneDrive and SharePoint
Real-time file collaboration and housekeeping is key especially for brands with multiple employees. In remote set-ups, leveraging Cloud Storage is essential to making this happen.
In the Microsoft 365 space, storing, sharing, and managing files are typically done with OneDrive or SharePoint. Deciding on which platform to use can be based on who will be accessing the files (personal vs shared), and if customization features are required (compliance security).
Enhance Security with Microsoft 365 for Business
Online security and data protection are essential for businesses especially if documents are stored on the cloud and shared digitally. With Microsoft Defender, you are provided with security across multiple devices. Setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and other customizable compliance, backup, and data recovery features under Microsoft 365 can also assure you of the online security you need.
Boost Productivity with Microsoft 365 Apps and Tools
Using Office Apps – Word, Excel, and PowerPoint has been part of the standard work routine for business professionals. Whether it’s for data analysis, business reports, or late night presentations, these Office Apps are tried and tested in one’s arsenal of work apps.
On the flipside, Microsoft Planner, To Do, and Microsoft Outlook cover our day to day task management and email management.
What’s less likely to have been a standard was leveraging Microsoft’s Power Platform Technology to boost work and task productivity.
- Automating tasks and business processes can be set-up and integrated to your workflows using Power Automate
- Custom applications can be built within your internal workflows without complex code using Power Apps
- Business reports and dashboards powered by existing data sets can be set up on Power BI
- Chatbots or AI-powered copilots can be personalized to help with customer service tasks using Copilot Studio
Microsoft 365 offers a wealth of productivity tools that can be mixed and matched to your personal preferences and unique work habits. Another key feature is that select third-party apps are able to be integrated within Microsoft 365, making it easy for existing workflows to mesh with the new set-up.
Maximize Your Microsoft 365 for Business Subscription
Having a subscription for Microsoft 365 for Business is a game changer. There are tons of features, and subscription tiers available depending on your business’ unique needs.
While Microsoft has available training and support resources teams can look back on and use as guiding principles, if it gets overwhelming to figure out how to best utilize these apps and tools, Power Platform consultants, like Automations 365 offer consulting and support services for businesses who want to explore their potential to improve workflows and processes.
Visit our blueprints and if you ever find yourself encountering any challenges as you use the Power Platform technology, we may be able to help out.
Ready to Fully Utilize Microsoft 365 and Use the Power Platform Technology?
Get a free quote for Power Platform development, support, or consultation from us at Automations 365!
Let’s explore how Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Copilot Studio can transform your business workflows!
