Microsoft’s SharePoint is quickly becoming a top tool for managing company data, improving internal processes and security, and boosting the overall inner workings of a business. To harness the true array of benefits from the use of this web-based platform, however, you’ll want to find the best SharePoint development and consulting partner for your business first.
They have experience in your industry
SharePoint consulting firms with little to no experience in your industry are unlikely to be the right fit for you. Ask what brands your prospective consultants have worked with, and check into the experiences those customers have had with the consultant to get an idea of what kind of company they are and how well they work. A firm that has worked with established brands is always a plus, too.
Overall, you’re looking for a consultant who has already done work in your industry or one very similar to it. This will mean they have experience and insight into the specific needs and problems companies such as yours often have, putting you into the position of receiving the most comprehensive SharePoint solution.
They can customize as needed
A SharePoint consultant may find that your company only needs the “out-of-the-box” capabilities that the platform has. However, in some cases, they may need to customize SharePoint so it works the way you want it to, and for that, they need to have experience in the customization of the platform.
However, keep in mind that this can work the other way, too. If you only need a standard platform but the consultant attempts to push you into customization, they’re not the right fit for your business, either. Ask your prospective providers whether they always go with the standard or if they customize. The answer you get will help determine whether this consultant is the one for you or if you need to move onto the next name on your list.
They know how to organize data
If you are going to use SharePojnt, it’s very likely that you want to manage all of your company’s information. After all, the web-based platform is a stellar document management system, and without it, documents may be hard to find and disorganized. Therefore, your SharePoint consultant must know how to make a data hierarchy. If they don’t know how to organize it, you’ll be left back where you started. Ask how they will help you organize your data and manage it in the future.
Hiring a SharePoint consulting firm can be a great move for your business and provide a positive return on the investment almost immediately. The trick is to look for a consultant who is ready, willing and able to help you do exactly what you need to with this powerful platform to take your company’s data management to the next level.
