Project management for UK businesses is experiencing something of a revolution. Web-based platforms for teams to collaborate and interact, and for team leaders to organise operations – in other words, online workspaces – are taking the country by storm.
The benefits of turning away from the traditional ways of running an office, i.e. a photocopier in the corner; a row of filing cabinets blocking out daylight; and piles of paper files strewn across desks and keyboards alike, are manifold – but here are our favourites:
- Security
Security concerns remain the biggest barrier for businesses to switch away from manual methods, yet the superior expertise and complexity of infrastructure of quality cloud services ensures extremely high security. In fact, over 9 out of 10 organisations experience a boost to their security as the result of such a shift in their operations. So, while any concerns over security are legitimate, you can expect a quality online workspace to offer improved security to any existing in-house system for data storage.
- Efficiency
The bid to gain greater levels of efficiency in operations and processes is arguably the greatest driver in the move away from traditional office methods. Online workspaces provide a central location for all files and documents, which is viewable and accessible by all members of the team. When this facility for file storage and access comes in tandem with document versioning, teams work with greater productivity and accuracy.
- Remote Teams, Flexible Hours
With all key exchanges taking place online in the same location as where files and documents are uploaded, viewed and accessed, there is the opportunity for remote teams to be built. This widens the talent pool, opens the door to flexible working, and can in turn have far-reaching effects in terms of a company’s capital expenditure. If a worker is sick or has to stay home to look after the kids, they can still be a fully functioning member of the team – all they require is an internet connection. If local talent is too expensive, it can be sourced from a region where that’s not the case.
- Capital Expenditure and Operating Costs
With a remote team, or at least some remote members to your team, office space is either freed up or not required. There is no longer a need to rent photocopiers or install filing cabinets, nor is there a requirement for reams of paper and a continual supply of ink cartridges. All your team needs to be fully functional is a web browser and internet connection.
- Cutting Edge Software
Furthermore, with a business’s data moved to the cloud, there is no more heavy spending on on-site servers, maintenance or IT department. Additionally though, continual software upgrades – including improved encryption tools and features – come as part of the package.
- Corporate Responsibility
Finally, with that move away from paper-based methods and over to an online platform for communication, data and document exchange and storage, organisations can rightly claim to be using their resources with an approach that has at its heart quality, efficiency and sustainability.