Published 2023-09-13 by TechNet New England
Most businesses pay for Microsoft 365 but only use email and basic Office apps. The platform includes powerful collaboration, automation, and security features that most teams never discover. Here are the ones that deliver the most value.
SharePoint for File Management
Stop emailing files back and forth. SharePoint provides:
- Co-authoring: Multiple people can edit the same document simultaneously
- Version history: Every change is saved, and you can restore any previous version
- Permissions: Control who can view, edit, and share each document or folder
- Search: SharePoint searches inside documents, not just file names
Teams Beyond Video Calls
Microsoft Teams is a full collaboration hub, not just a meeting tool:
- Channels: Organize conversations by topic or project instead of drowning in email
- File sharing: Every channel has a file tab backed by SharePoint
- Task management: Use Planner integration for project tasks and assignments
OneDrive for Personal Files
- Files are accessible from any device
- Automatic backup of Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders
- Files On-Demand saves local disk space by downloading files only when needed
Power Automate for Repetitive Tasks
Power Automate lets you create automated workflows without coding:
- Automatically save email attachments to a SharePoint folder
- Send a Teams notification when a new file is added
- Create approval workflows for documents or requests
Security Features You Should Enable
- MFA: Enable multi-factor authentication for all users
- Data Loss Prevention: Prevent sensitive information from being shared outside your organization
- Conditional Access: Control when and where users can access company data
Getting the most out of Microsoft 365 requires some initial setup and training, but the productivity gains are significant. Contact TechNet New England if you want help optimizing your Microsoft 365 environment.