Maximize Your Collaboration

By Paul Gratton

Here at RentalMetrics we're a team on the go. Because we're rarely all in the same room we depend heavily on collaboration software to manage our projects. The ability to track progress, share documents, and communicate via a number of platforms means we can maximize our efficiency as an organization.

Some of the features that help us the most include:

1. Being to access and change all team documents anytime, anywhere
2.  Instant notice (via email or RSS) of project or document changes
3.  Online collaborative chat, reducing cell phone and travel costs
4.  Using shared Internet favorites as our online team knowledge base  

 

Collaborative software works great for us, and it might work great for you, but before implementing any new system there are few important questions to consider:

 

1. What problem is the collaborative software fixing?
2. How will collaboration software change the way your organization communicates?
3. Who will administer/manage your collaborative environment?
4. What Return on Investment (ROI) can you expect from implementing collaboration software?

 

Takin' it to the bank

 

Do you have a "team on the go?" Collaboration software may help streamline communication in your organization. First, evaluate your needs and find the collaboration tool that best fits your organization. Be sure to understand exactly how your collaboration system will be used and what problem it will solve once implemented.

Once you've added collaboration tools to your operation don't forget to train your employees and develop a system of administration and maintenance. Also, as with any business process change, keep track of your improved efficiency and calculate ROI.