Microsoft 365 has become an essential part of day-to-day work for many businesses, providing familiar tools such as Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams. However, MS 365 offers far more than just the applications most businesses use every day, with a large range of additional features that can improve productivity, collaboration and security.
Here's 10 Microsoft 365 features your business might not be making the most of:
1. Microsoft Lists
Microsoft Lists provides a simple way to organise and track information. Businesses can use it for everything from managing projects and equipment to tracking customers, tasks or company assets.
Instead of relying on spreadsheets for every task, Lists can provide a more structured way to manage information and collaborate with colleagues.
2. Microsoft Forms
Microsoft Forms makes it easy to create surveys, questionnaires and online forms. You could use it to collect customer feedback, gather employee opinions or create internal requests without needing any additional software.
Responses can also be analysed and exported to Excel, making it useful for collecting and managing information.
3. SharePoint Version History
SharePoint's version history can help prevent important documents from becoming permanently overwritten or lost. When files are stored in SharePoint, previous versions can often be viewed and restored.
This can be particularly useful when several employees are working on the same documents.
4. Microsoft Bookings
Microsoft Bookings can make arranging appointments much easier. Businesses can create booking pages that allow customers and colleagues to select available times without having to exchange multiple emails.
It can be particularly useful for consultations, meetings and customer appointments.
5. Power Automate
Power Automate allows businesses to automate repetitive tasks and workflows. For example, you could create an automated process that sends notifications when a form is submitted or moves information between MS 365 applications.
Automating small tasks can save employees time and reduce the risk of manual errors.
6. Microsoft Planner
Planner provides a visual way to organise tasks and projects. Teams can create tasks, assign responsibilities, set deadlines and track progress in one place.
It can be a useful alternative to managing projects through emails and spreadsheets.
7. OneDrive File Recovery
OneDrive includes tools that can help users recover files following accidental deletion or unwanted changes. Depending on the circumstances, files or previous versions can all be restored.
This can provide an additional layer of protection for important documents.
8. Microsoft To Do
Microsoft To Do is more than a basic digital checklist. It can integrate with other Microsoft 365 services, helping employees manage personal tasks and keep track of work that needs to be completed.
Used effectively, it can help employees stay organised without relying on paper notes or multiple task lists.
9. Microsoft Clipchamp
Microsoft Clipchamp provides video editing tools that can be useful for businesses creating internal and external marketing content, helping employees create and edit videos without needing any specialist video editing software.
It could be used for training videos, presentations, social media content or internal communications.
10. Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender includes security features that many businesses may not be using to their full potential. Depending on the Microsoft 365 licence, businesses can benefit from tools designed to help protect users, devices, emails and business data.
Security features should be reviewed regularly to ensure they're configured appropriately for your business.
Get More from Microsoft 365
One of the biggest benefits of Microsoft 365 is the range of tools included within the wider platform. Businesses that only use Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams could be overlooking features that could improve productivity, collaboration and security.
However, not every feature will be suitable for every business. The key is understanding what's available and identifying which tools could provide genuine value for your employees.
At Edmondson's, we can help your business make better use of MS 365, from reviewing your current setup and improving security to helping your team get more from the tools already included in your licences.
