The benefits of intranets and extranets are extensive, which is why many businesses use them in their internal operations. These tools are often underutilised by organisations that are not aware of their potential. Both the intranet and extranet, are excellent tools that can promote collaboration, communication, efficient workflows and partnerships.
Here is some information to help you understand the difference between intranet vs extranet, and their advantages and disadvantages, so that you can make an informed decision on whether to adopt them in your business or not.
What is an intranet?
The intranet is an internal network that enables employees to:
● Communicate
● Create content
● Collaborate
The digital workspace aims to centralise all documents, conversations, tools and projects within your organisation, to make workflows more productive and efficient. Many companies use intranet software for a range of reasons, including to better organise people and work, improve communications between employees, increase productivity and engagement, and streamline daily activity. Intranet software connects areas of your business and improves your organisation.
What are the benefits of the intranet?
Here are some of the top reasons why your company can benefit from intranet software.
#1 Streamlines projects and data
Managing projects can be challenging, especially when tracking your team's progress, becomes time-consuming. The activity on your projects is important to its overall success, which is why it can benefit from the organisation and ease of the intranet. Within the intranet software, you are able to assign tasks, set notifications and record and track all tasks.
#2 Improves communication
Through intranet software, you can connect with employees instantly through the use of direct messages and alerts.
#3 Centralised information
The intranet is the knowledge base of your organisation where all documents, information and data are stored. From projects to HR documentation and company announcements. It can be found, accessed and updated easily by everyone.
#4 Optimises your company's success
With streamlined tools and information, efficient communication and effective collaboration, your employees are going to be working to a much higher standard. Employees are the bread and butter of any company, so by ensuring that the way they work is improved, you can expect a much better working environment. Investing in intranet software shows that you care about your employees, and in turn, will encourage them to work harder because they know you value them.
What is an extranet?
Extranet software is similar to intranet software but is primarily used for external communications. It is typically used with:
● Suppliers
● Vendors
● Clients
The network is completely private and unique to your organisation but can be accessed by external parties that you approve. The purpose of extranet software is to enable collaboration, communication, knowledge and document sharing, together with information transfers between parties in a secure and efficient way.
What are the benefits of extranet?
Here are some of the top reasons why your company can benefit from extranet software.
#1 Exchange large volumes of data
Collaboration and communication are made much easier with extranet software, as large volumes of data can quickly be exchanged. This minimises the delays that come with telephone and email.
#2 Automated business processes
If there are tasks that your business conducts on a regular basis, such as ordering products from a vendor, you can streamline these processes within your extranet software. Certain steps can be automated, and other steps that need to be completed manually can be stored all in one place so that referencing and tracking orders is made easy.
#3 Increases satisfaction with third parties
Whether you use it to communicate with partners, vendors or customers, extranet software is a great way to satisfy them as communication is quick and easy, and all information can be accessed 24/7. This eliminates the need for customers to wait for replies when something can be answered quickly within the extranet system. It also provides a great impression and, simplifies how they work with you. This is a great way to go above and beyond for your customers, and will put you ahead of your competitors.
#4 Secure
With the right extranet software which has been designed by a reputable development company, it can be extremely secure. This is vital in many industries, for example, Medicine. A breach of security can be detrimental and costly to any business, which is why extranet software is made to the highest of standards, so it will be capable of protecting sensitive information.
There are a plethora of benefits and reasons why companies use intranet and extranet software. They are both highly effective tools that can optimise your business both internally, and with customers and important partners alike. It also enables quick access to information, better collaboration, efficient project management, improved communication, increased security and much more. As a business, it is a wise decision to consider investing in hiring developers to build reputable intranet and extranet software.