Businesses thrive due to a variety of reasons, and one of the crucial factors in ensuring a successful organization is knowing which areas need to be improved. This is where Microsoft 365 for business comes into play. Previously known as Office 365, it provides access to productivity apps to more than one million companies around the world.

Some businesses miss out on many business opportunities simply because they fail to spot the most dynamic tools in the platform. Company owners should be aware of how each Microsoft tool works so that expected outcomes could be achieved in no time. 

Failure in achieving goals makes up for rationalizing things to cover up for our mistakes. These excuses restrict us from reaching the best version of ourselves if just to widen our horizon. 

Therefore, there is a need to be bold in selecting a cloud-powered platform that includes commonly used apps like word excel powerpoint and outlook all in one place. Getting MS 365 for business gives you full control of your workflow while boosting your work productivity.

The global market share of Microsoft in this department is about 46%, just 2 percent less than that of Google Suite (G Suite). In the US alone, G Suite has recorded a bigger share of 59% compared to that of Microsoft’s mere 40% but in China, it dominated the market at 57.22%. G Suite’s market share was only 42.74%.

Integrated Tools

If other enterprises’ choice is Microsoft 365 Copilot, below are some of the integrated tools that other business owners may take interest in.

Microsoft Power Automate

Many business organizations deal with a huge amount of data on a daily basis. However, handling a massive amount of data requires a series of steps. So, the larger the volume, the more complex the process will be. This is why the Microsoft Power Automate feature was developed. It helps companies ensure that they are using the correct tools and techniques. 

Data analysis and interpretation usually requires a lot of time but with this tool, businesses can eliminate repetitive tasks so all can be completed in a short amount of time. Automation tools such as this reduce the manual processes that help in avoiding work exhaustion. 

Known before as Microsoft Flow, it works to improve efficiency without coding. It allows businesses to perform tasks quickly while putting errors to a minimum. Today, companies can work with bulks of information, accelerate data analysis, and arrive at better judgment with the help of their automation tools.

Choosing powerful productivity strategies in order to stay on top of their game has become top priority. With this automation feature, you can go beyond the capabilities of traditional methods to achieve the ultimate customer experience. 

Use cases

• Automated emails provide seamless customer interaction and allow for faster and personalized email responses. Data extraction and generating reports is faster because data is stored in a single location. Nevertheless, workflow approvals require thorough review and a strong collaboration.
• Power Automate allows its users to take advantage of work integration. Commonly used apps such as Excel, Teams, SharePoint, and the like are merged into a cohesive whole allowing for file storage and sharing.

Microsoft MyAnalytics

This application’s dashboard helps businesses achieve optimum performance without letting their employees experience burnout. MyAnalytics uses work insights to monitor work efficiency and helps workers perform effectively by determining time spent on tasks and by tracking amounts of idle time.

Workers can now improve on their work habits, doing away with being distracted or being stuck in one area. Working as a guide, it can shift employees’ focus to tasks of greater importance. If you are looking to utilize this tool, you will be redirected to Viva Insights.

Microsoft Planner 

In contemporary workplaces, businesses hire employees in different parts of the world. And since communication and coordination are both important, it is crucial for teams to be in sync with one another. This is thanks to project management tools such as Microsoft Planner.

This straightforward tool for work management helps both project managers and teams to work efficiently. It lets users access their assigned tasks and likewise, it lays out a plan easily, allowing crossing out finished tasks from the list. Employers can also prioritize tasks that need to be done in the next 24 hours and create reminders for future tasks.

Getting motivated to work can sometimes be challenging. But no matter what the size of your team is, this planner ensures that every member is able to accomplish tasks efficiently. While members work to collaborate with each other, managers can delegate tasks and empower each member. 

Having this in place, creates a sense of autonomy that allows for showcasing hidden talents and abilities. Next, it paves the way for open communication so that everyone can learn from each other. Finally, teams will have a sense of accountability within the workplace. 

Nonetheless, this doesn’t only mean finishing tasks that are expected because after all, the success of every individual has a direct impact on the team.

Microsoft Forms

Corporations wishing to make data collection uncomplicated need to be familiar with Microsoft Forms. This web app helps establishments create surveys, polls, and quizzes using user-friendly tools and customizable themes.

Powered by AI, collecting data using this survey software is made easy through the integration of tools. It helps businesses collect the needed information and analyze it in no time. Data extraction and infographics creation is done via Excel. Following that, reports can be shown to the target audience using the Present feature.

Microsoft Sway

If you want to learn how to create a visually attractive newsletter, presentation, and communication layout designs, Microsoft Sway is the perfect solution for you. This app is so easy to use where beginners can surely have no problem navigating it. Users can explore it by adding images from available graphics or uploading files from their device.

With this on hand, one can produce an output in just a few minutes and take advantage of ready-made templates that can be customized according to the need. The overall look of the layout design can strongly influence customer engagement. Hence, keeping in mind that they can make people stick around and turn potential buyers into real customers.

Microsoft Stream

The COVID-19 pandemic forced learners to stay in their residences to avoid getting the virus. Everybody had to embrace change and think of alternative ways to continue learning. 

Upon entering a virtual classroom, video participants are able to exchange ideas and interact with the others at the comfort of their homes. With this new mode of learning gaining popularity over the years, video presentations have gained traction both for training and communication.

Microsoft Stream under the Microsoft 365 umbrella is an intelligent enterprise video platform that has features similar platforms don’t have. It is the ideal choice if there’s a need for greater security on the video contents. It ensures that unauthorized sharing is avoided and can only be made available to its locally-targeted audience.

OneNote

The world of technology is ever-changing and that only means companies must learn how to adapt to changes. Flexible work arrangements like working remotely makes way for modified techniques when it comes to taking notes and documentation. From traditional note-taking, more business establishments invest in a smarter way to store important data without compromising security.

OneNote is the ultimate note-taking choice for businesses. It offers convenience as users can access stored notes at any time, anywhere; viewing them on multiple devices. Through its cloud storage, data can be saved in real-time, reducing the risk of losing important information. With this app, communicating ideas across teams is highly effective.

Microsoft To Do

Microsoft To Do allows users to organize individual tasks. Users can manage their daily to-do lists across To Do, Outlook, and Planner. You can share information with a teammate when using an organizational account. A personal account can be used for family members and friends.

Unlike other apps, Microsoft To Do helps employees focus on their goals as they can see all tasks in a single location.

Microsoft 365 Tools for Business Integrated Tools

Recap

With the continuous evolution within Microsoft 365, small and large corporations are now on the lookout for upcoming features. There may be other platforms or applications that would sprout from nowhere but rest assured, this tech giant is here to stay.

You can now take a look at some apps or training videos you think your organization needs in helping ascertain some bottleneck issues. Or just plain giving in to some improvements.