GTconsult - Blog , DevelopmentGTconsult - Blog , Developmenthttps://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/developmentThu, 23 Apr 2026 08:36:38 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[From Calendar Chaos to Click-and-Go: How One Company Transformed Their Leave Management]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/from-calendar-chaos-to-click-and-go-how-one-company-transformed-their-leave-managementThis case study demonstrates how the right technology—implemented thoughtfully—can transform everyday business processes from sources of friction into competitive advantages. The best systems are the ones your team forgets they're using because they simply work.]]>

Case Study

The hidden cost of leave management isn't just administrative—it's the daily friction that drains your team's energy and disrupts workflow.

Executive Summary

Company: Resin Processing Solutions (RPS) South Africa
Industry: Processing Solutions & After-Sales Support
Challenge: Manual leave tracking causing productivity loss and visibility gaps
Solution: SharePoint leave management system with automated approval workflows
Results: Real-time visibility, instant approvals, and 100% adoption across all departments

Table of Contents

  1. The Challenge: Manual Leave Management Costs
  2. The Solution: SharePoint Leave Management System
  3. Implementation Results & ROI
  4. User Testimonials
  5. Key Takeaways

The Challenge: Why Manual Leave Management Was Failing RPS

The Hidden Cost of Calendar Syncing and Manual Approvals

Urban Lourens, After Sales Manager at Resin Processing Solutions, faced a common workplace challenge: inefficient leave tracking across multiple regions. Like many growing companies, RPS struggled with fragmented systems that created bottlenecks and reduced productivity.

"It was a challenge to keep up with everybody's leave days when and where you had to kind of sync with calendars to have a good idea and it definitely posed as a challenge. The struggle was ongoing. We kind of had to make it work with what we had."

— Urban Lourens, After Sales Manager

Common Leave Management Problems in Modern Workplaces

RPS experienced these typical pain points of manual leave management:

  • Zero centralized visibility across regional offices and departments
  • Slow manual approval processes requiring email chains and face-to-face meetings
  • Information silos from physical notes and disconnected calendars
  • Planning delays when managers needed team availability data
  • Compliance risks from inconsistent record-keeping
  • Lost productivity from employees chasing approval status

These challenges are common in organizations using spreadsheets, email, or basic calendar tools for leave management.

The Solution: SharePoint Leave Management System with Automated Workflows

Why RPS Chose SharePoint for Leave Management

RPS implemented a custom SharePoint-based leave management solution designed for simplicity and scalability. The system addressed their specific pain points while leveraging existing Microsoft 365 infrastructure.

Key Features That Drive Adoption

Automated Approval Workflows

You can edit text on your website by double clicking on a text box on your website. Alternatively, when you select a text box a settings menu will appear. your website by double clicking on a text box on your website. Alternatively, when you select a text box

"When we request leave, it will automatically send him an email and he will be able to accept it or approve it or disapprove it quick like that with just an email."

— Shannon Bester, After Sales Coordinator

Real-Time Visibility

"It allows for everybody within the entity to know at the exact same time what's happening in real time. So you never have to ask around or have physical notes lying around."

— Shiluva Rikhotso, Accounts Manager

Role-Based Permissions

"I also like the security that's there as well because it's very restricted to certain users and it has the necessary access controls."

— Shiluva Rikhotso, Accounts Manager

The Results

Measurable Improvements Across the Organization

For Managers: Complete Visibility

"Really easy to access, easy to get your leave days locked in. And as a manager it's also easy to track where your team is and when their leave days are."

— Urban Lourens, After Sales Manager

Benefits:

  • Cross-regional visibility at a glance
  • No more calendar syncing or manual tracking
  • Proactive planning with full team availability information

    • For Employees: Effortless Requests

    "It's very specific and it's straightforward and it's not confusing. So it's like very easy to do when you by yourself need help."

    — Thina Ntanjana, Service and Inventory Coordinator

    Benefits:

  • Submit requests in seconds
  • Immediate feedback on request status
  • No need to chase managers for approvals
  • Self-service capability with minimal learning curve

    • User Testimonials

    What the Team Is Saying

    Urban Lourens | After Sales Manager
    "Now we know what's going on all the time, even through all the regions."


    Shiluva Rikhotso | Accounts Manager
    "My experience with the web leave has been very pleasant. It's very user-friendly and I like the fact that there are multiple steps to it and you can see whom the tasks have been delegated to."


    Shannon Bester | After Sales Coordinator
    "I don't need to like go to my manager. It will automatically send him an email and he will be able to accept it or approve it or disapprove it quick like that with just an email. So that's really good. I really like it."


    Thina Ntanjana | Service and Inventory Coordinator
    "What I like about the leave app is that it's very specific and it's straightforward and it's not confusing."

    Impact Summary

    Before and After

    BEFOREAFTER
     Manual calendar syncing Real-time automated updates
     Physical notes and scattered information Centralized digital system
     Approval delays and chasing Instant email notifications
     Limited visibility across regions Company-wide transparency
     No audit trail Complete security and compliance
     Training-intensive processes Intuitive self-service platform

    Key Takeaways

    Why This Transformation Worked

    1. Solved a Real Pain Point
     The system addressed genuine daily frustrations experienced across all levels of the organization.


    2. Prioritized User Experience
     Simple, intuitive design meant high adoption without extensive training requirements.


    3. Delivered Immediate Value
     Users saw benefits from day one—no lengthy implementation period or delayed ROI.


    4. Scalable Foundation
     The platform approach enables future enhancements and workflow additions.


    5. Security Without Complexity
     Robust access controls and audit trails without sacrificing ease of use.

    Your Turn

    If your team is still dealing with:


    ❌ Calendar syncing headaches


    ❌ Approval delays and email chains


    ❌ Limited visibility across departments


    ❌ Manual tracking and physical notes


    ❌ Security and compliance concerns

    It's time to explore modern solutions that work as hard as your team does.

    Learn About Our A Team Development Offerings
    ]]>    Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:48:57 +0000    <![CDATA[5 Ways Agentic AI is Eliminating Hours of Repetitive Work ]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/5-ways-agentic-ai-is-eliminating-hours-of-repetitive-workDiscover how agentic AI is revolutionizing business productivity by automating repetitive tasks. See 5 real GTconsult use cases showing how AI boosts efficiency, reduces costs, and drives ROI. Learn how to start your own automation journey and unlock the future of intelligent work.]]>

    (Real Examples from Our Business)

    Are your teams drowning in repetitive tasks? Chasing sales updates, reviewing contracts, monitoring deals—work that needs to be done but nobody wants to do?

    You've probably heard about AI assistants and chatbots. But what if AI could work autonomously—completing these tasks without anyone asking, every single day, while you sleep?

    That's agentic AI. And it's not science fiction. We've deployed it across our business, and it's saving us dozens of hours every week.

    Who This Is For

    If you're a business leader, operations manager, or department head dealing with:

    • Sales teams that don't update CRM consistently
    • Legal reviews that bottleneck your procurement process
    • Daily reporting that takes hours to compile
    • Repetitive administrative tasks that drain your team's productivity

    Then you need to understand what agentic AI can do for you.

    What Makes Agentic AI Different?

    Traditional AI waits for you to ask questions. Agentic AI takes action on its own.


    It runs on schedules, monitors your systems, analyzes your data, and completes tasks automatically—using your organization's specific knowledge and processes. No human prompting required.


    Think of it as hiring a tireless team member who works 24/7, never forgets, follows your exact processes, and costs a fraction of a salary.

    5 Business Problems We've Solved with Agentic AI

    1. The 2-Hour Sales Meeting That Disappeared

    The Pain: Every day for 30 minutes and every Friday for 2 hours, our sales manager engaged in one-on-ones with the sales team. What's the deal status? What were the last notes? What are the next steps? Why isn't CRM updated?

    This was a weekly occurrence.

    The Solution: We built an autonomous agent that runs every morning at 7 AM. It reviews every open deal in our CRM, checks the last activity, analyzes the deal stage, and generates personalized action items for each salesperson—based on our actual sales methodology, not generic advice.

    Each rep receives an email before they start their day:

    • Current deal status and risk assessment
    • Last client interaction details
    • Specific next steps from our sales playbook
    • A link directly to the deal in CRM

    The Result: That 2-hour meeting? Gone. Our sales manager now spends 15 minutes reviewing exceptions and strategic deals. The team is more productive, CRM updates are consistent, and nothing falls through the cracks.


    ROI: 4 hours per week saved. That's 208 hours per year, 208 hours that can be used in other areas that need his attention.

    Check it out:

    2. Contract Reviews That Used to Take Days Now Take Minutes

    The Pain: Your procurement process is slow. Not because your legal team is slow—but because they're overwhelmed. Every vendor contract that comes in needs to be reviewed against your governance requirements. Missing clauses need to be identified. Risk levels need to be assessed.


    It's tedious. It's time-consuming. And it creates bottlenecks that frustrate everyone.


    The Solution: We deployed an agent that monitors our contracts folder. When a new vendor contract arrives, the agent automatically:

    • Reads the entire document
    • Compares it against our governance framework
    • Identifies missing or weak clauses
    • Assesses risk levels (high, medium, low)
    • Suggests specific clause wording improvements
    • Sends a detailed report to legal

    The Result: Legal teams now receive pre-assessed contracts with a complete analysis. Instead of spending hours on initial review, they jump straight to strategic decisions and final edits.


    ROI: What used to take 2-3 days per contract now takes 30 minutes. For organizations reviewing dozens of contracts monthly, this is transformative.

    Check it out:

    3. Pipeline Reports That Generate Themselves

    The Pain: Your sales leadership needs visibility. But compiling a pipeline report means pulling data from CRM, formatting it, adding analysis, calculating risks, and creating summaries.


    By the time it's ready, it's already out of date.


    The Solution: Every morning at 8 AM, our agent automatically:

    • Pulls all active deals from CRM
    • Analyzes stage, amount, close date, and last activity
    • Identifies risks (deals going stale, approaching deadlines)
    • Generates a formatted HTML table with all key metrics
    • Adds an executive summary
    • Sends it to the leadership team via Teams

    The Result: Sales leadership starts every day with complete pipeline visibility. No manual work. No delays. No formatting issues. Just clean, actionable intelligence.


    ROI: 5 hours per week saved on reporting. Plus faster decision-making because leadership has real-time data.

    Check it out:

    4. Market Research That Combines Internal and External Intelligence

    The Pain: You want to assess expansion opportunities with existing customers. But that means:

    • Reviewing their financial reports (external data)
    • Cross-referencing your internal data (store count, regions, spend)
    • Analyzing growth potential
    • Identifying similar prospects

    This takes days of research. And by the time you're done, the opportunity might be gone.


    The Solution: We built an agent that accesses both public investor relations websites and our internal customer documents. Ask it: "Should we pursue expansion with Customer X?"

    It instantly returns:

    • Financial health analysis from their public filings
    • Current engagement summary from our internal systems
    • Expansion readiness assessment
    • Recommended target markets
    • Risk factors to consider
    • 3-5 similar companies that could be prospects

    The Result: Strategic decisions that used to require days of research now happen in minutes. Sales and account management teams can pursue opportunities faster and with better intelligence.


    ROI: Research time cut from days to minutes. Better-informed decisions. More opportunities pursued.

    Check it out:

    5. Connecting Your Business Systems Without Rip-and-Replace

    The Pain: Your critical data lives in multiple systems—CRM tools, project management platforms, support desks—that don't talk to Microsoft or your AI tools. You're told you need to migrate everything or manually export data.


    Neither option is acceptable.


    The Solution: We implemented Model Context Protocol (MCP) to create standardized connections between our AI agents and external systems like Zoho. Now our agents can:

    • Read real-time deal data from Zoho CRM
    • Pull project information
    • Access support tickets
    • All without data migration or security compromises

    The Result: Our AI agents work with our actual business systems, wherever they live. No vendor lock-in. No forced migrations. Just intelligent automation that respects your existing tech stack.


    ROI: Avoided costly migrations. AI works with your systems, not against them.

    Check it out:

    Why This Matters Now

    Your competitors are deploying this technology. The businesses that figure out agentic AI first will have a massive productivity advantage.


    But here's the good news: You don't need a team of AI engineers to make this happen.


    The tools exist today:

    • Microsoft Copilot Studio (enterprise-grade, secure)
    • Azure OpenAI (your data stays private)
    • Power Automate (connects your systems)
    • Standard protocols like MCP (no vendor lock-in)

    What Makes This Different from "Regular AI"

    Most "AI solutions" are just better search engines or chatbots. They wait for you to ask the right questions.

    Agentic AI is fundamentally different:

    • Proactive, not reactive - Runs on schedules, not user requests
    • Uses your processes - Trained on your playbooks and frameworks
    • Takes action - Sends emails, updates systems, generates reports
    • Remembers context - Tracks history to get smarter over time
    • No hallucinations - Only uses your verified organizational knowledge

    The Bottom Line: Hours Back in Your Week

    Let's do the math on just the use cases we've shared:

    • Sales management: 10 hours/week saved
    • Contract review: 15-20 hours/week saved (at scale)
    • Pipeline reporting: 5 hours/week saved
    • Market research: Countless hours saved on strategic analysis

    That's 30-35+ hours per week. Nearly a full-time employee's productivity—automated.


    And we're just getting started.

    Ready to Get Started?

    You don't need to automate everything at once. Start with one painful, repetitive process:

    1. Identify the pain - What task drains the most time?
    2. Define the process - What are the exact steps today?
    3. Build the agent - Use tools like Copilot Studio
    4. Iterate and expand - Add more agents as you learn

    The technology is ready. The question is: how much longer will you wait while your team wastes hours on work that could be automated?

    Want to See These Agents in Action?

    We're documenting our entire journey in our Agentic AI video series—with detailed technical walkthroughs, real examples, and lessons learned.


    Or, let's talk about your specific use case. What repetitive process is killing your team's productivity? We'll show you exactly how agentic AI could eliminate it.

    Agent Me Up
    ]]>    Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:34:00 +0000    <![CDATA[How an ICMS Can Transform Your Insurance Claims Process]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/how-an-icms-can-transform-your-insurance-claims-processThis blog emphasizes the critical role of Insurance Claims Management Systems (ICMS) in the insurance industry, highlighting the transformative benefits they offer beyond mere efficiency gains.]]>

    Beyond Efficiency

    This blog emphasizes the critical role of Insurance Claims Management Systems (ICMS) in the insurance industry, highlighting the transformative benefits they offer beyond mere efficiency gains. By leveraging SharePoint, insurers can streamline workflow management, enhance data analytics, ensure seamless integration, personalize customer experiences, detect fraud, and maintain regulatory compliance. Without a robust ICMS, insurers risk facing challenges such as increased processing time, inaccuracies, limited visibility, compliance risks, and reputational damage. 

    Learn More about GTconsult's Claims Management Solution

    In the ever-evolving landscape of the insurance industry, the need for innovation and efficiency is paramount. Insurance companies are continually seeking ways to streamline their processes, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. One transformative tool that has emerged to meet these demands is the Insurance Claims Management System (ICMS). While initially recognized for its potential to increase efficiency, the ICMS offers benefits far beyond mere time-saving measures. Let’s look into how an ICMS can truly transform your insurance claims process.

    Streamlined Workflow Management

    At its core, the ICMS serves as a centralized platform for managing the entire lifecycle of an insurance claim. From initial intake to final resolution, every step of the process seamlessly integrates into a single system. This consolidation eliminates the need for disparate software solutions and manual data entry, reducing errors and delays. With real-time visibility into claim status and progress, the ICMS empowers our insurance professionals to make informed decisions quickly, expediting the resolution process.

    Enhanced Data Analytics

    In today's data-driven world, extracting actionable insights from vast amounts of information is invaluable. The ICMS leverages advanced analytics capabilities to analyze historical claims data, identify trends, and predict future outcomes. This predictive analytics functionality enables you to proactively mitigate risks, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall operational efficiency. By harnessing the power of data, you can make smarter, data-driven decisions that drive business growth and profitability.

    Seamless Integration

    Integration with third-party systems and platforms is essential for modern insurance operations. The ICMS offers seamless integration capabilities, allowing you to connect with external data sources, such as medical databases, weather APIs, and fraud detection services. This integration enhances the accuracy and completeness of claims data and enables automation of routine tasks and processes. By leveraging APIs and web services, you can create a unified ecosystem that fosters collaboration, interoperability, and innovation.

    Personalized Customer Experience

    In today's hyper-competitive market, delivering a personalized customer experience is key to retaining existing policyholders and attracting new ones. The ICMS enables you to offer a tailored experience to each customer throughout the claims process. Automated communications, such as status updates and notifications, can be personalized based on the individual's preferences and past interactions. Moreover, by leveraging data analytics, you can anticipate customer needs, identify opportunities for cross-selling or upselling, and deliver targeted recommendations that enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

    Check out some practical examples

    The GTconsult Workbench solution has shown value delivery through reducing workforces, improving the speed to go to market, improving client satisfaction and greatly improving monitoring of tickets and subtasks.

    Western National Case Study

    " The solutions created by GTconsult exactly addressed the original business needs discussed when we started the journey to create these custom workbenches. The workbenches offer a fast, stable and cost effective solution to address a real business need."


    Read the Case Study
    African Unity Case Study

    " African Unity required a solution to track onboarding and amendments in contracts and engagements with their business partners.  The complexity in an Insurance company comes in the management and setting up of schemes whereby the partner is either responsible for the management of its members and schemes or needs to be managed on their behalf by the African Unity."

    Read the Case Study

    Fraud Detection and Prevention

    Insurance fraud poses a significant threat to the industry, costing billions of dollars annually. The ICMS incorporates sophisticated fraud detection algorithms and machine learning capabilities to identify suspicious claims patterns and behaviors in real-time. By flagging potentially fraudulent claims early in the process, you can mitigate losses, reduce operational expenses, and protect your bottom line. Additionally, by sharing data and insights across the organization and with external stakeholders, such as law enforcement agencies and industry associations, you can collaborate more effectively to combat fraud at scale.

    Regulatory Compliance

    In an increasingly regulated environment, compliance with industry standards and regulations is non-negotiable. The ICMS helps you stay ahead of regulatory changes and requirements by providing built-in compliance features and audit trails. From GDPR and HIPAA to Solvency II and IFRS 17, the ICMS ensures that you adhere to the latest standards and guidelines, reducing the risk of penalties, fines, and reputational damage. Moreover, by automating compliance processes and documentation, you can streamline regulatory reporting and auditing, freeing up resources to focus on strategic initiatives and business growth.

    While the primary function of an ICMS is to streamline the insurance claims process, its transformative potential goes far beyond mere efficiency gains. By providing a centralized platform for workflow management, data analytics, integration, personalized customer experiences, fraud detection, and regulatory compliance, the ICMS empowers you to optimize operations, mitigate risks, and drive business growth. In today's rapidly evolving insurance landscape, embracing innovative technologies like an ICMS is not just a competitive advantage—it's a strategic imperative for long-term success.

    Without a robust ICMS in place, insurers risk falling behind the curve, facing operational inefficiencies, compliance challenges, and reputational damage. As a leading provider of SharePoint services, GTconsult is dedicated to helping insurers overcome these challenges and unlock the full potential of their claims management processes. Contact GTconsult today to learn more about how their SharePoint Workbench can transform your operations and drive success.
    I need GTconsult!

    Keep Reading

    Check out our other blogs below:

    SharePoint Intranets: An Overview

    Creating a knowledge base in SharePoint

    Let's talk SharePoint permissions

    Micro-moments, Macro-impact              

    Expert insights: Why and how to migrate to SharePoint SE

    PowerApps in SharePoint

    GTconsult: Your trusted Microsoft Solutions Partner for Modern Work 

    SharePoint Migration Checklist


    CCI Case Study


    ]]>    Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:34:28 +0000    <![CDATA[Power Automate in SharePoint]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/power-automate-in-sharepointA blog focusing on the transformative power of Power Automate. This blog looks at: What is Power Automate? What are Power Automate's key uses? What are the different types of flows in Power Automate? Practical examples/uses of Power Automate.]]>

    Integrating Power Automate for SharePoint Solutions

    Power Automate, a component of Microsoft's Power Platform, is a powerful tool that allows users to automate workflows and streamline processes across various applications and services. When integrated with SharePoint, Power Automate becomes a robust solution for automating repetitive tasks, reducing manual effort, and improving overall productivity within SharePoint environments.

    In today's fast-paced business environment, efficiency and productivity are essential. Manual tasks and repetitive workflows can bog down productivity and hinder progress. However, with tools like Power Automate, businesses can revolutionize their operations by automating processes seamlessly within SharePoint.


    If you have been following/reading our blogs or are familiar with Microsoft's offerings you may be aware that Microsoft has a family of products that form part of the Power Platform, namely: 


    • Power BI
    • Power Apps
    • Power Automate
    • Power Virtual Agents
    • Power Pages 

    We have already covered PowerApps in SharePoint, and, in today’s blog, we will be looking at Power Automate in SharePoint. Let’s get into it.

    What is Power Automate?

    Power Automate, formerly known as Microsoft Flow, is a powerful cloud-based service that  allows users to create automated workflows between their favorite apps and services to synchronize files, get notifications, collect data, and more, without requiring extensive programming knowledge.

     

    In essence, Power Automate enables users to automate repetitive tasks and business processes across a wide range of applications and services, both within the Microsoft ecosystem and external sources. It employs a low-code or no-code approach, meaning that users can build sophisticated workflows and automation processes using a visual interface without writing extensive lines of code.

     

    The platform offers a variety of connectors that enable integration with popular services such as SharePoint, Power BI, Outlook, Teams, Planner, Asana, Mailchimp, Twitter, Google Drive, and many others. These connectors allow users to trigger actions and responses across different platforms seamlessly.

    Power Automate offers a wide range of capabilities within SharePoint, enabling users to automate workflows, streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and improve productivity across their organization. Whether it's automating document approvals, setting up notifications, synchronizing data, enforcing version control, integrating with Microsoft 365 apps, customizing business processes, or automating routine tasks, Power Automate provides organizations with the tools they need to unlock the full potential of SharePoint as a comprehensive platform for content management and teamwork.

    The key uses of Power Automate

    1. Document Approval Workflows

    Power Automate allows users to create sophisticated approval workflows for documents stored in SharePoint libraries. These workflows can be customized to fit specific organizational requirements. For instance, when a new document is uploaded to a SharePoint library, Power Automate can automatically trigger an approval process. Approvers receive notifications via email or Microsoft Teams, review the document directly within SharePoint, provide feedback, and approve or reject the document. Power Automate manages the entire approval lifecycle, ensuring that documents are processed efficiently and in accordance with organizational policies.


    2. Notification and Alerts
    ​

    Power Automate enables users to set up automated notifications and alerts within SharePoint. These notifications can be triggered by various events, such as document modifications, task assignments, or approaching deadlines. For example, when a document is modified, Power Automate can send notifications to relevant team members, notifying them of the change and prompting them to review the updated content. By automating notifications and alerts, Power Automate helps keep stakeholders informed and facilitates timely communication within the organization.



    3. Data Synchronization
    ​

    Power Automate facilitates seamless data synchronization between SharePoint and external systems or applications. Users can create workflows that automatically sync data between SharePoint lists and external databases, CRM systems, or cloud services. For instance, when new data is added to an external system, Power Automate can update corresponding records in SharePoint, ensuring data consistency across different platforms. By automating data synchronization, organizations can eliminate manual data entry errors and maintain accurate and up-to-date information.




    4. Document Routing and Version Control

    Power Automate can automate the process of routing documents within SharePoint and enforcing version control policies. For instance, when a document is uploaded to SharePoint, Power Automate can automatically route it to designated reviewers or approvers based on predefined criteria. Additionally, Power Automate can manage document versioning by creating new versions of documents, tracking changes, and maintaining a complete audit trail of revisions. By automating document routing and version control, organizations can ensure that documents are reviewed, approved, and managed effectively, while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.

    5. Integration with Microsoft 365 Apps

    Power Automate seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft 365 apps, such as Outlook, Teams, and Power BI. Users can create workflows that leverage these apps to automate various tasks and processes within SharePoint. For example, Power Automate can automate the process of sending emails, scheduling meetings, creating team channels, and generating reports—all within the context of SharePoint. By integrating with Microsoft 365 apps, Power Automate extends the capabilities of SharePoint and enables users to streamline collaboration and communication across the organization.




    6. Custom Business Processes

    Power Automate empowers users to design custom business processes and workflows tailored to their organization's specific needs. Whether it's automating HR processes, managing procurement requests, or tracking project milestones, Power Automate provides the flexibility to create workflows that align with unique business requirements. Users can leverage Power Automate's visual designer to define workflow logic, set up triggers and actions, and automate complex business processes within SharePoint. By customizing business processes with Power Automate, organizations can improve operational efficiency, enhance decision-making, and drive business growth.

    7. Task Automation
    ​

    Power Automate can automate various routine tasks and processes within SharePoint, helping users save time and reduce manual effort. For example, Power Automate can automate tasks such as updating metadata, archiving documents, generating reports, and sending reminders. By automating these tasks, users can streamline their workflows, minimize errors, and focus on more strategic activities. Power Automate's flexible and intuitive interface makes it easy to create and manage automated tasks within SharePoint, enabling users to optimize their productivity and achieve better outcomes.



    Types of flows in Power Automate

    Flows in Power Automate are the fundamental building blocks used to automate workflows and processes across various applications and services. Essentially, flows represent sequences of actions and triggers that dictate how tasks are performed and how data moves between different systems.


    Key components of flows in Power Automate:

    Triggers:

    Triggers are events that initiate the execution of a flow. They serve as the starting point for the flow and can be triggered by various occurrences, such as the creation of a new document, the receipt of an email, the submission of a form, or the updating of a record in a database. Triggers define when a flow should start executing and specify the conditions under which it should be activated.

    Actions:

    Actions are the individual steps or operations performed within a flow. They represent specific tasks that need to be executed as part of the workflow. Actions can include sending an email, creating a new record in a database, updating a file in a cloud storage service, posting a message in a collaboration tool, or performing a calculation. Actions define the behavior and functionality of the flow and determine what tasks it should accomplish.

    Conditions and Control Logic:

    Flows in Power Automate can include conditions and control logic to make decisions and guide the flow of execution. Conditional statements allow flows to evaluate data and perform different actions based on specified criteria. For example, a flow may include conditional logic to route documents for approval only if they meet certain criteria, or to send notifications to specific users based on the content of an email. Control logic enables flows to perform branching, looping, and error handling, ensuring that tasks are executed correctly and efficiently.

    Connectors:

    Connectors are integration points that enable flows to interact with external applications, services, and data sources. Power Automate provides a wide range of connectors that allow flows to connect to popular apps, such as Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Google Drive, Twitter, and Dropbox, as well as custom APIs and web services. Connectors provide the necessary interfaces and protocols for flows to exchange data and perform actions across different systems.

    Templates:

    Power Automate offers a library of pre-built templates that users can leverage to quickly create and deploy common workflows and processes. Templates provide a starting point for building flows and offer examples of how flows can be configured to automate specific tasks and scenarios. Users can customize templates to fit their unique requirements and integrate them into their own workflows seamlessly.

    By defining triggers, actions, conditions, and connectors, users can create powerful and efficient workflows that enhance productivity, improve collaboration, and drive digital transformation within their organization.

    Power Automate has three primary types of flows:

    Cloud Flows

    These allow users to automate workflows between modern (API) cloud-based services. Cloud flows can be automated based on specific triggers, such as the arrival of an email or the creation of a new document in SharePoint.

    Practical Examples

    Desktop Flows

    Desktop flows enable users to automate workflows between modern (API) cloud-based services and legacy (non-API) systems. They utilize robotic process automation (RPA) to automate user interface interactions on the desktop or web.

    Practical Examples

    Business Process Flows

    These enable the automation of multistep, guided processes within an organization, ensuring consistency and efficiency in operations. They can be integrated with Microsoft Power Apps to create visual, guided experiences for users.

    Practical Examples

    Example 1: Automatically Archiving Email Attachments

    When attachments related to a client are sent, Power Automate can automatically archive them into the appropriate SharePoint folder. This streamlined process saves valuable time otherwise spent searching through emails, ensuring that documents are stored within the correct document library for easy retrieval.

    Set up the flow:

    Test the flow:

    Run the flow:

    Power Automate also displays approval details:

    Example 2: Streamlining Holiday Requests and Approvals

    To efficiently manage employee time off, automating the approval process is essential. Power Automate facilitates this by automatically sending leave requests to managers and notifying them of responses. In our organization, we've implemented a Microsoft Power App to manage employee holidays, seamlessly integrating Power Automate for the request and approval process.

    Example 3: Document Approval and Team Notification via Teams

    Critical documents often require approval before dissemination, a process that can be tedious and time-consuming. With Power Automate, document approval workflows can be automated within SharePoint. When a new document is uploaded, an approval request is initiated, and team members are notified via Microsoft Teams. For instance, at the project's outset, various documents may need approval before progress can proceed. Power Automate can streamline this process by automatically notifying relevant team members via Teams, ensuring timely approvals and project momentum.

    Example 4: Info Mailers

    At GT we have Info Mailers hard at work in the Morning Report which is sent daily at 8AM to the entire company. With the GT Morning Report everyone in the company regardless of location knows all the important info before they start their day. The Support staff can react to open calls, The Project managers can resource plan in case of ill staff, and finance can choose when to make international payments based on the exchange rate. This mailer helps make the staff more proactive, more educated and more informed with data to assist them navigate their day.

    These are not the only examples, the application of Power Automate presents a multitude of uses. It has the potential to elevate productivity and simplify cumbersome tasks for organizations of all sizes.

    In Conclusion

    Power Automate stands as a transformative tool within SharePoint, revolutionizing how organizations manage workflows, automate processes, and enhance collaboration. Through its intuitive interface and robust functionality, Power Automate empowers users to streamline document management, automate approval workflows, and integrate with a myriad of external applications and services seamlessly.

    By harnessing the power of Power Automate, organizations can unlock new levels of agility, productivity, and innovation. Whether it's automating repetitive tasks, enforcing compliance, or accelerating decision-making processes, Power Automate enables organizations to stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital landscape.

    As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation, the integration of Power Automate with SharePoint emerges as a strategic imperative. By leveraging the synergies between these platforms, organizations can drive operational excellence, foster collaboration, and propel business growth.

    In essence, Power Automate in SharePoint represents a paradigm shift in how organizations leverage technology to streamline processes, maximize productivity, and achieve their business objectives. As we look towards the future, the possibilities with Power Automate are limitless, empowering organizations to redefine what's possible in the realm of workflow automation and collaboration.

    At GTconsult, we specialize in empowering organizations to harness the full potential of Power Automate and SharePoint integration. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you unleash the transformative power of automation, optimize collaboration, and drive business growth.

        

    Ready to revolutionize your workflows and unlock new levels of efficiency? Contact GTconsult today to discover how our tailored solutions and expertise can propel your organization towards digital excellence. Together, let's embark on a journey of innovation, efficiency, and success with Power Automate and SharePoint.

    Let's Talk!

    Keep Reading

    Check out our other blogs below:

    SharePoint Intranets: An Overview

    Creating a knowledge base in SharePoint

    Let's talk SharePoint permissions

    Micro-moments, Macro-impact              

    Expert insights: Why and how to migrate to SharePoint SE

    PowerApps in SharePoint

    GTconsult: Your trusted Microsoft Solutions Partner for Modern Work 

    SharePoint Migration Checklist


    CCI Case Study


    ]]>    Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:40:58 +0000    <![CDATA[SharePoint Intranets: An Overview]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/sharepoint-intranets-an-overviewA blog focusing on SharePoint intranets: What they are, the benefits of SharePoint intranets, and navigating a SharePoint intranet.]]>

    A write up on all you need to know about SharePoint Intranets

    In this blog, we explore SharePoint Intranets: What are SharePoint Intranets? Key Features of SharePoint Intranets. Benefits of SharePoint Intranets. How to create a site in SharePoint. An example of a SharePoint Intranet.


    Welcome back to our next blog in the 'What is SharePoint?' series. Our first blog in this series was, 'What is Sharepoint?',  where we learned the definition of SharePoint, its history and the key concepts to know when it comes to SharePoint. Now that we are equipped with that foundational knowledge, we can move on to the next part of our series: SharePoint Intranets.


    If you work for a medium to large enterprise, you are probably familiar with intranets, specifically, SharePoint intranets. And with the rise of the remote and hybrid work model, more and more organizations are relying on intranets as a place of communication, engagement, collaboration, and productivity.

     

    With this in mind, it is only logical  to want to learn as much as you can about using SharePoint Intranets in order to take advantage and maximize your use of the platform.


    What is a SharePoint Intranet?

    A SharePoint intranet is an internal website or portal that organizations use to facilitate communication, collaboration, and document management among their employees. It serves as a central hub for information, resources, and tools, tailored to meet the specific needs of your organization.


    Key Features of a SharePoint Intranet


    When considering a SharePoint intranet for your organization, it's essential to understand the features that make it a powerful tool for enhancing collaboration, productivity, and data management. Here are the core capabilities that set SharePoint apart:

    Document Management        
    SharePoint intranets offer robust document management features, including version control, check-in/check-out, and document approval workflows. This ensures that documents are organized, secure, and up-to-date.


    Collaboration Tools        

    With features like team sites, communication sites, and integration with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint promotes seamless collaboration among your team members, regardless of their location.


    Customization        

    SharePoint allows you to customize the look and feel of your intranet with various themes, templates, and branding options. Make it visually appealing and on-brand.

    Information Architecture                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

    Effective information architecture is the backbone of a successful intranet. Organize content logically and establish user-friendly navigation structures.


    Security and Compliance                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
    SharePoint provides robust security features, including access controls, permissions, and data protection options. It helps safeguard sensitive information and maintain regulatory compliance.

    You may still be on the fence about whether these intranets are necessary, perhaps you're thinking," Another tech 'nice to have' that doesn’t serve a real purpose". You might want to hold off on making that conclusion. SharePoint intranets, intranets in general, have consistently demonstrated their effectiveness and necessity within organizations.

    Browser

    Teams

    Benefits of SharePoint Intranets

    Enhanced productivity

    Streamlined processes within SharePoint significantly enhance your employees' productivity. Finding information, collaborating, and completing tasks becomes more efficient and less time-consuming.

    Improved communication

    Centralized communication tools and resources ensure that everyone in your organization stays informed, connected, and aligned with company goals.

    Document Management

    Effortless document management reduces the risk of version control issues and lost files, helping your organization operate more smoothly.

    Reduction of emails and meetings

    SharePoint intranets can significantly reduce the reliance on emails and meetings. By centralizing communication and documentation, team members can find the information they need without flooding their inboxes, resulting in more productive workdays.

    Mobile accessibility

    In an increasingly mobile world, SharePoint intranets are accessible on a variety of devices, accommodating remote and on-the-go workers.

    Recognition and Reward

    Who doesn't like to be acknowledged, and publicly at that? On this platform, team members can be given recognition for their hard work and achievements. Public recognition can boost morale and foster a positive work environment.

    Scalability

    SharePoint is highly scalable, making it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises. It can adapt and grow with your organization's evolving needs.



    Reinforcement of Brand Values

    SharePoint allows you to reinforce your organization's brand values and identity. Through customization and branding options, you can ensure that your intranet reflects and promotes the core values of your organization.

    Encouragement of Knowledge Sharing

    Knowledge sharing is at the heart of successful organizations. SharePoint intranets provide a platform for employees to share their expertise, collaborate on projects, and pool their collective knowledge, fostering innovation and growth.

    Simplification of employee onboarding

    Efficient employee onboarding is crucial for a seamless integration of new team members. SharePoint simplifies this process by providing a structured platform where new employees can access training materials, company policies, and relevant resources.

    How to create a site in SharePoint

    Things to consider before implementing your SharePoint Intranet

    Before implementing SharePoint in your organization, it's essential to assess its suitability and potential benefits. Here are key factors to consider:

     

    • Business Goals: How closely does SharePoint align with your organization's objectives?
    • User Adoption: How willing and able are your employees to adopt and adapt to SharePoint?
    • Integration: Does SharePoint seamlessly integrate with your existing tools and software?
    • Customization: Can you tailor SharePoint to meet your organization's unique needs and branding?
    • Cost and ROI: Consider the upfront and ongoing costs balanced against the expected return on investment.
    • Scalability: Ensure SharePoint can grow with your organization's future needs.

    An example of a SharePoint Intranet

    We've been discussing the theory of SharePoint intranets, and you might have a mental image of what a typical intranet looks like based on the earlier screenshots in this blog. However, we're here to expand your horizons and show you the potential. To truly grasp the possibilities, watch the video below, where our CEO, Craig, takes you on a journey through the GTconsult team's very own intranet, demonstrating how we navigate this dynamic platform.

    SharePoint intranets have the potential to revolutionize the way your organization operates. Their extensive features and customization options make them versatile and valuable additions to any business.

     

    Don't know where to even start? We've got you, this is where we shine! As a leading provider of SharePoint services with over a decade of experience and expert staff on hand to bring your SharePoint intranet to life, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

     

    If you're interested in exploring SharePoint for your organization, reach out to our experts for a consultation. We're here to help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your SharePoint intranet.

    Need our help? Click here to get in touch.


    Keep Reading

    Check out our other blogs you may have missed right below:

    What is SharePoint?


    Read Me

    SharePoint Online: The upgrade your business needs

    Read Me

    Power Apps in SharePoint


    Read Me
    GTconsult: A Microsoft Solutions Partner for Modern Work     
    Read Me

    Expert Insights: Why and How to Migrate to SharePoint SE

    Read Me

    Migrate SharePoint with GTconsult’s A Team

    Read Me

    6 Easy Steps for an Office 365 Tenant to Tenant Migration

    Read Me

    SharePoint Migration Checklist


    Read Me

    CCI Case Study


    Read Me
    ]]>    Thu, 23 Nov 2023 06:53:28 +0000    <![CDATA[Creating a Knowledge Base in SharePoint: Your Complete Guide ]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/creating-a-knowledge-base-in-sharepoint-your-complete-guideA blog focusing on what a knowledge base is, why you need to use SharePoint for your knowledge base, how to create a knowledge base and maintaining your knowledge base.]]>

    Centralizing Information and Empowering Your Team with a SharePoint Knowledge Base

    A knowledge base repository plays a crucial role in promoting collaboration, streamlining communication, and enhancing productivity by providing a single source of truth for documents, articles, and other relevant content. With easy access and search capabilities, a SharePoint knowledge base facilitates efficient information retrieval, promotes knowledge sharing among team members, and contributes to informed decision-making. 


    Let's learn more about it.

    In today's information-driven world, having a centralized knowledge base is a strategic advantage for organizations of all sizes. SharePoint, a powerful collaboration and document management platform, offers an ideal environment for building a robust knowledge base. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of creating a knowledge base in SharePoint, empowering your team to access, share, and leverage critical information effectively. 

    What is a Knowledge Base? 

    A knowledge base is a centralized repository of information, data, and documents that serves as a go-to resource for employees, clients, or any users seeking information or answers to common questions. It's a treasure trove of collective knowledge that streamlines processes, fosters collaboration, and enhances productivity.

    Why Use SharePoint for Your Knowledge Base? 

    SharePoint provides several compelling reasons to choose it as the platform for your knowledge base: 


    Document Management

    SharePoint excels at managing documents, enabling you to categorize, organize, and secure your knowledge base content. 

    Collaboration

    SharePoint's collaboration features allow multiple users to contribute, update, and collaborate on documents and articles. 

    Search and Navigation

    SharePoint offers robust search capabilities and easy navigation, making it effortless to find the information you need. 

    Version Control

    Keep track of document revisions and maintain a history of changes. 


    Security and Permissions

    SharePoint provides granular control over who can access and edit content, ensuring data integrity and compliance. 


    What to Include in Your Knowledge Base                     

    The content of your knowledge base can vary depending on your organization's needs, but consider including the following: 

                                                                    

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)                                

    Create a section for common questions and answers. This will allow people to search and see if the information they need is available, without asking a question that may have been asked (and answered) many times before or interrupting others' work for information.      

                                                                    

    How-To Guides                                

    Step-by-step instructions for specific tasks or processes. This helps users better understand what they are doing and use a uniform standardized procedure in the organization. 

                                                                    

    Product or Service Documentation                                

    Information related to your offerings.  

                                                                    

    Policies and Procedures  

    Internal guidelines and processes. It is important for everyone to be on the same page when it comes to policies and procedures. Whether it’s to keep up to date, or refresh your memory on these, they are readily available and easily accessible in the knowledge base repository.      

                                                                    

    Troubleshooting Guides  

    Tips for resolving common issues. Some issues may seem new, but you may be surprised to find that someone has had it before. Having the information and possible route to solutions available allows the team to work efficiently.      

    How to Create a Knowledge Base in SharePoint 

    Follow these steps to set up a knowledge base in SharePoint: 

      

    Site Creation 

    Start by creating a SharePoint site dedicated to your knowledge base. You can choose from various site templates, such as a Team Site or Communication Site. 

      

    Site Structure 

    Organize your content using libraries and lists. Create document libraries for articles and lists for categorization or tags. 

      

    Content Creation

    Begin adding content, including articles, documents, and other resources. Make use of SharePoint's rich-text formatting options and metadata to enhance content organization. 

      

    Search and Navigation

    Customize search settings, create navigation menus, and utilize metadata to make it easy for users to find relevant information. 

      

    Permissions

    Set up permissions and access control to ensure that only authorized users can view or edit specific content. 

      

    User Training

    Educate your team on how to use the knowledge base effectively and encourage them to contribute and update content. 

    When to Update and Maintain Your Knowledge Base

    A knowledge base is a dynamic resource that requires regular maintenance. Schedule regular reviews to: 

                    

    - Update outdated information. 

    - Add new articles and resources. 

    - Address user feedback and suggestions. 

    - Your knowledge base should evolve with your organization's changing needs. 

    Creating a knowledge base in SharePoint is a smart investment in your organization's efficiency and productivity. It empowers your team by providing a centralized hub of information, streamlining processes, and enhancing collaboration. With the right structure, content, and regular maintenance, your SharePoint knowledge base can become a valuable asset for your organization. 


    Start building yours today, with GTconsult as your partner, and reap the benefits of centralized knowledge management. 

            

    Need our help? Click here to get in touch.


    Keep Reading

    Check out our other blogs you may have missed right below:

    What is SharePoint?


    Read Me

    SharePoint Intranets: An Overview


    Read Me

    Power Apps in SharePoint


    Read Me

    SharePoint Online: The Upgrade Your Business Needs 

    Read Me

    What is SharePoint?


    Read Me

    Migrate SharePoint with GTconsult’s A Team

    Read Me

    6 Easy Steps for an Office 365 Tenant to Tenant Migration

    Read Me

    SharePoint Migration Checklist


    Read Me

    CCI Case Study


    Read Me
    ]]>    Thu, 23 Nov 2023 06:53:28 +0000    <![CDATA[Power Apps in SharePoint]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/powerapps-in-sharepointIntegrating Power Apps into SharePoint]]>

    Integrating Power Apps for SharePoint Solutions

    In the modern workplace, customization and automation are essential for efficiency. One powerful way to achieve this is by integrating Power Apps with SharePoint. In this blog post, we will explore SharePoint with Power Apps. 


    Definitions

    Welcome back to our next blog in our 'What is SharePoint?' series. If this is the first blog in the series you are reading, be sure to check out What is SharePoint and SharePoint Intranets: An Overview for more context. In today's blog, we will be looking at Power Apps in SharePoint.


    SharePoint and Power Apps are two robust tools within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem that can transform the way you work and collaborate. Before we get into talk of integrating the two, let's clarify what the two are and what their functions are. 

      

    SharePoint is a versatile collaboration and document management platform that allows you to store, organize, and share information seamlessly. It serves as a central hub for content and team collaboration. 

      

      

    Power Apps, on the other hand, is a low-code, high-productivity application development platform that empowers users to create custom apps with minimal coding. These apps can streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365 applications. 

      

    By leveraging Power Apps, you have the ability to rapidly create customized business applications that establish connections with your data, whether it's stored within the core data platform (Microsoft Dataverse) or sourced from a diverse range of online and on-premises data repositories (including SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, SQL Server, and more). 

     

    Learn more about Power Apps: https://powerapps.microsoft.com/en-us/demo/ 

      

    It is important to note that Microsoft has a family of products that are part of the Power Platform. These can all be integrated into SharePoint. They are: 

    • Power BI 

    • Power Apps 

    • Power Automate 

    • Power Automate Desktop 

    • Power Virtual Agents 

    • Power Pages  


    For today's blog, however, we will be focusing on Power Apps.


    Now, that we've established what SharePoint and Power Apps are, let's get to the good stuff. How can I use PowerApps in SharePoint? 

    How can I use PowerApps in SharePoint?

    One of the most exciting aspects of SharePoint and Power Apps is how they can be used together to create a powerful business solution. Here's how this dynamic duo can work in harmony: 

    Custom Apps for SharePoi

    With Power Apps, you can build custom apps that connect to SharePoint, allowing you to create tailored solutions that meet your organization's unique requirements.  

    Automated Workflows

    Power Apps can be used to automate workflows and processes within SharePoint, simplifying tasks and reducing manual work.

    Data Integration

    Easily access, manipulate, and display SharePoint data within your Power Apps, enhancing data accessibility and usability. 

    Enhanced Collaboration

    By combining SharePoint's document management and collaboration features with Power Apps' custom app-building capabilities, you can create powerful tools for team productivity. 

    Custom Apps for SharePoint

    With Power Apps, you can build custom apps that connect to SharePoint, allowing you to create tailored solutions that meet your organization's unique requirements. 

            

    Custom apps developed with Power Apps offer a dynamic way to enhance SharePoint's capabilities and address specific organizational needs: 

            

    Tailored Solutions    

    Each organization has unique requirements, and off-the-shelf software may not always fully address those needs. Power Apps allows you to create tailored solutions that align perfectly with your organization's processes and objectives. You can design apps to meet specific business challenges, whether it's managing projects, tracking assets, or handling customer inquiries. 

            

    Seamless Integration

    The integration between Power Apps and SharePoint is seamless. This means that your custom apps can connect directly to SharePoint data sources. This connection allows you to harness the wealth of information stored in SharePoint lists, libraries, and sites, giving your custom apps access to the data that's essential for your workflows. 

            

    User-Friendly Interfaces    

    Power Apps offers a low-code, user-friendly environment for app development. You don't need to be a coding expert to build functional, aesthetically pleasing apps. You can use the drag-and-drop interface to design your app's user interface, set up data connections, and define workflows. 

            

    Improved Productivity    

    Custom apps created with Power Apps are designed with your specific processes in mind, which means they can enhance efficiency and productivity. They can automate tasks, reduce manual data entry, and provide a centralized platform for data access and management. 

            

    Scalability    

    As your organization grows or changes, your custom apps can grow and adapt with it. You can modify and expand your apps as needed, adding new features or functions, and ensuring they remain aligned with your evolving requirements. 


    Also Read: https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/gt-is-getting-in-on-the-rwc-2023-fun 

    Automated Workflows

    Creating automated workflows with Power Apps in SharePoint is a powerful way to streamline tasks and reduce manual work. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this: 

        

    Automating workflows with Power Apps offers numerous benefits, making your processes more efficient and less labor-intensive:  

        

    Efficiency  

    Automation streamlines your workflows, reducing the need for manual interventions and minimizing the risk of human errors. Workflows can be triggered by specific events or actions, ensuring that tasks are executed consistently and promptly. 

        

    Simplified Tasks  

    Many routine and repetitive tasks can be automated, freeing up valuable time for your team members. For example, you can create automated approval workflows that route documents to the right stakeholders, reducing delays and speeding up decision-making processes. 

        

    Notifications and Alerts 

    Power Apps allows you to set up automated notifications and alerts, ensuring that team members are informed about critical events or changes in real time. This reduces the need for manual follow-ups and keeps everyone on the same page. 

        

    Data Validation and Integration 

    Workflows can validate and integrate data across different systems and platforms. This ensures that data is consistent and up-to-date, reducing discrepancies and enhancing data quality.  

        

    Consistency

    Automated workflows ensure that tasks and processes are executed consistently according to predefined rules and conditions. This consistency is vital for compliance, quality control, and maintaining best practices within your organization.  

        

    Time and Cost Savings 

    By reducing manual work and speeding up processes, automated workflows can save your organization time and money. Employees can focus on higher-value tasks, and you can cut down on operational costs. 

        

    'Tell me how to do it!'

    Data Integration

    One of the most significant advantages of combining SharePoint and Power Apps is the seamless integration and data synergy between the two. Here's a breakdown of how this integration enhances your data management: 

      

    Access SharePoint Data 

    With Power Apps, you can effortlessly connect to SharePoint data sources. This means that you can tap into your SharePoint lists, libraries, and other data repositories directly from your custom apps. This direct access streamlines the process of retrieving critical information, eliminating the need to switch between multiple platforms. 

      

    Data Manipulation 

    Power Apps empowers you to manipulate SharePoint data to meet your specific requirements. You can create, read, update, or delete data records, ensuring that the information in your SharePoint environment remains accurate and up-to-date. Custom formulas, filters, and business logic can be applied to tailor the data to your needs. 

      

    Enhanced Data Accessibility 

    The integration facilitates easier data access for your team. Users can input or retrieve data within the custom apps you create, offering a familiar interface for interacting with SharePoint data. This accessibility simplifies data entry and retrieval processes, making them more user-friendly. 

      

    Improved Usability 

    The collaborative power of SharePoint coupled with the data manipulative capabilities of Power Apps results in improved usability. Your team can efficiently manage and work with data, whether it's related to projects, clients, inventory, or any other aspect of your business. This efficiency significantly enhances productivity. 

    Enhanced Collaboration

    The synergy between SharePoint and Power Apps brings a whole new dimension to collaboration and productivity. Here's how this combination enhances teamwork: 

        

    Document Management  

    SharePoint is renowned for its document management capabilities. It provides a secure, organized, and collaborative environment for storing and sharing documents. When you combine this with Power Apps, you can create custom apps that leverage these documents. For example, you can build apps that allow teams to review, annotate, or edit documents directly within the app, thus enhancing document collaboration.  

        

    Custom Apps for Specific Tasks  

    Power Apps empowers you to create custom apps tailored to the unique needs of your teams and projects. These apps can streamline specific processes, automate tasks, and provide a centralized interface for team members to work together. For instance, you can develop apps for project management, task tracking, or customer relationship management, allowing teams to collaborate more effectively and efficiently.  

        

    Real-Time Collaboration

    Power Apps enables real-time collaboration within custom apps. Team members can simultaneously access and update shared data and documents, promoting a seamless exchange of ideas and information. This real-time collaboration boosts productivity by reducing delays and miscommunication. 

        

    Task Automation

    Power Apps can automate routine tasks, such as notifications, approval workflows, and data entry. This means your team can focus on more valuable and creative aspects of their work while repetitive, time-consuming tasks are handled by the apps. Automation ensures consistency and frees up time for more strategic activities. 

        

    In today's digital landscape, the synergy between SharePoint and Power Apps can revolutionize the way your organization operates. From creating custom apps that streamline processes to automating workflows and enhancing collaboration, the possibilities are endless. The combination of these Microsoft 365 tools empowers your team to work more efficiently and effectively, whether you're managing documents, data, or collaborating on projects.  

    But where do you start to unlock this potential and harness these capabilities fully? 

      

    That's where GTconsult comes in. With our expertise in SharePoint and Power Apps services, we can guide you through the journey of creating custom apps, automating workflows, and building intranets that cater to your unique business requirements. Our team of experts is well-versed in Microsoft's powerful tools and can help you leverage them to the fullest. 

      

    If you're ready to take your organization to the next level, whether it's by streamlining operations, boosting efficiency, or enhancing collaboration through intranets, partnering with GTconsult is the next step. Our tailored services and solutions are designed to meet your specific needs and drive success in the digital age.                                                                                                                                                                                         

    Click here to get in touch with us

    Sources:


    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/powerapps-overview

    - https://powerapps.microsoft.com/en-us/demo/

    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/canvas-apps/connections/connection-sharepoint-online



    Keep Reading

    Check out our other blogs that you may have missed below:

    What is SharePoint?

    Read Me

    SharePoint Intranets: An Overview


    Read Me

    Upgrading SharePoint 2016 to SharePoint 2019 step-by-step

    Read Me

    SharePoint Online: The Upgrade Your Business Needs 

    Read Me

    A recent surge in SharePoint Malware downloads

    Read Me

    Migrate SharePoint with GTconsult’s A Team

    Read Me

    6 Easy Steps for an Office 365 Tenant to Tenant Migration

    Read Me

    SharePoint Migration Checklist


    Read Me

    Migrating to SharePoint SE


    Read Me
    ]]>    Mon, 20 Nov 2023 09:37:02 +0000    <![CDATA[Micro-dose data with Adaptive Cards]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/Micro-dose-data-with-Adaptive-CardsOne of the advantages of digitisation and automation is that we can gather large amounts of useful data and easily access this to enable data-based decision making. However, it can lead to an overload of information ...]]>

    What are Adaptive Cards and how can we use them?

    One of the advantages of digitisation and automation is that we can gather large amounts of useful data and easily access this to enable data-based decision making.  However, it can lead to an overload of information and the challenge is how to present this data, to the right people, in targeted bite-sized chunks.  This is especially apparent for leaders and decision makers who have little time to spend interpreting it. 


    We can take an example as simple as an approval process.  Once we have digitised our expense submissions, new hire approvals, capex spend, travel requests… (I could go on) the number of approvals being received by key roles can start to become a burden.  This is especially true for a traditional request approval received as an email which requires clicking a link to access the details, and if there is not enough information to be able to approve or reject, the decision maker must send an email or pick up the phone to start asking questions.  This is one of the situations where Adaptive Cards can come to the rescue.

    Adaptive Cards are a way to display information and take actions within a single user interface, or “card”.  And they are platform agnostic, so once you have built the Adaptive Card you can surface the same interface in Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, on your iPhone or Android mobile phone and even in your Power Virtual Agent, without having to redevelop.  Cards can have multiple properties, images and attachments and can include capturing data with form fields, viewing data on dashboards, and using buttons to trigger actions.


    To take our scenario of the approval process, we could design an Adaptive Card to display all relevant information to a decision maker in a single card to allow a faster and more accurate decision.  For example, when approving a travel request, we could see all the travel details, we could show the total travel spend for the year, we could calculate and display the CO2 for the trip and we could include a feedback loop so the approver can ask a question and get feedback within the same screen, without having to exit the process to send an email or make a phone call.

    This powerful tool is relatively simple to setup as Microsoft provide a dedicated browser based What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) designer at adaptivecards.io with many different examples and samples which can be adjusted to your own requirements.


    Adaptive Cards are adaptable to both platform and situation, so whether you are collecting feedback, displaying information, or approving timesheets, an adaptive card may be the answer you’re looking for.  With audience targeting you can ensure the right people are seeing the right information, and only the information which is relevant to them, plus you can have this appear in whatever platform or platforms they are most comfortable using.  If your problem is an interaction with data, then your solution may very well be an Adaptive Card

    If you are looking for a career as a developer for Office 365 and SharePoint apply below.

    Apply Now
    ]]>    Fri, 04 Mar 2022 08:02:53 +0000    <![CDATA[CCI Case Study]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/cci-case-studyCCI South Africa is South Africa’s largest international contact centre. Statistics. Name: CCI South Africa Location: Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal Industry: Ca ]]>

    CCI South Africa is South Africa’s largest international contact centre.

    Statistics.

    Name: CCI South Africa
    Location: Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal
    Industry: Call Centre
    Size: 4500+
    Website: http://www.cci-sa.co.za
    Contact: Gareth Cadle

    We’re about communication. In fact, our whole business is about effective communication between you, your customers, and us. Our commitment to effective communication begins with energetic and passionate people. Our people. We love giving passionate people real opportunities. There’s nothing better than working with a loyal team, dedicated to achieving every thing you hope to – and one you can depend on when things get tough. Our people understand the importance of talking to your customers and they understand that they are representing you with everything they say and everything they do. That’s why they are our most important resource and why they will be your greatest asset. We’ve been around for a while now, and although we’ve grown up and become successful, we prefer to stay at a size that allows us to stay connected to our partners.

    So – as you would expect – everything we have is best in class from applications to education, from infrastructure to technology, we continue to invest in our future. It’s why we are nimble and responsive and able to meet any challenge that comes our way


    What problem was the customer facing?

    As with all call centre companies, staff turnover is very high and employees move around often. With the amount of employees leaving and joining each week (50-100), there as a communication gap between all involved departments which led to a multitude of employee related issues. Current workings between the departments were paper or email based, with no formal way to track and join all departments together on a plat -form for collaboration of this essential business function. An essential component to this was Employee Offboarding, affectionately known as termination, and an effective communication platform so all 4500+ employees can be more in tune with the culture at CCI.

    What have they done to resolve the issue?

    They have implemented SharePoint to manage the gaps in their current process and to streamline onboarding and off boarding ensuring that procedures are followed and are auditable.

    What have they done to resolve the issue?

    Exchange Hybrid, Skype for Business, OneDrive for Business and Workflows.


    How did they find GTconsult?

    As part of an RFP process that CCI undertook in September 2016, GTconsult were invited to tender to CCI their proposal for a new intranet solution. The original scope of the exercise was to replace our internal intranet with a new unified communication portal that could be accessed both internally and externally by all people across our organisation. The scope then quickly grew, with an imminent need to introduce a single pane view of managing our joiners, movers and leavers. GTconsult were able to provide us with a comprehensive approach to encompass all of these needs.

    Why did they go with GTconsult Services/Solution?

    After careful consideration, we opted to embark on a journey with GTconsult to deliver their proposed solution. This was in part driven by price competitiveness but largely due to their clear expertise in delivering SharePoint solutions. GTconsult had a clear market reputation in being able deliver complex solutions within tight timescales.


    Enabled By GTconsult

    An intranet landing page was created to give the employees an area to view & participate in company communications. Through the landing page employees can read company blogs, view the upcoming company events, see colleagues birthday & anniversaries, and hear from the executives. A community site was implemented to give the employees a foundation to communicate on. Employee terminations was created for the HR representatives to create and automate the offboarding process, and to display the attendance so an accurate amount of days can be paid to the employee. The employee was disabled in AD, Biometrics, Payroll, and another LOB appli- cation. This was done instantly through workflow to ensure the termination was successful. Declarations are for the new employees to declare their personal information and agree to employment terms at CCI.

    Employee movements are for HR representatives to move employees from one campaign to another which makes the relevant changes on the databases for their LOB applications.


    Timeline:

    4 Months from beginning to end, with the launch of the intranet first for all employees. The solutions were for select employees only.

    Team Used:

    GTconsult A Team Development and A Team Support

    Issues Faced:

    CCI had grown so big so fast that processes were not looked at for improvement. This created an issue at first however when we began the project and scoping of processes with all the department heads, these managers got to look at the current process and where it can be improved. Ultimately, the process was improved upon and agreed between the 4 departments that use this solution daily.



    Return On Investment (ROI).

    Terminations ensured that employees who had left the company were not going to continue to be paid. What was a lengthy manual process now takes minutes and does not rely on human intervention for terminations into the LOB applications, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing payroll mistakes leading to loss of money each month

    Thoughts on GTconsult

    “Working with GTconsult on the deployment of a successful system for people management, as well as a unified communication portal, has been an extremely enjoyable experience. Whilst the process hasn’t been without it’s challenges, having an open communication channel and excellent working relationships has meant we’ve faced these challenges head on and as one team. GTconsult have shown flexibility, creativity in overcoming problems and sheer determination in ensuring they delivering a solution that not only meets but has exceeded our expectations. I’d highly recommend GTconsult as a business partner for the implementation of SharePoint solutions.”

    -Barry O’Neill

    GTconsult Team Quotes

    “Working with CCI and the team who were responsible for delivering the project internally was great. The processes followed by them were fantastic and getting all members input into each of the projects was ideal and truly helped in delivering the solution and solving their Communication & Onboarding challenges. The project manager, Barry O’Neill, had a great outlook and was a pleasure to work with on a daily basis.”

    – Scott McCann | Technical Account Manager

    Get into contact with us and lets enable productivity together!



    ]]>    Mon, 02 Dec 2019 15:04:23 +0000    <![CDATA[African Unity Case Study]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/african-unity-case-study


    African Unity Group is an investment company with a primary focus on investing in profitable businesses that operate in the financial services industry.

    Statistics.

    Name: African Unity
    Location: Cape Town
    Industry: Insurance
    Size: Less than 50
    Contact: Maretha Spies

    At African Unity, we are progressive in our thinking, yet calculated in the management of our clients. We believe in offering Financial Advisors and clients products that are agile, easy to understand and valuable in every sense of the word.


    What problem is the customer facing?

    African Unity deal with numerous processes in their organisation based around insurance needs. The processes involve administration of processes requested by clients. African Unity were dealing with this process through email, as such tickets were logged as an email received. Due to the nature of the business African Unity had a number of SLA’s that they needed to achieve in terms of response time and ticket completion for their Administration workdesk. AU were unable to:

    1. Track tickets through the process and understand what status a ticket sat in.
    2. Understand ticket allocation per staff member
    3. Understand metrics around meeting the SLAs
    4. When allocating ticket they had no indication of where the ticket was logged and for whom
    5. AU were unable to allocate subtasks and assign them to individuals

    What have they done to resolve the issue ?

    The team attempted to solve the solution through mailboxes for specific processes, however they found the mailboxes got cluttered and became impossible to track where in the process they were with any given task.

    What other products/services where they currently using?

    Exchange


    How did they find GTconsult?

    African Unity heard about Gtconsult through word of mouth in the insurance industry

    Why did they go with GTconsult Services/Solution?

    “Feedback from two of GTconsult’s other clients were good.  In African unity’s own experience – GTconsult is solution driven and get the job done.”
    – Maretha Spies, CRO


    Enabled By GTconsult

    In collaboration with GTconsult, African Unity decided to leverage the power of the GTconsult Workbenches, on Office 365. The solution was an amalgamation of SharePoint Online for management of data and presentations of the queues, a custom Javascript HTML5 framework underpinned by jQuery and REST API to generate a highly responsive, performance oriented application that worked on both desktop and mobile and benefiting from Gtconsult’s approach to deliver data with as few screen refreshes as possible through AJAX and the Rest API. The email component was managed through ThinkAutomation that brought back the ability to “Email to a list” in SharePoint as well as provide automated feedback to clients via mail, ticket routing and document upload.

    Office 365 Intranet

    The first port of call for change management reasons was to design an intranet landing on SharePoint Online. African Unity were new to Office 365 and had not wokred on SharePoint before, as such the landing page provided a needed introduction to the technology. The policy administration workbench solutions was built to manage tickets requests. The solution exposed the following functionality:

    Policy administration workbench

    1. Responsive Application Framework using jQuery, RestAPI and a number of jQuery plugins
    2. Security driven navigation and functions for different roles in the process
    3. The ability to capture tickets into the workbenches either manually or via email.
    4. Rights for a router to assign tickets.
    5. Client notifications of process, ticket numbers and status changes
    6. Track ticket and user history
    7. Assign SLA based on ticket types
    8. Auto assign and manually assign sub tasks for tickets
    9. Specially categorised subtask types
    10. One to many relationship between tickets and tasks
    11. Track and push notifications for internal feedback, ticket allocation and client feedback
    12. Status tracking and SLA tracking
    13. Search for tickets
    14. Matching Similar and Related tickets
    15. Upload documentation against a client
    16. Archiving of data
    17. Processes to track information awaiting and to remind agents of information on given dates
    18. Bulk Assign tickets and tasks to users
    19. Provide real-time drill down reports for managers to monitor SLA, task allocation, Age analysis and user metrics
    20. TV dashboards for teams to self-monitor metrics

    Timeline:

    3 weeks initial implementation

    Team Used:

    JavaScript Devs, Sharepoint Gurus and ThinkAutomation Dev

    Issues Faced:

    Field level security for tickets dependant on rights of signed in user. Caching of data and refreshes – With the minimal download strategy of SharePoint and Office 365 we found roll out of version to be problematic due to historic libraries being cached. This was mostly prevalent in Chrome which was the main browser used by the client


    Return On Investment (ROI).

    “We have not yet measured our ROI due to the fact that only the Policy Administration workbench has been implemented, Gtconsult is busy with out Group Scheme’s workbench which will show improvements, it is difficult to “measure” how much time we are saving and how much better our customer service is, but visibility into the work has improved greatly.”
    – Maretha Spies, CRO

    Thoughts on GT

    “GTconsult is solution driven and get the job done.” – Maretha Spies, CRO

    GTconsult Team Quotes

    “African Unity likes to provide us with challenges, and we enjoy that. The team require systems to grow to the next level and achieve their requirements, yet always pushed the GTconsult team to keep pushing for enhancements and try new techniques. The toolsets used allowed for rapid development with GTconsult’s strong JS and REST API knowledge resulted in a product we are proud to label as ours, responsive, performance oriented and easy to use all built on Office 365.”

    – Craig Tarr | Chief Operating Officer

    Get into contact with us and let's enable productivity.

    ]]>    Sat, 19 Oct 2019 21:17:17 +0000