1. Introduction
Embarking on the journey of intranet development presents a critical choice: whether to pursue the do-it-yourself (DIY) path, seek guidance from an external consultant, or explore the extensive benefits offered by Involv Intranet.
In a recent conversation, Pascal Herreweghe and Tom Van Rousselt shared valuable insights. Pascal, a Digital Communication Specialist with over 16 years of experience, and Tom, a SharePoint Architect and Customer Success Manager for 16 years, are both integral members of the Involv Intranet team.
We’ve captured this insightful conversation. You can opt to watch the embedded video or read the detailed summary below.
2. In-House Expertise or Outsourcing
2.1. The Need for Expertise Beyond IT
Embarking on the journey of intranet development emphasizes a fundamental need: expertise beyond IT. It’s a collaborative effort requiring diverse skills, as aptly described by Pascal, “I like to compare it with building a house. You need a lot of different experts to build a house. When building an intranet, you need an information architect, a communication specialist, a graphical designer, and in our case, a SharePoint expert, …”
2.2. Challenges with External Consultants
While common, hiring external consultants poses challenges. Despite their skills, they often work within rigid timeframes and specific project deadlines. Drawing from his experience, Tom highlights key issues: consultants may move on after a project, creating potential gaps in post-launch support and updates. Maintaining continuity of knowledge is uncertain, and even if another consultant is found for future needs, they might lack in-depth project history. Additionally, the cost factor is significant, as external consultants often come with a hefty price tag.
3. Involv way of working
Discover how Involv tackles the intricacies of intranet development. From assembling a diverse team to offering dedicated hypercare support, Involv ensures a comprehensive solution:
3.1. A team of diverse experts
In intranet development, having a diverse team is key. Pascal emphasizes the importance of varied expertise for excellence. Involv works by having a dedicated Customer Success Manager as your main contact, leading a team with different skills. While each project may not need the same level of expertise in every area, Involv makes sure all necessary skills are covered. Whether it’s designing eye-catching intranets or handling complex information structures, Involv has the right pros. Your Customer Success Manager collaborates with the team from the project’s start, ensuring every part of your intranet development gets the attention it needs.
3.2 Involv’s Hypercare
One major drawback of external consultants is their limited availability post-launch. In contrast, Involv Intranet offers a dedicated hypercare period. During this critical phase, your single point of contact, the Customer Success Manager, remains accessible for immediate support. This ongoing commitment ensures a smoother transition and resolves issues promptly, avoiding the potential challenges of external consultants moving on to other projects.
3.3. Enhancing SharePoint Features: Involv’s User-Friendly Advantage
Opting for Involv over a DIY SharePoint intranet brings a clear advantage in enhancing SharePoint features. Involv acts as a seamless layer, integrating and augmenting capabilities while prioritizing a user-centric approach for a clean and intuitive interface. Noteworthy features include a highly customizable search tool and enhanced navigation.
For an in-depth comparison between SharePoint and Involv, explore our dedicated blog on the subject. SharePoint vs. Involv: Expert Insights
Conclusion
In conclusion, for IT managers considering an in-house SharePoint intranet, it’s vital to acknowledge the inherent challenges, such as expertise gaps and common challenges with external consultants. Involv Intranet offers a tailored solution, providing a skilled team led by a dedicated Customer Success Manager and backed by a responsive hypercare approach.
With over 200 successful intranet projects, our experienced team follows proven methodologies and best practices, offering flexible support. We’re here to empower your intranet journey, regardless of your starting point.
Schedule a meeting with one of our intranet experts to explore a seamless and successful SharePoint intranet implementation.