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Benefits of Automated Document Management in SharePoint

Why you should use Microsoft SharePoint for document management and automating your processes. Business intelligence and digital training.

Microsoft 365
Published
8 October 2024

Benefits of Automated Document Management in SharePoint

Using Microsoft SharePoint  for business has countless benefits, and there’s a reason it’s one of our specialties here at Valto. Our team of Microsoft-trained experts and SharePoint Developers build custom solutions for company intranets and hub sites, and also provide a full suite of training, problem-solving, upgrade and migration services so you’re fully taken care of.

So, getting started with SharePoint is easy (when you work with Valto). But what are the benefits for your business in the long-term, and how can you make Microsoft’s management, collaboration and integration tools work for you?

One of the major use cases of SharePoint is as a platform for document management, streamlining your processes and freeing up your team’s time. Read on for our team’s view on how this function will revolutionise the way you work.

How Does The Automated SharePoint Document Management System Work?

Automated document management in SharePoint involves using built-in features, workflows, and integrations to streamline the organisation, storage, retrieval, and management of documents within your company (or team, department etc). Document Libraries SharePoint provides document libraries where files can be stored in a central, organised location. Each library can have its own structure, metadata, and permissions. SharePoint automatically tracks different versions of documents, allowing users to view or revert to previous versions. Metadata and Tagging Instead of just organising files in folders, SharePoint allows users to tag documents with custom metadata (such as project names, departments, document types). This improves search ability and categorisation. Using SharePoint workflows or integrations, documents can be automatically tagged based on predefined criteria (e.g., uploading to a specific folder can assign a particular tag). Integration with Microsoft 365 Tools One of the major benefits of working within Microsoft 365 is the integration with a wide range of tools. With  Microsoft Power Automate  (formerly Flow), users can create automated workflows that connect SharePoint to other tools like Microsoft Teams, Outlook, or external systems. For example, a workflow can send an email notification when a new document is uploaded. Integration with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint allows multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, and changes are saved automatically in real time. This makes document sharing, document retrieval and setting up approval workflows even easier. Automated Document Generation SharePoint can automatically generate new documents using predefined templates based on specific triggers, such as the creation of a new project or task. Through integrations with tools like Power Automate or custom scripts, SharePoint can automatically insert dynamic data into documents from other databases or systems.

Increased Efficiency

  • Reduce Time Spent on Manual Tasks: Automation eliminates repetitive manual processes such as document filing, approvals, and notifications, saving time and reducing human error.
  • Faster Document Handling: Automated workflows handle document routing (e.g., for approval or review) much faster than manual processes, ensuring quick access and action on documents.

Better Compliance and Security

  • Automated Permissions Management: SharePoint automates the application of access permissions based on document type, project, or department, ensuring that sensitive information is only accessible to authorised users.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Automated retention policies ensure that documents are archived or deleted according to legal and regulatory requirements such as GDPR, reducing compliance risks.

Improved Workflow and Task Management

  • Automated Approval Processes: Workflows can automatically route documents for approval to the correct individuals, set deadlines, and send reminders, streamlining the review process.
  • Pre-Defined Templates: SharePoint allows users to create templates for frequently used documents, ensuring consistency and saving time on document creation.

Seamless Integration with Other Tools

  • Microsoft 365 Integration: SharePoint integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 tools like Teams, Outlook, and Power Automate, enabling smooth communication, document sharing, and collaboration across platforms.
  • Third-Party Integrations: SharePoint can also integrate with other enterprise tools, such as CRMs, ERPs, and business intelligence platforms, to automate document generation and data-sharing processes.

Enhanced Data Backup and Recovery

  • Automated Backups: SharePoint ensures that documents are regularly backed up in the cloud, reducing the risk of data loss in the event of hardware failure or other disruptions.
  • Easy Recovery: In case of accidental deletion or errors, automated version control and backup systems make it easy to recover lost or damaged documents.

Automated Document Management – Our Expert Says

Storing your documents in SharePoint Online is the first step in the journey to properly adopting a modern workplace. 

However, once you have your documents in SharePoint then you have unlocked the door to so many possibilities. 

From automating your version control, seeking approval on key documents or even just receiving periodic reminders to make sure your documents are still valid. 

If you are only storing your documents in SharePoint and not using any of the other features mentioned, you are missing out on 90% of the real benefits of the system you are already paying for. To really make the most of your investment, seek to leverage these features to get the most value from your Microsoft 365 subscription. 

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