As a response to the pandemic, enterprise-wide collaborative technologies are credited with impressing improvement and innovation in all industries. Technology is continually evolving and we are now looking at a new normal in how things are being done and how teams work together. Businesses from all around the world work hard to strike a balance between innovation and continuity. Countless challenges appeared and the initial disruption of the pandemic led to brand new opportunities. The largest investment we saw came in enterprise collaboration or collaborative technologies. While remote work was growing for years, it literally took off in the past months. By the end of the year, it is expected that around 30% of employees are going to work from home several days per week. All this is possible thanks to the following collaboration technologies and innovations. 

Virtual Conferencing And Video Meetings 

We clearly noticed more video collaboration technologies developed in 2020, with options like Skype, Zoom, Google Meetings, and Microsoft Teams standing out. Close to 60% of current remote-compatible jobs take advantage of collaboration technologies and video meetings in order to replace drop-by chats and in-person meetings. 

Remote work offers huge flexibility and companies realized how beneficial it is. In the past, employers did not want to offer remote work since they were concerned about results, honesty, and productivity. After the coronavirus pandemic forced the use of video conferencing and virtual tours, it became clear that the concerns were not justified. 

Cloud Technology And SaaS 

Cloud computing kept improving in 2020 and in 2021. Work is being reimagined as people learn more ways to take advantage of cloud technology and SaaS. Businesses have the opportunity to build themselves or invest in web-based applications that can be used so that every single member of a team can work together without having to be physically present in the same room.  

One of the most significant advantages of cloud computing is that it allows remote teams to collaborate efficiently from anywhere in real-time, with an internet connection being the only prerequisite. Generally speaking, cloud applications can boost productivity while also lowering operational costs. As remote working is here to stay, cloud applications are becoming more popular. This fact is proven by a recent study that showcases that almost 80% of businesses employ a cloud communication platform to facilitate remote work. 

With the help of cloud technology, collaboration on projects is better than ever. Real-time sharing of data is another important advantage of cloud computing. File sharing enables teams to have instant access to files, control the file versions, and upload and download files that are continuously synchronized. It becomes obvious why building apps to take advantage of cloud technology is a priority for several developers right now, especially when these apps are cloud-based. 

Out-of-the-box Collaboration Platforms and Apps 

Enterprise collaboration is easier than ever before thanks to the advanced technological innovations and new collaborative technologies that are present in our digital era. Automation is playing a crucial role in the collaboration improvements within businesses. There is a plethora of collaboration tools to choose from, based on different business needs and requirements. 

These platforms offer numerous tools and capabilities that can transform businesses and accelerate collaboration and communication among teams and users. Examples of enterprise collaboration apps are the following: 

• Document Management System (DMS) 
• Video conferences 
• File sharing 
• Instant messaging 
• Real-time analytics 

One thing for sure is that SaaS companies deliver the apps and the connectivity the company needs while prices are kept much lower than the costs associated with developing such apps alone. 

With the use of enterprise collaboration software , and new collaboration technologies,  users with no coding experience can create collaboration apps, link them to workflows and end up with faster project development since workflow automation becomes a reality. Also, many collaboration apps are accessible across several mobile devices, which also increases workplace efficiency and productivity. 

Artificial Intelligence And Wearable Technology 

While industry analysts kept saying that wearables and artificial intelligence were going to take off, the pandemic led to much faster adoption. The distrust and doubts that affected AI adoption disappeared. Employees and employers normalized the use of cognitive technologies because of how our lives changed. 

With the use of smart home devices and wearable gadgets, it became easy to share data with your colleagues and managers. Also, it became much easier to use the devices for work-related tasks, like answering emails and receiving important notifications about specific projects. And the great thing about wearable devices is that they are new to the market. Only time will tell what they will be able to deliver.  

In a nutshell 

Undoubtedly, collaboration technologies lead not only to improved collaboration but also to exceptional corporate performance and remarkable results. The only concern that may arise is if you should invest in only one collaboration technology or find the best solution that incorporates different collaborative technologies and tools.

Comidor is here for you. With Comidor’s enterprise collaboration software, you are able to automate your routine, time-consuming tasks, track your daily work, receive smart notifications about business progress and communicate in real-time with everyone in the business. Schedule your demo, and let a Comidor expert navigate you through the Comidor digital workplace.  

Numerous businesses were unrehearsed to deal with the new limits and challenges the new era brought into the light. Many companies struggled to alter their operations and get prepared for the next normal.  

Due to the current situation, the majority of businesses are trying to find new ways to keep their competitive advantage, while at the same time, keep up with the market trends. It seems that the “Work From Home” model is here to stay, as organizations will continue to work remotely after the pandemic end, too. Researchers estimate that by 2025, 22% of the workforce will work remotely. This brings into businesses’ attention new approaches and needs. Online collaboration tools play a significant role, shared files and a central data management system are necessary to perform daily tasks, and meetings should be done over online platforms. It is obvious that companies needed to develop other ways to adapt and survive the existing environment. 

After the non-stop struggle of companies to search for a solution to the situation, they discovered an alternative route with the help of digital workplaces. Digital workplaces enable businesses to continue their operation virtually.  They do so while following all precautionary measures and restrictions implemented by the government.  

The trend of the digital workplace opened new possibilities, opportunities, and most importantly, jump-started the market globally. Just to mention, Australian states were the pioneers of using digital workplaces, and currently, co-working spaces are becoming the norm. 

Digital Workplace: Definition  

A digital workplace is a cloud-based work environment that allows companies to migrate their work to the cloud and develop shared workspaces for their employees. Employees may access all apps, data, tools, and collaboration features they require.  They do this through a secure web interface from anywhere, anytime, and on any device.  

The term was used years ago to describe a vast community of virtual workplace technology. The digitalization of workplaces constantly developed throughout the years by incorporating new technologies, ideas, and the ever-changing needs of businesses. 

The Need For Digital Workplace 

Businesses must take alternate measures to survive. The boundaries of a physical office are ignored in a digital workplace. Thus, it allows for virtual information sharing and collaboration in a variety of new and productive methods. It is a linked workspace in which employees have access to whatever they require through digital technologies like digital process automation without physically visiting a workplace. 

Key Aspects Of A Digital Workplace 

Digital workplace solutions introduce the inevitable progression of the workplace.  Hence, bringing together a collection of technologies, platforms, and tools that digital employees require to generate business results and run a company efficiently. The incorporation of these methods ensured the presence of the following common aspects of a digital workplace: 

• Social and Collaborative Tools: These tools enable employees or any users to interact and share information to achieve common goals and build professional connections and relationships. Slack, Slater, Pie, Messenger, and Trello are some examples of these types of tools. 
• Cloud Storage Tools: These tools store data virtually and are usually managed by the company to regulate and grant permission to access stored data. Because of this, data can be accessed anywhere through the use of the internet. Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, and iCloud are some popular tools of this sort. 
• Video Conferencing Services: Tools that offer chat and video conferencing services allow business members to take part in online conversations, make presentations, and overall boost online collaboration. While most and most people are working remotely, platforms like Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams have been an essential part of employees’ business life.  
• Enterprise Collaboration Platform: An enterprise collaboration platform provides a virtual environment where teams work together to efficiently perform business tasks and processes towards operational goals. These usually cloud-based platforms include chat and video conferencing capabilities, document sharing, knowledge management tools, and other collaboration and productivity features.   

Benefits Of A Digital Workplace 

 In many firms, the digital workplace has become an integral aspect of the employee or team member experience. It’s only typical for a company to consider the benefits before building or implementing a digital workplace plan. 

 The following are some of the benefits of having a Digital Workplace: 

• It improves flexibility and productivity: Employees will be more flexible with their working schedules and work environment. Thus, enabling them to work during their most productive time and in their most comfortable place. It’s also beneficial for the company because this will drastically increase the productivity level of a team member. 
• It reduces or avoids operational costs: Water, electricity, internet, and telephone bills that eat up a material part of a company’s expenses can be avoided or minimized with the implementation of a digital workplace. 
• It provides safety: Especially during the pandemic, physical interactions are risky. With a digital workplace, you will be safe working at home. In this setup, customers can transact with the company virtually from the comfort of their homes.  Thus, protecting them from the threat of the pandemic. 
• It enhances employees experience and customer satisfaction: Within digital workplaces, team members can share ideas, ask and respond to questions, discuss business topics, solve issues, and more, faster than ever before.  This leads to better communication and enhanced collaboration. Finally, employees feel less stressed, highly motivated, and maintain a passion for their work.  When employees feel good, their performance is improving, too. Consequently, you will be able to deliver high-quality products and services that meet and exceed your customers’ expectations, making them happy.   

Comidor Digital Workplace 

Comidor offers an intelligent digital workplace where people work effectively and efficiently. Teams and users are able to view, create and complete their tasks while at the same time having a clear overview of the entire team progress. All processes, workflows, and applications are accessible in a single place. In addition, every source of data is available anytime from anywhere since everything runs on the cloud. Users can create their customized dashboards, add interactive tiles to trigger a workflow or application with the click of a button. Widgets and advanced report boards, live updates, and smart notifications create a powerful digital workplace that helps teams organize their work, from daily, routine tasks to long-term projects. Connect all your work in a single digital workplace, bring your teams together from anywhere, and smarten your work with an artificial intelligence-driven workforce and state-of-the-art automation features.   

In a Nutshell 

The digital workplace is a virtual workplace built by companies by integrating numerous software, tools, and apps to accommodate the current situation. This setup requires employees to work remotely. It is of paramount importance for businesses to implement digital workplaces to survive and go towards the digital transformation of their business. Empower your people to do their best by providing them with advanced collaboration and productivity tools. Contact us to learn how our Comidor Enterprise Collaboration Platform can make your company a wholesome working mechanism.

Teamwork really does make the dream work. That’s why collaboration is such a major key to business success. But how do businesses improve their collaboration? And are there collaboration tools for businesses out there to assist in this improvement?  Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more about business collaboration.  

What is Business Collaboration?  

Every business is working toward specific goals. Collaboration is a working approach that has emerged in response to these goals. Business collaboration is the method in which people work together to achieve a common goal. Businesses that collaborate effectively know how to use each members’ unique strengths and skills to complete their goals. They build off of each other, coming together as a cohesive unit.  

To fully achieve business collaboration, there are a few factors you’ll need to consider. Your overall company goals, the type of business collaboration that will work best for your organization, and the business collaboration tools you’ll need are among these factors.   

There are more than a few types of business collaboration. These include but are not limited to:  

• Team collaboration. This is the most common form of business collaboration. In this type of collaboration, every team member knows how they contribute to the goal and work with their fellow team members to combine strengths.  
• Internal collaboration. Microblogging, wiki pages, or discussion boards are all common forms of internal collaboration. These formats make it easier to share information across the entire company and collaborate as needed.  
• External collaboration. Businesses looking to share information with clients or customers may utilize external collaboration. This may be a weekly email with information or a social media post that encourages engagement.  
• Network collaboration. In this form of collaboration, not everyone in the network will know each other. Instead, individuals make their expertise known and may be matched with or sought out by those wishing to collaborate.  
• Cloud collaboration. Anyone in this collaborative network can access and edit documents stored in the cloud. Information is easily shared amongst team members and collaboration can happen in real-time in a document.  
• Video collaboration. Virtual conference rooms are an essential tool for collaboration in a remote environment. With these platforms at your fingertips, you can collaborate with team members and clients easily. 

Each type of business collaboration has its unique advantages depending on your business’ needs. No matter which you choose, your organization will benefit from business collaboration. Keep reading to learn more about these benefits.  

Benefits of Business Collaboration 

Business collaboration does more than just increase team productivity. In addition to faster results, your business will likely see an improvement in a few other areas, including:  

Employee Engagement

When employees understand their role on a team, they’re more likely to effectively engage with their fellow team members. Knowing who to turn to when problems arise or when a task should come in through this engagement can further increase productivity and drive more well-rounded results. Enhancing employee engagement requires not only effective communication but also the right tools. Exploring the best intranet software solutions can offer a way to foster collaboration and drive engagement in innovative ways.

Cost Reduction

One of the many benefits of business collaboration that is often overlooked is cost reduction. Inefficient business processes can lead to delayed project deliveries that then lead to an increase in cost. With improved collaboration comes lower costs as projects are finished and delivered on time.  

Process Improvement

Having a continuous growth mindset is part of what makes a business successful. To achieve this growth, your business has to be open to feedback and improvement. With an uptick in collaboration, your team can identify and discuss common bottlenecks that are delaying results and stunting business growth. By implementing new collaboration tactics and investing in collaboration tools for business, your organization will have the resources they need to brainstorm solutions and improve business processes.  

Client Satisfaction

Much of what businesses do revolves around client or customer satisfaction. Both process improvement and increased employee engagement internally can lead to higher-quality results. These results drive better products or services, keeping clients and customers happy.  

Collaboration Tools for Business 

Business collaboration is easier than ever before in this digital age. The emergence of automation has single-handedly improved collaboration for businesses across the globe. Check out just a few of the automation collaboration tools for businesses that are changing the way of the workforce.   

Task Management

Automation comes to life with task management tools. When a task is created, it is automatically added to a team member’s Timesheet, alerting them of what needs to be done. Once a task has been completed, others working on that project will be promptly alerted and can respond accordingly.  

These tasks can be managed using tools such as workflow automation and business process management (BPM) software. These tools can further improve automation and speed up project completion.  

Document Management System (DMS)

With a document management system (DMS), your team can efficiently share information with ease. Users added to the DMS can create, upload, store, and share files in one convenient, secure location. Team members can safely share information with one another, improving business collaboration over shared documents.  

Video Conferencing

In a world where the remote work environment is becoming more and more common, video conferencing is a must-have collaboration tool for businesses. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Comidor Events, and Google Meet are all viable options for meeting with team members in real-time. With an application like Comidor Events, you can quickly create video meetings and automate repetitive events with the use of process scheduling and process templates. Eliminate the need for travel through this business collaboration tool. 

Cloud Document Storage

Cloud storage is an ideal solution for businesses without an internal DMS. Individuals working in a remote environment can upload and view information from a telecommunication network that can be accessed from anywhere. This allows for efficient business collaboration without the need to be in the office.  

Instant Messaging

The final collaboration tool for business is instant messaging. IM platforms allow team members to collaborate in real-time without needing to work around schedules for a video conference or waiting on an email response. IM is an efficient way to communicate quickly with team members to share information, ideas, and more.  

Reach Enterprise Collaboration with Comidor 

When it comes to business collaboration, automation is the way to go. Comidor’s enterprise collaboration software offers businesses an automated platform to track tasks, share information, and manage projects. Using collaboration applications, team members can share ideas, ask questions, solve problems, and more, faster than ever before.   

Schedule a demo with Comidor today and give your business collaboration a boost!  

* Featured image: alphaspirit/Shutterstock.com

The term ‘collaboration platform’ or ‘collaborative platform’ is becoming more and more known among modern businesses.

These tools are designed to boost team productivity as they allow them to share information, files, and documents and help teams communicate faster in an enterprise environment.

In 2021, the market for collaboration or collaborative platforms is expected to grow up to US$5.1 billion. To compare, in 2019, the size of the market was US$3.5 billion. There are several reasons for such rapid growth.

The majority of businesses realize the usefulness of remote work, coworking spaces, other types of physically decentralized offices, and other more flexible approaches to their workforces. It isn’t necessary to meet the people you work with to discuss projects anymore. You can do it through collaborative and instant communication software.

If your company considers investing in a collaboration platform, there are things to consider first.

To encompass as many connected topics as possible, we’ve compiled common questions and brief answers in a Q&A format.

What Is a Collaboration or Collaborative Platform?

We all know the ‘collaboration’ definition, so the meaning of such a platform is relatively easy to understand. These tools aim at easier communication and collaboration. All kinds of shared file programs, task and project management features are a part of the collaborative tools.

Frank Hamilton from guest-posting service Adsy highlights that:

“From instant messaging to project planning, collaboration software is involved in a plethora of tasks. It can help incorporate knowledge management into your business, which is an important factor in proper information-sharing and problem-solving.”

Collaborative platforms are digital workspaces where you can communicate like in an office while being in different countries.

With a collaboration platform employees can communicate with each other in order to achieve the best results in their processes and find solutions to difficulties that will occur due to remote work. Some examples of providing services on collaboration platforms are emails, personal and group calendars, video meetings, collaborative documents, and message notes.

What Are the Types of Collaboration or Collaborative Platforms?

There are many types of collaboration platforms in the market. Some of them are all-in-one solutions, and some others are as specialized for the following:

• Instant Messaging
• Document Management System (DMS)
• Video Conferencing
• Task Management
• Cloud Storage
• Idea and Knowledge Management

Most of the above collaboration solutions are easily customizable, which makes it easier for you to create a version of the software that will suit your business.

Collaboration Platform Features

Here are some features that are incorporated in a collaboration platform:

• Project planning, management, task, and process scheduling capabilities
• File sharing, including presentations, charts, statistics, company news, spreadsheets, sale proposals, business documents etc.
• Topics, discussion boards, and wikis
• Push notifications & reminders for tasks, emails-messages
• Chat & Video calls with screen-sharing

Achieving advanced collaboration in different ways is is easy with such software because different teams have access to the same files and information. Each takes the data necessary for their own tasks. This eliminates the need to create assignments for each team, which saves time and resources.

Why Should You Consider Investing in a Collaboration Platform?

A collaborative platform will save:

• Time.
  Your employees won’t need to spend time communicating, doing paperwork, etc. Everything is within the platform, available to regular staff and managers.
• Effort.
  Communication can be done through voice, text, or even video, which makes it easier to customize the workspace to every individual.
• Resources.
  Your company will not need to invest in physical resources like office equipment etc. This will reduce operational costs.

It will also increase the productivity of all your teams since everyone can work from their perfect spot. No commute, no inconveniences connected to work at the office. Not to mention the focus on sustainability due to lower commute. Your employees can go to a coworking space nearby and join the conversation on the go.

What Are the Advantages of a Collaboration/Collaborative Platform?

If all that isn’t enough, here’s a list of benefits a collaborative platform will provide for your business:

• Focus on creating value.
  Instead of troubleshooting Excel or other conventional project management tools, employees can work conveniently and focus on what really matters – value. You will notice a spike in creativity and productivity since there will be fewer annoying disruptions.
• Knowledge management boost.
  With time, the platform will become a large digital library for all staff members. Information about the company, finished projects, innovations, recommendations, etc. will be stored in one place and optionally backed up by a cloud to make sure nothing is lost. New employees will feel like a part of the team much faster, which will decrease turnover.
• Better communication.
  Communication is key to a healthy, well-functioning team. Whether it’s about a project or teambuilding, there have to be convenient channels for chatting. Managers can assign daily tasks in time, employees can comment on them and ask questions, getting quick replies, thus increasing performance.
• Innovation motivation.
  If one of your business goals is to nurture innovation, greater progress will be achieved with a collaborative platform. There, you can post about the type of ideas welcomed. Employees will write down ideas, while their co-workers will be able to enhance them, eventually creating new solutions.

Wrapping up

Collaborative platforms are constantly changing and trying to adapt to users’ needs. These pieces of software help create a digital workplace and make a company a wholesome working mechanism. Different teams have access to project files and opportunities to communicate and discuss their tasks.

Should you invest in a collaboration platform? Absolutely. It will bring clarity and transparency to your business and make it more convenient to manage projects you have remote specialists working on.

About Comidor

Comidor Digital Workplace provides a virtual environment where people use Collaboration, Productivity and Knowledge management tools to efficiently perform business tasks and processes, towards operational goals. Learn more about Comidor enterprise collaboration software.

Author Bio:

Frank Hamilton is a blogger and translator from Manchester. He is a professional writing expert in such topics as blogging, digital marketing and self-education. He also loves traveling and speaks Spanish, French, German, and English.

Collaboration tools are an essential part of any digital workplace. It helps people to work together, share information, and make decisions. It’s an undeniable fact that the more organized and transparent the communication between colleagues is, the more productive an enterprise becomes. Many times, people from different departments need to cooperate in order to complete successfully a project. If all of them are not informed of all the processes that are running, then the project may be a disaster.

To avoid this kind of issue, organizations use collaboration tools. There are many types of collaboration tools, depending on the operational goal and the core operational processes that need to be automated.

Introduction: What is a Collaboration Tool?

Collaboration tools started as simply team chat rooms but they have become essential because of their powerful features such as task management, video conferencing, time tracking, etc.

Besides the different types of collaboration tools, all of them fall under one general definition: A collaboration tool is a software that facilitates the sharing of information between team members or within a company. These tools can be used for a number of purposes such as managing projects, online meetings, document sharing, etc.

Collaboration tools have a variety of applications. For example, in the workplace, they are used to communicating with co-workers while collaborating on a project. In education, they are used to share lesson plans with teachers and students. In healthcare, they are used by doctors to collaborate with other doctors remotely.

Which are the types of collaboration tools?

 1. Instant Messaging

Companies use instant messaging software to improve communication between their staff members who may be located in different departments, places, or even countries. Instant Messaging is faster and easier than emails and phone calls. It’s a time-saving way to ask simple questions, propose ideas or even conduct live polls.

2. Document Management System (DMS) 

With document management systems businesses scale team productivity. Through A DMS you can create, upload, store and share your files with everyone. Knowledge flows freely and safely in the organization, enhancing teambuilding, brainstorming among teams, and teamwork performance.

3. Video Conferencing 

Video conferencing is the collaboration technology that allows businesses to hold meetings with partners,  clients, employees who are located in different places while seeing and talking to them in real-time. Through this collaboration software, you can schedule product demo appointments, interview prospective employees or discuss a new partnership without the need to travel.

4. Task Management

Task management tools offer a checklist of tasks that can be checked off as tasks are completed. The user either creates tasks by himself or is assigned tasks by a supervisor, and others can be notified when a task has been completed. Some of their key features are online whiteboards, task prioritization, and timelines to meet deadlines.

5. Cloud Storage

Data can be stored within the organization but also in the cloud. Cloud storage takes advantage of the power of the server’s information storage system which exists in the cloud. The data can be stored remotely via a telecommunications network.

6. Idea Management

Brainstorming sessions within a team can be an effective method for exchanging information and coming up with the best solution to a problem. Idea management or topics formalize this process, providing a space to capture and store ideas for review and implementation down the line.

7. Wiki and Knowledge Sharing Tools

These collaboration tools allow businesses to create wikis and manage information and internal communication in an organized way. Wikis can be accessed by all the team members so that information can be added by multiple contributors. Also, some tools allow you to assign roles such as contributors, editors, administrators, and viewers.

8. Online Shared Calendars

The shared calendar facilitates the organization’s appointments and meetings without the need to consult all participants. The person organizing the event finds a time interval and checks the availability of the other participants, of the meeting room, and then sends out an invitation. Therefore, you save a lot of time for facilitating teamwork.

9. Note Taking Management

It’s always helpful to jot down notes from meetings or ideas as soon as they appear. Note-taking management apps allow users to store all notes in one formalized app, ensuring they are organized and easily found. Most of them have collaboration capabilities so multiple people access notes for reference later.

10. Enterprise Social Network (ESN)

An enterprise social network (ESN) is an internal, private social network, which companies often use for faster networking among employees. The main advantage of these collaboration tools is that they resemble other widespread social media platforms, so employees are familiar with the use of them because they are experienced with similar interfaces such as Facebook and Twitter.

Conclusion: Bottom Line on Which type of Collaboration Tools to Use for Your Business

Collaboration tools are the backbone of any business that is looking to scale. With the help of collaboration tools, it is possible to stay connected with your customers and employees, share ideas and knowledge, get work done faster and more efficiently. There are many types of collaboration tools available on the market, but not all are suitable for all businesses. It is important to understand what your needs are and find a solution that will be able to meet those needs.

Comidor collaboration software provides a virtual environment where people can use productivity, knowledge management, and collaboration tools to efficiently perform business tasks and processes towards operational goals. The software is user-friendly and allows teams to work together in real-time on major projects. It brings the capabilities of any type of collaboration tool into one single platform. It includes tasks such as data import/export, content management, file sharing, wikis and knowledge management, and project tracking with Gantt charts for collaboration. Request a free demo to explore how to improve business collaboration through automation.