How to use Intranet to cut costs

LONDON, UK: The Intranet Benchmarking Forum (IBF at www.ibforum.com), an exclusive, confidential intranet and portal benchmarking group of leading European, US and global organisations, has launched a free report offering its top tips for organisations wanting to use their intranet to make cost savings.

In an era of corporate belt-tightening, intranets can play a pivotal role in helping organisations cut costs. In a new paper called '12 ways to use your intranet to cut your costs' (PDF, 300kb) available to download for free, the IBF presents some pointers and prominent examples to help organisations use their intranet to drive savings. The twelve tips, which are expanded fully in the report, include:

1.      Build bridges with internal customers

2.      Research user needs

3.      Implement or expand self service

4.      Target further design, print and distribution savings

5.      Improve usability

6.      Revamp HR content

7.      Create content for customer facing staff

8.      Create internal helpdesk content

9.      Enhance the employee directory

10.      Put senior leaders online

11.      Leverage online meetings

12.      Measure savings

Elizabeth Marsh, the IBF's director of research, says: "Organisations with advanced intranets will be on top of most of the areas covered by the paper. However, for those with intranets still at the communication and information-sharing stage of their development, it may provide valuable inspiration."