by Felicien | Nov 30, 2017 | Education
Breaking Down Compliance Concerns for Healthcare Providers Using Skype
Every day, we work alongside a variety of healthcare providers to ensure HIPAA data compliance standards are implemented correctly. As technology-for-business continues to evolve, instant messaging platforms – like the one provided in Skype – offer a convenient way of quickly communicating information between team members or departments.
However, we’ve been getting this question a lot lately: is Skype HIPAA compliant? More specifically, can Skype be used to send electronic protected health information (ePHI) without violating HIPAA mandates? Very simply, should healthcare providers be using Skype when it comes to the transmission of sensitive patient health data?
The debate is still out on Skype and HIPAA compliance. Skype does include built-in security features to prevent unauthorized access of transmitted data, and all Skype messages are encrypted. However, built-in security tools don’t necessarily mean total HIPAA compliance. When it comes down to it, the way healthcare organizations implement and use Skype is what makes the difference when it comes to compliance.
First Things First: Is Skype Considered a Business Associate under HIPAA?
Under HIPAA, business associates are defined as any organizations or people working in association with or providing services to a covered entity who handles or discloses Personal Health Information (PHI) or Personal Health Records (PHR).
So, does Skype count? Again, this is a topic that is continually up for debate. Technically, Skype could be considered an exception to the business associate mandate, under the HIPAA Conduit Rule. The Conduit Rule stipulates that any conduit through which information flows does not require an explicit business associate agreement.
However, don’t get too excited. A business associate agreement is necessary if a vendor creates, receives or transmits patient data on behalf of a HIPAA-covered entity or one of its business associates. While Skype definitely doesn’t create personal health information, it can be used to receive and transmit it. However, it should be reaffirmed that Skype messages are encrypted – both in transit and at rest – and Microsoft doesn’t access these messages unless there is a legal subpoena to do so.
In the case of subpoenaed information, data must first be decrypted. Therefore, it becomes unclear that whether providing information to law enforcement and being able to decrypt messages, would mean Skype would no longer satisfy the Conduit Rule. Furthermore, Skype is a software-as-a-service as opposed to a common carrier.
There’s no doubt that all the legal jargon is enough to leave your head spinning. That’s why, we urge clients and other businesses to air on the side of caution and consider a Skype business associate, requiring a business associate agreement. Better safe than sorry.
When it comes to drafting a business associate agreement, Microsoft generally will sign a HIPAA compliance associate agreement for a providers entire Office 365 subscription. Additionally, Skype for Business may be included in that overreaching agreement.
However, in order to ensure compliance, make sure you look over your business associate agreement with Microsoft to make sure that Skype for Business is included and covered. Microsoft has recently explained that not all business associate agreements are the same – so play on the safe side and get specific.
Skype and HIPAA Compliance: Encryption, Access, and Audit Controls
While HIPAA doesn’t insist that ePHI is encrypted, they do outline encryption as a mandatory consideration. Basically, if a covered entity decides not to use encryption, they must outline and implement an equivalent safeguard instead. When it comes to Skype, all messages are encrypted using AES 256-bit encryption; therefore, this aspect of HIPAA compliance is taken care of.
However, the problem lies in administrative controls for back-up and auditing. Skype doesn’t automatically include appropriate controls for communications back up, nor does it maintain a compliant audit-trail, as mandated by HIPAA standards. Without these features, Skype simply isn’t HIPAA compliant. However, there may be a workaround if healthcare organizations are implementing Skype for Business instead of the basic app.
The Final Verdict: Is Skype HIPAA Compliant or Not?
So, lets cut to the chase: is Skype HIPAA compliant or not? The short answer is no. As a standalone application, the basic Skype platform does not comply with HIPAA compliance regulations. So, for healthcare organizations who rely on Skype – let this be your warning to never send ePHI via Skype instant messaging. However, for organizations using Skype for Business – like many of our clients – the platform can be made to better support HIPAA compliance – but only if it is implemented correctly.
If the Enterprise E3 or E5 Skype For Business packages are purchased, the application can be configured to better support HIPAA mandates. However, it’s up to your organization to ensure that compliance standards are met. This means that you must actively set up a business associate agreement with Microsoft, before using the Skype for Business app to transmit any kind of ePHI. Furthermore, the application must be configured carefully. In order to be fully HIPAA compliant, Skype for Business must maintain an audit trail and all transmitted communication must be saved and backed up securely.
Additionally, access controls must also be applied to all devices that use Skype for Business to prevent any and all unauthorized disclosures of ePHI. Controls must also be configured to prevent any sensitive information from being sent outside the organization. Finally, healthcare organizations must also implement agreements that insist Microsoft will notify them immediately in the event of a breach.
But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves…
Unfortunately, it must be noted that even with a business associate agreement and the correct application package, there is still significant potential for HIPAA compliance to be violated when using Skype for Business. The short answer is, when it comes to Skype for Business, it’s hard to be entirely confident that all HIPAA regulations are upheld.
However, healthcare companies need not panic or dig out the post-it notes. There are many secure instant messaging platforms available to healthcare providers, designed specifically for use by the healthcare industry, with built-in compliance features. As much as we love Skype for Business, when it comes to the healthcare field, these alternatives may prove to be the better choice. With these solutions, HIPAA compliance strategies are built-in and straightforward, making it much more difficult to accidentally violate HIPAA mandates.
Before long, Microsoft will probably catch-up and implement protocols that better support HIPAA compliance when using Skype for Business. Until then, make sure any instant messaging on the Skype for Business platform doesn’t include sensitive patient data. In the meantime, it may be useful to seek out other, more compliance-friendly platforms to ensure lines of communication and data-sharing channels are as efficient as possible.
We have extensive experience working with healthcare organizations like yours, so we know just how critical HIPAA compliance is. Configuring IT and software platforms to support HIPAA compliance mandates is the number one security priority for healthcare providers across the country. Keeping patient data secure and maintaining compliance can feel like a full-time job.
If you’re looking for ways to ensure all your business devices and applications are HIPAA compliant, don’t get caught up in guesswork. Reach out to our team of compliance experts anytime. When it comes to protecting sensitive patient data and avoiding hefty fines, checking in with seasoned professionals is more than worth it.
by Felicien | Nov 30, 2017 | Education
Recent Survey Finds Most Businesses are Uninformed and Unprepared
The cybercrime landscape is getting scarier by the day. In response, the cybersecurity regulatory environment is continually evolving to develop new best practice standards and protect business owners. The last few years have seen an increase in formally legislated data security mandates that impact businesses of all kinds.
For business owners, a mounting pile of compliance regulations can seem like a tedious nuisance. We hear this question among our clients all the time – how is my company supposed to keep up with more and more cybersecurity regulations to uphold? However, tedious as they may be, data security regulations are designed specifically to prevent the devastating impacts of a beach on business operations.
Understanding the GDPR: What is the General Data Protection Regulation?
The General Data Protection Regulation is a cybersecurity mandate developed by the EU. After four years of preparation, the GDPR was approved on April 14th, 2016. The official enforcement date is May 25th, 2018 at which time non-complying organizations will face hefty penalties and fines.
The EU’s GDPR was specifically designed to harmonize data privacy laws across Europe, to maintain data protection for all citizens. The GDPR replaces the former Data Protection Directive and aims to reshape the way organizations across the international business community approach data privacy.
Here are the key articles, central to GDPR:
Companies must obtain consent for data processing with all subjects
Companies must anonymize collected data to protect privacy
Any breach must be notified to governing bodies within 72 hours
Data transfers that take place across borders must be handled safely
Certain organizations are required to appoint a data-protection officer for GDPR compliance management
This is only a brief outline of what’s required of businesses under GDPR. In order to be fully informed, business owners should take the time to explore GDPR mandates completely. By understanding the ins and outs of what’s required and the potential penalties, strategies for compliance will be much easier to implement.
For a full rundown on the GDPR, check out this comprehensive guide.
Whose Impacted? Understanding Whose Responsible for GDPR Compliance
So, you must be thinking – European data security regulations? This can’t possibly have any impact on your business right? Think again. While the GDPR is a set of European regulations, drafted by the EU, it will apply to businesses outside European borders. GDRP mandates will apply to any organization from across the globe that does any kind of business in Europe or with European organizations. Furthermore, companies and organizations who have European citizens on their staff force are also impacted.
Not to mention, non-European-based businesses can be fined up to 4% of global revenue or 20 million Euros – whichever is larger – if it does not handle or store the personal data of European citizens according to GDPR regulations.
On Guard: How Prepared are Businesses for GDPR Compliance?
Okay, now that you know what GDPR is, you’re probably feeling like you’ve been in the dark on some pretty significant stuff. But you’re not alone. DocsCorp decided to conduct a study to measure how prepared Northern American businesses are for the implementation of GDPR. The company has recently released the results of their survey entitled The Current State of GDPR Readiness.
Participants in the survey were asked a series of questions, designed to determine how prepared these organizations were for upcoming changes that will take effect under GDPR in May of 2018.
The survey had alarming results. Let’s break the key findings down below:
27% of US and Canadian organizations had begun preparing for GDPR.
That means, 73% of organizations had not begun preparing for GDPR.
In fact, 54% of organizations were unaware of the compliance enforcement date of May 25th, 2018.
Finally, 55% of organizations noted that leaking of personal data as their biggest security concern.
These results are concerning because they demonstrate that the majority of North American businesses aren’t sufficiently informed and definitely aren’t prepared for upcoming GDPR mandates. Further, with over half claiming leaked data is a primary concern, the urgency of data security compliance is clear. With the May 2018 deadline fast-approaching, this level of unpreparedness can leave businesses open to severe financial penalties if compliance standards aren’t put in place.
The DocCorps survey should serve as a WAKE-UP CALL for our colleagues, clients and all business organizations across North America to start making deliberate efforts to get prepared for GDPR mandates. If data security is a top priority – and it most definitely should be – getting informed about what’s required under GDPR is the first step. Then, it’s all about implementing strategies to maintain compliance.
Business-Focused Strategies: How Can Business Owners Prepare for GDPR Compliance
So, with May only six months away, local businesses are likely wondering – how in the world do I get prepared for GDPR compliance? When working with our clients, we try to outline key strategies for data protection that can be easily implemented and maintained to ensure compliance. Luckily, these strategies apply to GDPR prep, so let’s take a look:
Build Awareness
First and foremost, use this guide and other online resources to get yourself and your team informed about GDPR mandates. We constantly tell our clients that employee awareness is the first step and the strongest line of defense in a data security strategy. Furthermore, we believe in being transparent with our clients about the threat landscape, and business owners should be transparent with their workforces as well. If you and your team know what’s expected and what’s at stake, you won’t be caught by surprise.
Inventory your Information
Figure out what kinds of data you collect and determine what’s impacted by the GDPR. Our experience working with clients in all industries has allowed us to observe that many organizations simply don’t have a central inventory of the types and quantities of data they collect. By creating a ‘data inventory’ your company will have a better idea of how to organize and manage data for compliance.
Data Security Policies and Procedure
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: having detailed data security policies and procedures in place is critical. Outlining key policies that outline data protection mandates and making them readily available to employees allows critical information to be easily accessed. Further, by developing comprehensive procedures for your workforce to follow, team members will feel comfortable and empowered to make informed decisions when using business technology.
Assign a Data Protection Officer
We work with a lot of small business owners, so we know that hiring an entirely separate employee as a Data Protection Officer isn’t always feasible. However, you can assign this role to someone already on your payroll. Maybe a system administrator or the most tech-savvy member of your staff. Basically, it’s just a good idea to have someone specifically in charge of overseeing policy development to ensure compliance standards are being upheld. If – like our clients – you work with a managed IT service provider, talk with them about vCIO services or the best ways to monitor and manage data protection internally.
Implement Breach Response Plans
This one is possibly the most important of all. GDPR requires all breaches to be disclosed in a timely fashion and employees at all levels should be aware of this. Additionally, breach response plans are helpful because attacks often catch professionals off-guard. We can’t count the amount times we’ve heard from clients who were hit by a breach and totally unprepared to respond effectively. That’s why it’s our rule of thumb to have detailed response plans created before a breach happens. If employees encounter any kind of suspicious activity or a full out breach, they need to know exactly what’s expected of them in order to maintain compliance, shut the attack down or bounce-back efficiently.
Regardless of your industry or the size of your company – if you do international business or have European staff members, GDPR impacts you. Furthermore, if you handle or store the data of European consumers – GDPR impacts you as well. Though it may seem you have lots of time to prepare before enforcement begins in May, getting on top of data security management now will save you from last-minute scrambling to ensure compliance standards are in place.
We get it – the constantly changing data security landscape can be a thorn in the side of your business. However, we also understand that cybercriminals never sleep. The recommendation we give to our clients – and to all other businesses – is to follow the guidelines provided by compliance mandates like GDPR. Even if you’re not directly impacted, building security compliance strategies into your business network will put you one step ahead of cyber threats. Furthermore, it will help you proactively position your company as the cybersecurity landscape continues to change.
Need a hand with data compliance? Every day, we help our clients develop and implement data security strategies that are reliable, strategic and proactive. If you’re looking to better manage IT security or if you’re trying to get a hold of data compliance, give us a shout.
No matter the specific needs or challenges, our team has likely seen it before and we’re passionate about developing customized security strategies for you so you can stay focused on business. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to make your IT work for you.
by Felicien | Nov 30, 2017 | Education
If you’re using a Mac and running the latest version of its operating system, you’re going to want to pay attention. It seems that Apple had a bug in their new operating system which allowed anyone that had physical access to a Mac admin access. Giving them full access to anything and everything on that computer.
The bug, discovered November 28th, was revealed on Twitter by Turkish software developer Lemi Orhan Ergin. He revealed that anyone can log into a Mac running MacOS High Sierra or adjust settings on that computer simply by logging in with the login name “root” (without quotations) and clicking enter, no password needed. The hack only works if the hacker is typing on the physical machine. It does not work remotely.
The bug only affects those running the newest OS, MacOS High Sierra. Apple put out a fix for the bug just less than one day after its discovery, which all High Sierra users should install immediately. To get the fix you must do the following:
Open up the App Store on your Mac.
In the App Store toolbar, click on updates.
Install any updates that are listed there.
If you aren’t sure which operating system you are running, click the apple icon in the upper left-hand corner of the screen, then click on “about this Mac”. This will show you the version number of the MacOS. The affected versions are 10.13 or 10.13.1.
Make sure you are installing the latest updates for all of your hardware, software, and operating systems. This keeps hackers from being able to take advantage of vulnerabilities. Be sure that these updates take place across the board. Have every computer in your organization update and make sure it gets done to avoid any breaches.
You want to keep out unsavory types and those meddling hackers, so encrypting your files is also an option. This way, even if they get ahold of your data, they can’t view it or alter it. Encrypting data that is being sent over the internet or to the cloud for storage is also a good idea. So even if the data or files get intercepted mid-stream, they are still unable to be read or changed.
Keep copies of your data separate from your original files. Whether online in the cloud or offline at a separate site from the original, always backup your data. It is best to have it backed up on the cloud and offline in another location. This way, if you are hacked or data gets lost, you will have a much better idea of what is missing and be able to get it back.
Cybersecurity is a big deal and a big job. But it is never foolproof. You must stay vigilant and uncompromising in your security measures. Don’t let hackers take what you’ve worked so hard to build.
by Felicien | Nov 29, 2017 | Education
Understanding the Key Differences Between Microsoft’s OneDrive and SharePoint Applications
Microsoft’s collection of software is continually evolving. As it continues to grow, many users are noticing quite a bit of overlap between application capabilities. For business owners, this can be a challenge – especially when trying to decide which apps are worth investing in.
Two Microsoft apps that are especially hard to differentiate are OneDrive and SharePoint. The simple fact is that both apps have a lot in common and are stocked with very similar features. However, they aren’t identical and understanding the key differences can help business owners make more informed decisions when choosing an application to invest in and deploy.
Breaking Down the Basics: How Microsoft Defines OneDrive and SharePoint
In order to get a lay of the land, it’s helpful to try and understand the purpose of each application. While they do have some overlap, the applications were created separately and Microsoft defines the purpose and features of each application differently.
OneDrive
Microsoft defines OneDrive as an online document/file storage hub. It’s most commonly used by both individuals and business teams looking for a centralized headquarters to access, save and store files. OneDrive is also configured to allow file-sharing and versioning, which allows it to serve as more than a digital filing cabinet. Additionally, Microsoft has two versions of the OneDrive app – one for individual consumers and one specifically designed for business optimization, adequately named OneDrive for Business. OneDrive is also built into the Office 365 online platform.
SharePoint
Microsoft defines SharePoint as a collaboration tool for businesses that helps team members work better together. SharePoint allows business teams to open, share and access files and allows team members to work on the same document, together, in real-time. SharePoint also allows for process streamlining and has data and app management tools. Microsoft has an on-premise version of SharePoint as well as a version that’s built into Office 365 for the Cloud.
Confused Yet? Let’s Explore the Key Categories of Difference
Simply reading the definitions isn’t enough to fully wrap our brains around the differences between OneDrive and SharePoint and the benefits of each for business owners. By looking at the key areas where OneDrive and SharePoint are different, business owners will have an easier time making decisions about software investments.
On-Premise vs. Cloud
Here’s the thing: Microsoft’s Office 365 comes with both OneDrive and SharePoint built in. This leaves many wondering – what’s the point in investing in standalone solutions like SharePoint Server if you can just invest in Office 365 and get the same features plus way more? But we shouldn’t jump to that conclusion quite so fast. Some IT administrators prefer on-premise solutions because the locally installed software allows for more control and security. On-premise SharePoint deployments on company servers allow administrators to control the look and feel of the platform.
However, there are downfalls to on-premise deployments as well. Implementing SharePoint on company servers means administrators are in charge of purchasing and managing updates, monitoring systems, and responding to security breaches. It should also be noted that businesses who choose to deploy SharePoint as a stand-alone, on-premise solution are able to purchase OneDrive separately, although all its features are already built-into SharePoint.
Security, Encryption & Compliance
For many business owners, document safety, auditing, and regulatory compliance are huge concerns. For these business owners, SharePoint’s collection of granular controls and user access capabilities are a huge benefit when trying control internal security and client data. While Office 365 and OneDrive both use encryption to keep documents safe from prying eyes, SharePoint is the only solution that offers an additional layer of security provided by a standalone server.
However, OneDrive in Office 365 does offer granular access control as well, so administrators can designate access and assign user permissions. Microsoft’s cloud security is top of the line and supports TLS and SHA-2 protocols. In the Cloud, Microsoft encrypts all business data upon transfer to and from server locations and stores it, with encryption, on the Microsoft server as well.
Document and Resource Management
OneDrive for Business has all of the original document offerings as SharePoint. This includes workflows, auditing, templates and version control. However, OneDrive does not include business marketing tools like a website and social media connections – features that are built into the SharePoint infrastructure. With OneDrive, a business owns the account and employees are assigned personal accounts within the larger business account. This allows individual team members to produce and store documents before they are shared office-wide.
SharePoint offers a huge collection of tools for company-wide document and file management and collaboration. SharePoint Online and SharePoint Server offer collaborative workflows and advanced granular permissions to help businesses effectively and efficiently move content from idea to completion. Furthermore, as noted, business marketing is made easy in SharePoint Server with a variety of features to ensure intranet corresponds with branding. These branding tools are not featured in the online version.
Website, Apps & CMS
SharePoint is used by countless companies to develop, manage, and maintain their company website, internal documentation system, and company web applications. The CMS element in SharePoint allows businesses to publish documents directly to the company website or even make them centrally available for review and download by clients, associates and team members.
Companies also rely on SharePoint’s business intelligence and internal analytics features to develop custom applications for both internal and external use. Companies can build customer-facing websites, FAQ & Help applications or employee portals directly from the SharePoint infrastructure.
OneDrive simply doesn’t offer these various web optimization features. While OneDrive offers the ability to email links to documents, the documents cannot be published directly to the web from OneDrive’s infrastructure. So, while documents can be made available to your team with OneDrive, a full Office 365 subscription or another CMS/website platform – like SharePoint – is required to publish work straight to the web.
Workflows, Dashboards, Calendars, and Extras
One Drive offers companies the ability to control team access to documents for storage and sharing and it tracks versions. However, when it comes down to it, OneDrive is essentially a digital-file storage and optimization system and does not include the dynamic extra features available in SharePoint Server or through a full out Office 365 subscription.
SharePoint offers business teams a dynamically collaborative workspace that includes dashboards, calendars, tasks, notifications, and updates. SharePoint keeps these features located centrally, in a company portal that is linked directly to company websites and external applications. Additionally, SharePoint sites can be created and customized for each team member with different levels of security, so access and information are well-organized and easy to manage. Finally, companies can set up a larger corporate portal where company-wide file libraries can be searched and business notifications can be delivered in real-time.
The Short Answer is, There is No Right Answer
So, when it comes down to it, it becomes clear that OneDrive for Business and SharePoint are not exactly the same, yet not entirely different. The real differences are determined by the way a company decides to deploy and use SharePoint. For organizations looking for a company portal that offers project management, human resources tools, and web optimization, SharePoint is the clear winner.
OneDrive is more suited for companies looking to implement a basic solution for storage and occasional file-sharing capabilities. Since OneDrive is fully integrated with the Cloud through Office 365, business teams have the ability to sync files to any given device, which make anytime, anywhere access incredibly easy.
Overall, the best software solution for any business is one that supports business goals and inspires team members to be productive. For companies who have acclimated to the Cloud, an Office 365 subscription will give you the best of both worlds – not to mention Microsoft will handle your updates. However, for companies who are comfortable offline, using on-premise solutions, SharePoint offers branding tools and user interface control that Office 365 doesn’t.
Is your company trying to weigh the similarities and differences between SharePoint and OneDrive? Use this outline as a guide and be sure to make a strategic decision based on the unique needs and demands of your corporate structure.
If you’re still having a hard time deciding between the two solutions, reach out to a local technology firm for guidance and consultation. When making investment decisions about business IT, it’s never a bad idea to bounce ideas off the pros.
by Felicien | Nov 29, 2017 | Education
Comparing Project Management Solutions from Microsoft and Google
Getting tasks done efficiently is a top priority for any modern business. A huge part of driving efficiency is implementing strategic procedures for project management. A good project management platform can make a huge difference for business owners and allow them to keep on top of ongoing tasks and track project progress.
As technology continues to evolve, a variety of software programs are available to help business owners better manage projects. There are free and priced options, but for business owners who already use a variety of applications, adding on another platform for project management probably seems like another task in and of itself.
That’s why many business owners are looking to their existing software platforms for tools to help optimize project management. However, many don’t know where to start and aren’t even aware of what’s available to them. Since Microsoft’s Office 365 and Google’s G Suite are the leading for-business software platforms, let’s break down the customized project management solutions for each platform.
Microsoft Office 365: Fully Compatible Project Management Tools On & Offline
It’s no secret that Microsoft has long been at the forefront of technology for business. Office 365 is an incredibly popular platform used by professionals across the globe. Office 365 is feature rich and has countless applications that help business owners better manage tasks and streamline processes.
However, Microsoft has recently unveiled a new app, appropriately named Microsoft Project, that can be easily added on to an Office 365 platform. The new app doesn’t require additional software licenses and users are able to easily subscribe to the app for a low monthly fee. Microsoft Project is designed for full integration with all Office 365 apps and makes it easier than ever to manage all core business tasks from a centralized location.
Let’s break down the key features and benefits of Microsoft Project for Office 365:
Task Management with a Birds-Eye View
The great thing about Microsoft Project is the way it consolidates all business projects onto a single screen. This gives business owners and administrators the ability to have a ‘birds-eye’ view of everything that’s happening at a given time. All projects can be titled, and a corresponding project plan can be attached.
This way, no matter the project, administrators can keep tabs on progression and potential challenges. Furthermore, when and if issues arise, administrators can easily access, review and/or change project plans to help get things moving. This makes it easier than ever for business leaders to stay in tune with employees and fill gaps as needed to streamline efficiency.
Integrated for Server & Cloud
In true Microsoft fashion, Project is designed to be compatible with both server and Cloud versions of Office 365. Microsoft knows that some businesses prefer the Cloud, while others are sticking with on-server platforms. No matter the preferred style, Project is designed as a dynamic task management solution for either.
The greatest thing about the Cloud version is that it allows for anytime, anywhere access to Project. Since users don’t need on-premise software installed, they can log in anytime using a web-browser to check in on project updates and progress.
Customizable Templates
Just like Office 365, Project is jam-packed with features that can be customized to suit the needs and preferences of any modern business. A project is equipped with a variety of pre-made, built-in templates to optimize project management including work breakdown charts, task and duration logs, assigned resources lists and more.
Including templates makes it easier than ever for business administrators to create new projects and immediately start organizing assignments, timelines, and resources. Templates can be customized to reflect project-specific issues and/or company regulations and employee expectations.
Business Intelligence
Finally, to really optimize project management potential, Project features can be used to develop strategic insight into business operations. As you make and manage project templates, the application will identify consistencies and implement them into new templates – no matter who is creating them.
The application also creates critical path schedules as well as critical chain and event chain methods which provides strategic visuals of whose responsible for what and what the chain of command is for each project. Finally, Project is equipped with dynamic administrator controls that allow for access management and user classification.
G Suite: Project Management Designed for the Cloud-Loving Business User
While Microsoft is the long-held favorite, Google has been making waves lately with the new version of Google for Work, dubbed G Suite. The web-based platform is loaded with features much like Office 365 and is offered at varying budget-friendly price-points, depending on the size and shape of your business. G Suite boasts some of the same built-in project management features as Office 365, and following Microsoft’s lead, Google has also recently unveiled a new project management application called Wrike, designed to be fully compatible with G Suite.
Let’s break down the key features and benefits of Wrike for G Suite:
Workload & Task Management
In Wrike, users have the ability to create blocks or sections of work necessary to complete larger goals. By breaking down big jobs into more manageable sub-sections, administrators can keep a better eye on tasks and overall project progression.
Wrike is also designed with real-time file editing capabilities and report generation tools so that information can flow easily and resources can be requested as needed. Finally, Wrike is designed with automation in mind and allows for tasks and resources to be automatically assigned when new projects are created.
Real-Time Updates & Strategic Reporting
Wrike also has built-in updating and reporting capabilities that keep users informed of project updates and progression. The app includes a real-time newsfeed where all project news flows freely, as it happens.
There are reporting tools available for individual projects and overall team productivity which makes it easier than ever to identify weak spots and iron out efficiency challenges. Furthermore, sharing reports and project updates is made incredibly easy by the user dashboard feature that acts as a central hub for all project info.
Collaboration
Of course, a huge part of any team project is the ability to communicate and collaborate. Whether a team member needs to check the information from an old email or send a project to a superior for approval, Wrike is designed with built-in collaboration tools that make creative and efficient teamwork a breeze.
Wrike offers email and calendar synchronization features that allow for a seamless transmission of important data. There are also strategic mentioning tools that allow users to easily get the attention of specific team members with questions or updates. Finally, Wrike is designed with a dynamic proofing center that allows users to get final stamps of approval from management before updating a project’s status to complete.
Integration
Last but not least, Wrike is designed specifically to be an integration powerhouse. In a modern business world, so many different software applications play a part in getting work done. Wrike offers compatibility with a huge variety of business apps which makes the synchronization of important data very simple.
No matter what companies are using third-party apps for, Wrike is designed to promote integration and seamless compatibility. Maybe a company uses Photoshop for design projects or Zapier for app consolidation. Wrike allows for integration with these apps – and countless others – to ensure the chain of information is never fragmented.
No matter which platform you use, both applications can be customized to support a dynamic project management solution. Taking the time to get to know the features that both Project and Wrike offer will help you implement a fail-proof approach to project management. Furthermore, by choosing a project management tool that’s fully integrated with your current platform, data remains centralized and keeping tabs on business tasks will be easier than ever.
If you use Microsoft’s Office 365 or Google’s G Suite and are looking to optimize the platform, use this outline as a guide for understanding each provider’s approach to project management. Then, it’s as easy as subscribing to the add-on of your choice and making your software platform work for you.
