Why Should You Hire a SharePoint Consultant for Your Business?

Expertise in Microsoft SharePoint

• Brings advanced knowledge of Microsoft SharePoint features, architecture and best practices.
• Offers expertise in building workflows, custom lists, dashboards and other key features.
• Example - A SharePoint consultant can configure automated approval workflows to improve efficiency in HR processes.

Streamlined Implementation

• Speeds up project implementation by following proven methodologies.
• Ensures minimal disruption to existing operations during SharePoint deployment.
• Identifies and resolves potential bottlenecks early, avoiding costly mistakes.
• Example - A consultant can migrate files from legacy systems to Microsoft SharePoint Online with ease.

Customized Solutions

• Tailors SharePoint configurations to align with your business processes and goals.
• Designs personalized features like document management systems or team collaboration spaces.
• Example - Customizing a SharePoint dashboard to track sales data in real time for the sales team.

Enhanced Collaboration

• Creates tools to improve communication such as team sites or chat integrations.
• Example - SharePoint integration with Microsoft Teams for seamless document sharing and project discussions.

Cost and Time Savings

• Reduces project timelines through efficient planning and execution.
• Saves costs by avoiding trial-and-error implementations.
• Example - A consultant might recommend using built-in SharePoint tools like Power Automate instead of third-party workflow apps.

Scalability

• Designs SharePoint systems that grow with your organization.
• Prepares for scaling up to accommodate more users or advanced features.
• Example - Upgrading a SharePoint site collection to handle increased storage and new departments.

Security and Compliance

• Implements security best practices to protect sensitive organizational data.
• Ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA through proper governance.
• Example – Skilled at setting up permissions and retention policies for confidential legal documents.

• Look for hands-on experience with SharePoint development similar to your needs.
• Industry expertise is critical. For example, a nonprofit organization may need a Microsoft SharePoint developer familiar with grant tracking systems.

• Verify certifications such as Microsoft 365 Certified: Teamwork Administrator Associate or other SharePoint related certification.
• Certifications showcase proficiency with SharePoint and related technologies like Power Automate or Power Apps.

• Request testimonials or case studies from previous clients.
• Examples of completed projects help evaluate their track record.

• Ensure they can bridge the gap between technical jargon and business requirements.
• A consultant should clearly explain how workflows or document libraries solve specific challenges.

• Confirm if they offer user training and ongoing technical assistance.
• After deploying SharePoint, they should train employees on using new collaboration tools.

• Assess their pricing compared to the value they offer.
• A skilled consultant can reduce implementation errors, saving time and money.

• Choose someone who aligns with your organizational culture.
• A collaborative consultant is ideal for organizations that prioritize team-based decision-making.

• Ensure they stay informed about SharePoint’s roadmap and future updates.
• They should help you plan for upgrades or new features.

• Check their expertise in integrating SharePoint with Microsoft 365 tools like Teams and Outlook.

• Verify their ability to deliver projects on time.
• A good consultant will provide a clear project roadmap.

• Ensure they provide tailored training for employees with different skill levels.
• Ability to conduct workshops for IT teams and simplified sessions for general staff.

• Confirm they can manage SharePoint implementation alongside other ongoing projects.
• This ensures minimal disruption to your business operations.

• If you’re finding the setup and implementation of SharePoint to be overwhelming or confusing, it’s a clear sign to consult an expert.
• A consultant can help streamline the process, ensuring SharePoint is set up correctly from the start to avoid future issues.

• If SharePoint is underperforming and not meeting your business needs 
• A SharePoint consultant can help identify and resolve issues like slow performance, clunky interfaces or poor user adoption.
• Example - If document management features are not being used effectively, a consultant can optimize this function for better workflows.

• Migrating to SharePoint server or SharePoint online can be complex in some cases. 
• A consultant can guide you through this process and ensure smooth data migration without data loss.
• Whether it’s migrating from file servers, Dropbox, or older versions of SharePoint, expert help ensures minimal downtime and a smooth transition.

• If your team doesn’t have the technical expertise to configure, manage, or customize SharePoint to your needs.
• SharePoint consultants bring specialized knowledge that can fill in the gaps, ensuring proper implementation and usage.

• If users in your organization are not adopting SharePoint effectively.
• A SharePoint consultant can help with training, creating user-friendly workflows, and simplifying the system.
• Proper training from an expert can significantly improve user engagement and help staff leverage SharePoint’s full potential.

• If your business requires custom features beyond SharePoint’s out-of-the-box capabilities, a SharePoint consultant is needed.
• They can design and implement customized solutions tailored to your organization’s specific workflows and processes.

• Integration with other Microsoft 365 tools or third-party applications is often necessary for seamless operations.
• A SharePoint consultant can ensure these integrations are set up correctly.
• This will improve functionality and enhance your system's overall performance.

• If your SharePoint environment does not comply with industry regulations (like GDPR or HIPAA) or has security vulnerabilities.
• A consultant will configure SharePoint to meet compliance requirements and set up security measures to protect your data.

• If you notice issues like slow loading times, system crashes, or error messages.
• SharePoint consultants can troubleshoot technical issues and optimize your environment to improve overall performance.

• As your organization grows, your SharePoint needs will evolve. 
• A consultant can ensure that your SharePoint environment scales efficiently to accommodate more users and data.
• They can also plan for future growth, ensuring that SharePoint remains a scalable solution as your business expands.

• SharePoint is not a one-time setup. 
• If your organization requires ongoing support, maintenance, or regular updates, hiring a consultant can be a great solution.
• They will monitor your SharePoint environment, apply necessary updates, and provide ongoing support.

• If you have already invested in SharePoint but are not seeing a return on that investment.
• A SharePoint consultant can optimize workflows, implement custom solutions, and train staff to deliver a better ROI.