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Advantages of Groupware Applications
Utilizing the full advantages of groupware applications to boost team collaboration
October 03, 2006
By: Lynn Marotta
Businesses need to look for ways to obtain competitive
advantages around every corner. One primary way businesses
can increase their competitiveness is by using software
tools that help to streamline business processes and make
work more efficient. Groupware applications are one example
of a type of software application that can affect real
change in work efficiency and effectiveness. Businesses
would be wise to understand the true benefits of groupware
tools, and their direct affect on the bottom line. Let us
look at some of the real advantages of groupware
applications.
- Groupware helps increase efficiency -- The idea
behind groupware is to provide one central point of access
to critical information. Each individual member of a group
has access to all of the information pertinent to their
tasks in the group project. Redundant work is eliminated,
less time is spent searching for data, and more time is
spent working on required tasks.
- Groupware stimulates creativity -- When
collaboration is enabled, one of the resulting benefits is
creativity. Ideas can be easily shared, and individuals
can build off one another. With open communication, each
member of the group can share new ideas and add valuable
insight that can only benefit the project as a whole.
- Groupware provides structure -- Workgroups need
structure to succeed. Every member needs to know what is
expected of them, and what is expected of the other group
members. This builds a level of accountability into the
group. It also provides direction as to what the ultimate
project goals are, and how everyone fits into the bigger
picture. The provision of one central resource point and
the improvement of communication channels are two concrete
ways groupware provides critical structure to a work
group. Another way is by facilitating project management
with scheduling and tracking tools that are usually built
right into groupware applications.
- Groupware helps define and enforce a process --
By implementing groupware, you are establishing a means to
enforce a process for how information is to flow.
Documentation is serialized and records are kept on who is
responsible for any changes that are made. Communication
procedures can be established at the outset, and easily
monitored for compliance. This helps ensure all group
members are properly performing their specific tasks, and
everyone is contributing as agreed upon at the project
outset.
As you can see, the advantages of groupware are
substantial. However, care has to be taken when selecting a
groupware program, and when implementing it. You need to be
sure you properly educate employees on the procedures they
are to follow. In addition, in order to achieve the maximum
benefits, you need to take full advantage of all the
features and tools that groupware has to offer.
About the Author
Lynn Marotta is a successful freelance writer and
contributor to Web-Conferencing-Zone.com. Your
definitive guide to
web conferencing services,
online collaboration software and
web meetings for business.
Also See: [
Microsoft Net
Meeting software, replaced by Windows Meeting Space ]
[ PowerPoint
presentation tips to maximize the impact of online meetings ]
[ Group
collaboration software, WebOffice & Groove Virtual Office
review ]
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