Finding the Right Collaboration Platform

To streamline communication and foster teamwork, many organisations are relying on collaboration platforms, especially for remote work. But there are also risks to consider when connecting virtually.

Effective Team Collaboration

Communication can be tricky. In fact, it’s one of the biggest challenges faced by many organisations. So much time can be wasted when teams are unable to effectively collaborate and leverage the many talents of their members. As we all know, time is money. Not only do communication issues waste time, but they also drain team members’ energy and motivation. Who enthusiastically volunteers to support another project when the last one was fraught with stressful miscommunication, duplicated efforts, and outputs destined for the rubbish bin?

If you’re starting to experience flashbacks or hyperventilate with thoughts about a failed project, take a moment and breathe. There is a better way forward with an effective collaboration platform. Perhaps your team is already using collaborative working software, but it’s not doing the trick or has even generated more issues. Or maybe you are currently struggling to weed through and compare the overwhelming range of options for online collaboration tools, whilst also having concerns about the potential risks. Let’s have a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly to help you find the best option for your business and avert any unnecessary drama.

Risks of Using a Collaboration Platform

To streamline communication and foster teamwork, many organisations are relying on collaboration platforms, especially for remote work. These digital solutions support seamless coordination and improve productivity, but are not without risks. Selecting the wrong collaboration platform may not just introduce new problems into your workflow and communications, but it could completely compromise your organisation and clients. Security breaches, data leaks, and the mishandling of sensitive information are just a few potential pitfalls.

Let’s take a closer look at an unfortunate, but sadly not uncommon case. Over 700,000 individuals were exposed when using the Tigo video chat platform. Personal messages, account photos, and email addresses were some of the identifying information stolen in the more than 100 million records leaked. Unfortunately, the company did not protect its clients with proper encryption, nor was it responsive to those raising concerns about possible data breaches.

A more reputable company, T-Mobile, settled for $350 million in a class action lawsuit after 75 million individuals were exposed in a security breach. These incidents cause major harm to both companies and customers, with steep financial costs and long-term reputation damage. According to Fortinet’s Global Study, 62% of businesses surveyed experienced a security breach attributable to working remotely. However, only 37% planned a substantial increase in their budgeting towards security concerns. As we have seen, this lack of prioritisation could result in irreparable damage to one’s reputation and finances.

When Collaborative Working Software Actually Works

But don't lose hope just yet. Collaborative working software can be a game-changer when well-vetted and properly implemented. The key is finding the right platform that aligns with your organisation's needs and values. When chosen wisely, these tools can revolutionise the way teams interact, share information, and achieve their goals.

Selecting the right fit for your organisation means consolidating all the vital tools into one easily accessible working space for your team members. Managing different apps and software can be a headache, reducing productivity and collaboration, while increasing security vulnerabilities. According to a Havard Business Review study, 67% of the workers violated security protocols, often trying to increase productivity while under stress. Collaborative working software houses essential tools within one location, so team members are not potentially exposing sensitive data while logging into multiple platforms. At the same time, should any team member become a threat to your organisation, it is easier to remove them from a unified workspace.

Leverage the Best Collaboration Tools

So, what makes a collaboration tool the "best"? It's not just about fancy features or a slick user interface. The best collaboration tools are the ones that seamlessly integrate into your organisation's workflow, prioritise security and privacy, and empower your teams to work more efficiently. One such tool that embodies these principles is Platformly. What sets Platformly apart is its integration with blockchain-based decentralised data storage, which provides unparalleled security.

With Platformly, you also have access to a wide range of tools that can be customised to fit your team's specific needs. From video conferencing and chat, kanban-style project organisation, and calendar synchronisation to secure email hosting and file sharing with end-to-end encryption, Platformly has you covered. These tools empower your organisation to communicate, collaborate, and organise tasks effectively, all within a secure and private environment.

Online Project Collaboration Made Easy

Platformly is designed to simplify online project collaboration by offering a suite of features that facilitate effective communication, task management, document sharing, and more. With Platformly, your teams can collaborate in real-time, whether they're working in the same office or spread across the globe. It makes it easy for team members to stay on the same page and work towards common goals.

Through video conferencing and chat capabilities, you can communicate one-on-one or in groups, with options for private or public conversations. Password-protected calls, screen sharing, and integration with other platform apps provide flexibility in how you connect with your team. Plus, you can bridge Platformly with other services like Discord, Telegram, Gitter, Matrix, Slack, and more, ensuring seamless communication across various platforms.

Additionally, Platformly offers a Kanban-style project organisation tool that simplifies personal planning and project management. Your team can create and organise cards, add notes, assign labels, share tasks, attach files, make comments, and track changes. It's the perfect solution for getting your projects organised and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Finding the Right Collaboration Platform for your Organisation

When searching for the right collaboration platform for your organisation, there are several factors to consider. Start by assessing your team's specific needs and workflows. What are the pain points in your current collaboration process? What features are essential for your teams to work efficiently?The question of data security is never far away from one’s thinking when considering collaboration and workflows. The answer has always been to show you’re doing your best and trusting that third-party providers will too. With Platformly’s supported self-hosted data and integrated Swarm decentralised data solutions, organisations no longer have to trust others with the keys to their castle. Instead, they can confidentially own it and determine who, when, and where others get to access their information.

Effective team collaboration is the cornerstone of organisational success. Collaboration platforms, when chosen wisely, can enhance communication, streamline workflows, and boost productivity. However, the risks associated with the wrong platform are real. That's why it's crucial to find a solution like Platformly that aligns with your organisation's goals and values. With the right collaboration tool, you can turn communication challenges into opportunities for improved growth and innovation.