In response to the organization’s reliance on traditional communication channels like email, phone calls, and network drives, which led to various challenges such as file size limitations, inconsistent branding, and difficulty in managing internal updates and projects, a comprehensive solution was devised: the development of an intranet.
Tasked with a tight timeline of less than six months, the Marketing and Communications team embarked on this project with unwavering commitment, despite their existing workload. To ensure robust security features, Drupal 7 was chosen as the Content Management System (CMS), notwithstanding its steep learning curve.
The planning phase was intensive, involving extensive collaboration between creative designers and developers. Apart from establishing a cohesive branding identity through wireframe mock-ups, technical feasibility and future scalability were also meticulously considered. Moreover, ensuring mobile compatibility added complexity to the planning process, necessitating thorough coordination across all departments to ensure inclusivity and user satisfaction.
Key features such as a bulletin board, blog functionality, colleague recognition (“Apple Tree” initiative), Executive Board announcements, and event management capabilities were integrated into the intranet. Notably, the inclusion of chat functionality and a comprehensive resource section housing branding guidelines, HR documents, and announcements marked significant strides in accessibility and efficiency, eliminating the need for staff to access resources through the organization’s network server.
By addressing these challenges and implementing a multifaceted solution, the intranet emerged as a pivotal tool for enhancing internal communication, collaboration, and resource accessibility within the organization.