"We are on the cusp of surpassing 100 employees and are looking for a way to utilize SharePoint to create a means for our engineers to reserve vehicles, cell phones, satellite phones, laptops, iPads, and more for their field visits. We need a reservation-type system with more functionality than just using a calendar in SharePoint or Outlook. Thank you!" - W.N., Project Admin
The above message we received sometime this summer from W.N., a project admin at that particular business. This was a typical request we receive on a regular basis from enterprise level, government (GSA), and small businesses. This plea underscores a common challenge faced by many organizations today: the need for a sophisticated reservation system that extends beyond basic calendar tools. As technology and assets become integral to operations, the demand for an advanced, integrated solution grows exponentially.
Wendy's sentiment is one shared by many businesses today. A simple calendar system no longer suffices in a world driven by technological assets and logistical needs. Ensuring efficient asset management, especially as a company grows, is both challenging and necessary.
The Need for an Advanced Reservation System
A basic calendar in SharePoint or Outlook might suffice for a team of ten, but when your organization nears or surpasses the hundred mark, the need for something more comprehensive becomes apparent. Here's why:
- Diverse Assets: Today's businesses employ a myriad of devices—vehicles, cell phones, satellite phones, laptops, iPads, and more. Each of these assets has its unique reservation parameters.
- Overlap & Conflicts: With the increase in the number of reservations, potential conflicts rise. An effective system will prevent double bookings.
- Maintenance Scheduling: Devices need routine maintenance. An ideal reservation system should be able to schedule and track these intervals.
- Ease of Use: For engineers and other staff, the system should be intuitive. It shouldn’t be a chore to reserve an asset.
How to Choose the Right System
When searching for the perfect system, keep in mind:
- Scalability: Can the system accommodate growth? As assets and employees increase, it should scale without hiccups.
- Customizability: Your business is unique, and so are its needs. Your reservation system should be flexible to cater to specific requirements.
- Integration: The system should integrate seamlessly with other tools, like SharePoint, which you might already be using.
- Support & Training: How accessible is help? Additionally, does the provider offer training for smooth onboarding?
Why Ultimate Forms for SharePoint Might Be Your Best Bet
Enter Ultimate Forms—a comprehensive solution designed specifically for SharePoint. Here’s its edge:
- Deep Integration with SharePoint: If you're already a SharePoint user, ULIMATEFORMS will feel like a natural extension, amping up its functionality without burdening users with a new learning curve.
- Customizable: Tailor Ultimate Forms to your specific needs, ensuring the system works in tandem with your requirements.
- Scalable: Designed with growth in mind, Ultimate Forms can evolve alongside your business.
- Stellar Support: Their team is there when you need them, making troubleshooting a breeze.
- Training Options: To ensure optimal utilization, Ultimate Forms offers training from the get-go.
Resources to Help you Build your own Assets Management System
Prebuilt Solutions: Infowise provides many prebuilt solutions suitable for various organizational needs. These ready-to-deploy applications streamline the implementation process, allowing businesses to leverage technology for asset management quickly. Additionally, these solutions can be customized further according to specific requirements.
Webinars: To maximize the value delivered to their users, Infowise conducts a series of webinars. These webinars cover various topics, from basic product introductions to deep dives into complex features. They aim to offer straightforward instruction, guidance, and up-to-date insights, catering to beginners and seasoned users.
Documentation: Infowise offers comprehensive documentation to ensure users always have the guidance they need. Whether trying to troubleshoot an issue, delve into advanced functionalities, or simply understand an essential feature, the detailed guides by Infowise act as a reliable resource for users across all skill levels.
Conclusion
In a competitive business environment, the right tools can set you apart. Efficient asset management is no longer optional—it's crucial. While there are numerous systems on offer, Ultimate Forms for SharePoint stands out, promising robustness, scalability, and customizability, all packaged neatly for businesses ready to ascend to the next level.
