Cloud file storage has pretty much become the norm for companies from all walks of life. The market is anticipated to continue growing in the years to come due to the numerous benefits it brings to the table. From 30.7 billion dollars in 2017, it is forecast to reach 88.9 billion dollars in 2022 – a CAGR of 23.7 percent over the period.
Using cloud file storage is beneficial in more than one way but it does have a pronounced positive effect on collaboration. If you’re wondering about the introduction of such a solution in your regular routine, here are the essentials to keep in mind about it.
Much Higher Participation Level
Studies have consistently shown that collaboration is one of the biggest essentials for improving workplace performance.
Whenever people work collaboratively, they’re more likely to stick through challenges, come up with effective solutions and carry through till the end of the project.
There’s a simple reason why this happens – collaboration employs the input and assistance from others. When a person feels a part of the collective, they’re more likely to maintain high motivation levels regardless of the challenges.
Today’s situation, however, has made collaboration somewhat difficult.
Covid-19 affected offices in more than one way. Team sizes have been brought down to reduce risks for employees. Many have embraced remote or work from home models of operation.
While this is great in terms of embracing a digital transformation, some workers feel left out. Cloud file storage enables collaboration from any location. As such, it ensures a very high participation level because accessing the resources and making sure everyone is on the same page becomes easier than ever before.
Real-Time Tracking and Input
Online document storage isn’t just readily accessible. It also enables real-time updates and modifications that everyone on the team will have access to.
Many such systems ensure meticulous version control. Only the latest version of the file is visible to prevent confusion and having people working on different copies. In addition, such platforms allow for the creation of detailed logs. These show the people who have worked on a particular document or project. Hence, other team members know exactly what has been done and when the time has come for them to join in.
Content That Is Easier to Organize and Manage
Whenever files are stored locally, they can be particularly difficult to organize and manage.
This is especially true for paper-based archives and hard drive storage that benefits from whatsoever no filters or a systemic approach towards data organization.
When content is difficult to organize and important documents are misfiled, collaboration becomes a nightmare. Teams lose a lot of their time just to sort through the information and retrieve the files that they need.
Cloud file storage benefits from much smarter and more efficient labeling and indexing opportunities.
The enterprise can create its own workflows, filters and indexing methodologies. When these are explained to everyone and utilized universally, the database will be maintained in perfect order. This way, teams can focus on collaboration and strategic work without wasting their time on mundane tasks.
No Limits
The right cloud file storage solution poses very few limitations in terms of collaboration.
Roles can be assigned so that all individuals involved in a project have access to relevant data. In addition, there are no limitations when it comes to the number of people who have access and the authority to modify the documents.
Hence, different offices, remote workers and even third parties can collaborate with knowledge workers on the execution of a specific task. Employing a cloud-based solution ensures a lot more flexibility and makes it possible to collaborate with anyone who has internet access and the right permission level.
Cloud File Storage Supports Collaboration Expansion
Cloud file storage is highly scalable, which makes it very difficult for the inflexible hardware-based solutions of the past.
The collaboration needs of companies change during the different phases of their existence. Cloud document management systems are ready to accommodate for such changes. Additional resources can be enabled instantaneously. The same applies to the creation of brand new workflows and automation protocols.
The enterprise is only paying for the resources being utilized, resulting in cost-efficient solutions that nurture growth. Flexibility is there and it’s probably one of the biggest assets of the cloud environment.
Overall Better Organizational Performance
In the end of the day, the right business solutions strengthen overall organizational performance.
Everybody views and utilizes the same platform. There are no more files going back and forth, turning version control into absolute disaster. A centralized system reduces the risk of errors and streamlines collaboration procedures.
There’s no more need to work hard on keeping track of changes. The system will handle such processes on its own, bringing down the burden on employees.
Cloud file storage is way too affordable and scalable to be overlooked. If you believe that your organization is dealing with some collaboration challenges right now, this may be one of the tech solutions you want to employ.