What Makes Microsoft 365 a Must-Have for Modern Businesses

What Makes Microsoft 365 a Must-Have for Modern Businesses

Microsoft 365 is more than just Word and Excel — it’s a full collaboration and productivity ecosystem. In this post, we share ten actionable tips to help Western Sydney businesses optimise Microsoft 365, from improving teamwork with Teams to automating workflows with Power Platform tools. Learn how BIT365 can support your journey with Microsoft 365.

Microsoft 365 is a robust cloud-based productivity suite that includes tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Power Apps, Planner, and Forms. More than just software, it’s an integrated digital workplace that enhances collaboration, communication, and security.

Key features include:

  • Microsoft Teams: A hub for video calls, chat, and file sharing
  • OneDrive: Secure cloud file storage and syncing
  • Power Apps & Power Automate: Tools to build custom apps and automate tasks
  • Microsoft Planner: Visual task tracking for teams
  • Microsoft Forms: Easy-to-use forms, surveys, and quizzes
  • Real-time collaboration: Co-edit Word or Excel documents simultaneously
  • Advanced security: Multi-factor authentication, encryption, and compliance tools

Whether you're working from Wetherill Park, Blacktown, or Parramatta, Microsoft 365 gives your business the flexibility to stay productive anywhere.

How to Optimise Microsoft 365 for Your Business

1. Embrace Microsoft Teams for Smarter Collaboration

Set up dedicated Teams channels for departments or projects to keep discussions and files organised. Integrate SharePoint for centralised document management and version control.

Tip for small businesses: Use Teams to host client meetings, share files, and collaborate without extra software.

2. Customise Your Environment to Match Your Workflow

Personalise SharePoint sites and Teams with your branding and internal structure. This helps improve user adoption and makes navigation intuitive for your team.

Example: A Campbelltown-based firm tailored their SharePoint hub to mirror their internal org chart — boosting engagement by 35%.

3. Automate Routine Work with Power Platform

Use Power Apps to create internal apps (e.g., leave forms or equipment checklists). Automate repetitive tasks like email alerts or invoice processing with Power Automate.

Pro tip: Automate common tasks like IT help desk ticketing or onboarding checklists — saving hours each week.

4. Tighten Security with Built-In Tools

Microsoft 365 offers Azure Information Protection and Advanced Threat Protection. These tools help secure sensitive data and defend against cyberattacks.

Small business solution: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all accounts — a quick win for strong security.

5. Stay Trained and Informed

Regular product updates mean new features often go unnoticed. Encourage your team to engage with Microsoft Learn or set up monthly training sessions.

Example: A Wetherill Park business saw a 20% increase in productivity after implementing quarterly refresher workshops.

6. Partner with a Microsoft 365 Expert

Working with a certified partner like BIT365 ensures you’re getting the most out of your licenses. From setup to user training and custom app development — we support it all.

Real-life example: We helped a Blacktown IT services company automate their internal reporting using Power BI, saving over 10 hours a month.

7. Optimise Email and Calendar Productivity

Use Focused Inbox to filter out distractions and Quick Steps to speed up recurring email actions. Shared calendars and task lists help teams stay aligned.

Local tip: Small Western Sydney teams benefit from setting up shared “customer service” inboxes and task boards.

8. Access Microsoft 365 on Any Device

Microsoft 365 works seamlessly across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. This flexibility supports remote work — whether you're on the job site or working from home.

Scenario: A mobile technician in Parramatta can view job sheets on their phone via OneDrive or Teams in real-time.

9. Use Microsoft Planner for Simple Project Management

Planner makes task tracking easy with drag-and-drop boards, assignments, and due dates. It’s perfect for SMBs that don’t need complex tools like MS Project.

Pro tip: Use Planner integrated with Teams for daily standups and progress tracking.

10. Gather Feedback with Microsoft Forms

Collect employee or customer feedback, run internal surveys, or streamline onboarding using Forms. It’s quick to set up and integrates directly into Teams or Outlook.

Take the Next Step with Microsoft 365 and BIT365

If you're looking to improve communication, streamline operations, or tighten security — Microsoft 365 has the tools. But getting the most value means using those tools right.

BIT365 supports Western Sydney businesses — from Parramatta to Campbelltown — with end-to-end Microsoft 365 setup, support, and training.

Ready to level up your Microsoft 365 experience?

👉 Contact BIT365 today for a tailored Microsoft 365 strategy.