Writings and ramblings on SharePoint for those who are addicted to it!
The following are three key aspects for evidence-based policymaking with SharePoint:
Reduce un-needed spending. Using a budget can identify and eliminate ineffective and unutilized technologies.
Expand innovative programs. Use new and untested aspects to determine whether they work to identify opportunities.
Strengthen accountability. Collect and report data on program operations and outcomes to hold decision makers accountable for results.
SharePoint is a very powerful tool which can be utilized to reengineer a business process by following these steps:
1) Identify the most important processes to be reengineered.
2) Understand and measure the existing processes and diagram it out with a business process map.
3) Utilize the best technology to solve the problem at hand. Does out of the box technology work or does a custom solution using the Power Platform need to be utilized?
4) Create a proof of concept of the new process and then build on it as needed.
A SharePoint strategic plan needs to include the high-level aspects:
1) Ensure success - focus on developing the knowledge, character, and skills required to succeed and to adapt.
2) Promoting innovation - reimagine the role of technology needed for the needed context.
3) Advancing - ways to contribute to the promoting and advancing knowledge.
The following are four key steps in regard to the scope of a SharePoint project:
1) Identify what is trying to be built from beginning to end.
2) Identify what processes and technologies will be utilized in the built solution.
3) Identify the various systems associated with the built solution that will and will not be included in the scope.
4) Identify the department that will and will not be involved in the development of the built solution.
The following are seven phases of a SharePoint project:
Phase 1 - Concept:
1) Define the purpose
2) Define the proposal
3) Define the requirements
Phase 2 - Analysis:
1) Define requirements are possible
2) Document the specifications
3) Determine what technology will be utilized
Phase 3 - Design:
1) Develop proof of concept set-up and layout
2) Agree on schedule based on what will be developed
3) Obtain initial feedback on proof of concept and ideas
Phase 4 - Test Implementation:
1) Create and develop actual interface, layout and functionality
2) Document the interface, layout and functionality
3) Obtain proper sponsor review
Phase 5 - Testing:
1) Review and test-built solution
2) Have issues list for where items found during testing need input
3) Review and fix issues from testing
Phase 6 - Implement:
1) Ready solution for go-live
2) Deploy and make available solution
3) Communicate solution is available
Phase 7 - Maintain and Support:
1) Maintain solution
2) Update solution
3) Document solution as needed
The following are 5 good sites to reference in regard to everything SharePoint query related:
How to build a query:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/how-to-build-a-query-2c2e5864-8590-4715-9568-267ad59654fd
Manage query rules:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/manage-query-rules
Building search queries in SharePoint:
Query String URL Tricks for SharePoint and Microsoft 365:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/community/query-string-url-tricks-sharepoint-m365
SharePoint Online list:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-query/connectors/sharepoint-online-list
The following is a SharePoint dictionary word of the day:
Workflow associator
An individual associating a workflow template with a list, library, content type or site.
