Top 3 Out of The Box SharePoint Features for Greater Efficiency

Interested in a few of the most useful, out-of-the-box features that SharePoint boasts today? This DIY post will get you going in no time with Alerts, Check-outs, and Views – including the best way to get started with each.

 

Feature #1: SharePoint Alerts

Why? Are you interested in a specific item and when it is updated? No need for an entire Workflow, set an Alert!

How:

In the ribbon, under the List tab, click on Alert Me

Then Select Set alert on this list

 

SharePoint alerts, alert me option

Set the appropriate alert options

SharePoint alert options

 

Select OK – and you’re finished!

 

Feature #2: Document Check In and Check Out

WHY?

Have you ever wanted to prevent others from editing a document you are working on?

Checking out a document allows you to share the document with others while you are still actively working on it.

HOW:

Select the checkbox next to the document you would like to Checkout

In the ribbon, under the Files tab, select Check Out

SharePoint document check out

 

You will now notice the Check Out symbol appears over the Word Icon

SharePoint document check out symbol

 

Make the desired changes to the checked-out document

Check in the document when you are finished by selecting the checkbox next to the document, then, selecting Check In from under the Files Ribbon

Enter any Comments you have about the changes made

SharePoint document check in

 

Select OK, and you’re all set!

 

 

Feature #3: SharePoint Views

Why?

Maybe you have too many columns in your current view. Maybe you want to look at only a specific set, and another department wants to look at a specific set of columns. Maybe you just want to see what has a pending status in chronological order

How?

Select create view from the ribbon

SharePoint create view

 

Name your view and select the audience

SharePoint view name

**Note** Only Administrators have the option of creating public views. If an end-user creates a view that may be useful for everyone an administrator will have to recreate it publicly.

 

Select which columns you would like displayed, and in what order

SharePoint view columns

 

Select your Sorting, Filtering, and Grouping

SharePoint view sorting

SharePoint view grouping

And there you have it. SharePoint has many built-in features to help the end-user manage his/her documents more efficiently. Alerts, Checkouts, and Views are just a few of the out-of-the-box features SharePoint offers. Want to discover more helpful tips, tricks, and DIYs? Reach out to discuss how our SharePoint Support Services can help your organization get more out of all of SharePoint’s features.

Related Articles to Help Grow Your Knowledge

Features and Benefits of Microsoft 365
Features and Benefits of Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office 365 has all the apps that help you reach your business or educational goals. Learn more about the features and benefits of Microsoft 365 that will help you achieve those goals efficiently. This guide will also help those who have...

Automating Your Tasks with Teams and Power Automate
Automating Your Tasks with Teams and Power Automate

Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that combines all the tools your team needs to be productive. MS Teams is an ideal platform to enhance productivity and help you accomplish more things. With its powerful chat features, you can easily stay in touch with your...

Do You Need Power Automate Dataverse Integration?
Do You Need Power Automate Dataverse Integration?

Part of the Microsoft Power Platform, Power Automate (formerly known as Microsoft Flow) is a must-have tool for any business. Power Automate can help you increase business productivity by automating routine processes and tasks, freeing your employees to focus on...