Global intranet for Axon Group PLC improves internal communication
Netcel was commissioned by leading business transformation consultancy, Axon Group PLC, to completely redevelop its global intranet. The project has made the intranet, called Axon Radio, a more powerful communications tool for the company's 1400 staff, the majority of whom are mobile consultants who use the information and tools for day-to-day operations.
Key elements of the project, which was completed within a tight, eight week time frame, included introducing a content management solution; improving site design and features; and enhancing the search facility.
"Our intranet is an important tool for staff, especially consultants who work remotely, anywhere in the world, using it to access email, complete timesheets and share information. So we are very keen to find ways to improve the effectiveness and usage of the site," explains Axon's IT manager, Caroline Caple. "One key area we wanted to update was to enable users or company departments to post or amend information to the site without having to involve the IT department. We also wanted to make it easier to use and find information and to give the site a consistent look and feel."
The core reason for choosing Netcel was their structured, systematic approach, as Caroline explains:
"At the first meeting Netcel brought in its internet audit tool, which included a detailed questionnaire forcing us to identify priorities and focus on how and where we wanted the site to change."
Netcel's structured methodology continued with a user workshop and survey that helped it build scenarios of how Axon staff typically use the site. "The research enabled us to create a skeleton of the intranet which we tested to assess navigation and usability," explains Becky Crouch, Netcel Senior Project Manager. "We wanted users to be able to get to any information or an application within three clicks."
To streamline the process of posting information to the site, Netcel integrated a content management system into the intranet. Axon now has 20 authors within company departments who can put information directly onto the site. Information loaded automatically conforms to the corporate branding guidelines, enabling the site to maintain a consistent look and feel.
"The practical benefits from the project include the cost and speed rewards of making it easier to update and post information to the intranet. This coupled with improved navigation and usability, and enhanced search facility will promote more knowledge sharing and collaboration among staff," explains Phil Kingsland, Axon's Commercial Support Manager.
"But the true test of success is in the response from users - and all the feedback about the site has been very positive. Not only that but, staff are increasingly coming up with new ideas for information they feel should be added to the site. We have met our original targets in terms of creating a well-structured, consistent site with easy to find information and are looking forward to the further benefits of distributed authoring," Phil concludes.
For more information on Axon, visit www.axonglobal.com
Key site features
Netcel enhanced the search facility on the intranet by introducing Microsoft Indexing Server software. This interrogates all page and document (eg Word Excel, PDF) content and presents results in a structured and prioritised list. The system reviews and indexes new documents and updates constantly in order to maintain efficient search speeds.
The staff directory has been made more user-friendly by allowing staff to keep their contact details up-to-date directly rather than having to involve the IT department. The introduction of this facility prompted 125 employees to update their details within the first week.
A threaded discussion group facility, which enables employees to pose and discuss questions with Axon's directors, is a feature that has been included as part of the project. Axon hopes to add other discussion groups over time.