Technology

Collaboration Tools You Can’t Do Without

Collaboration Tools You Can't Do Without

For any business, some form of collaboration is vital as teamwork aims to achieve a common goal. The most successful companies implement regularly scheduled team meetings as means of updating, informing, and assigning. Therefore, collaboration, especially with larger projects, becomes a key facilitator of meaningful information.

Teams come together to collaborate in many different ways. Modern technology makes collaboration more accessible, quicker, and mobile, but traditional collaboration methods are still essential. Some of the best collaboration tools include:

  • Dry Erase Products
  • Conference Calling
  • Collaboration Software and Apps

Dry eraser products are a cheap and efficient means of communication, while your team can make conference calls via telecommunications and mobile video devices. In addition, PC and smart device apps allow for powerful collaboration tools where users can edit and contribute from anywhere in the world.

Dry Erase Products

The oldest method of collaboration, the roots of dry erase products essentially go back to the earliest forms of writing. Slate and stone, the abacus, and chalkboards are great examples. In a modern setting, whiteboards are in use in offices all over the world. Whiteboards are excellent for holding collaboration meetings where written communication is a requirement, such as brainstorming, for example.

The great thing about whiteboards and dry erase products is that they are non-permanent. So you can write what you need using whiteboard or chalk markers and then wipe away with a cloth when the information is no longer required – ready for the next group or team session.

Conference Calling

Since its invention in 1956 and subsequent release in 1964, the conference caller device by Bell Labs and AT & T revolutionized the office. Before this, information was slow to reach multiple parties by telephone calls, letters, and telegrams. Conference calling allows various parties to communicate and collaborate from anywhere in the world.

Technology improved conference calling with video call apps. While video calling is nothing new, it has taken publicly available internet connection speeds a little longer to catch up. Video calls allow for instant visual conference calling with apps like Skype, Zoom, and Teams.

Collaboration Software and Apps

Conferencing is an excellent method of taking real-time input from multiple parties, either orally or visually. But once a call has ended, so too does feedback. But team collaboration doesn’t need to end there. Because of the internet and powerful apps and software, authorized people can contribute to a project. Moreover, team members can do this from anywhere in the world at any time.

Collaboration software allows authorized users to edit, add notes, amend and addend multiple document types. Most modern office apps allow collaboration of this type. These include Google Apps and Microsoft Office. But specialized apps like FlowDock and WebEx also allow online training seminars and live chat. 

Summary

There are multiple ways you can collaborate with your teams. Some are based on traditional techniques, some are improvements to existing technology, and some methods are truly 21st century. For example, dry erase markers and whiteboards are an office staple, while conference calling is essential for multi-party communication. In addition, modern apps and software allow users to edit documents, host live chat sessions and online webinars.

About the author

Tom Bernes

Tom Bernes is the Editorial Director at The Next Hint Inc.

Prior to joining The Next Hint Inc, Tom had a hand in a number of online and print publications, including InternetNews.com as chief copy editor and Government Technology Magazine as managing editor. He also did a stint in Sydney as group editor of RBI Australia's manufacturing group, which is when he also developed an affinity (a love, really) for cricket.

Add Comment

Click here to post a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *