Unlocking Efficiency: 5 Compelling Reasons M365 is Your Municipality’s Records Management Powerhouse 

Most municipalities we work with utilize Microsoft 365 for email, communication, collaboration, and document storage. However, Microsoft 365 can also act as your records management powerhouse! In this post, we’ll uncover five compelling reasons why M365 is the key to unlocking efficiency in your local government.  

Customization to Your Process 

Tailoring Microsoft 365 to the unique needs of your municipality is the first step towards a more efficient records management system. Your technology should work for you, not the other way around! We work with our municipal clients to define and wireframe their ideal records management process. We then implement it using parts of the Records Center in combination with Power Automate, Power Apps, Microsoft Lists, and Azure Automations. By customizing the tools to your process, you can leverage the tools your team already knows and trusts, while enjoying the benefits of a tailored document management solution. 

Data Residency and Access Control 

Data residency and access is a paramount concern for local governments, given the sensitivity of the information they handle. Microsoft 365 allows municipalities to maintain strict compliance with data residency regulations. By customizing data storage and access permissions, you can ensure sensitive data stays within designated boundaries. This level of control helps to safeguard your information, while streamlining access to authorized end users, making it easier to protect and manage data in compliance with local requirements.  

Added Security Features 

There are a number of features in Microsoft 365 you can leverage to strengthen your data security for both transitory and official records.  Permission structures, conditional access policies, multifactor authentication, and encryption work together to protect sensitive municipal data and mitigate the risk of security breaches. Additionally, Microsoft 365 provides real-time monitoring and response capabilities, allowing you to stay vigilant against emerging threats. 

Reliability

When it comes to reliability, Microsoft has a proven track record of service performance. Using Microsoft as your cloud-based solution for document management offers inherent advantages for disaster recovery and business continuity, ensuring your essential data and services remain accessible even in the face of unforeseen challenges.  

The Hidden Advantage: You’re Already Paying for It 

Here’s the hidden advantage that often surprises local governments: you’re likely already paying for tools and applications we can use to customize your records management experience through existing Microsoft licenses. This means you can access comprehensive document management capabilities without additional software costs. Employing applications you are already paying for can be an excellent and cost-efficient decision that still offers powerful document management tools to enhance your municipality’s efficiency. 

Customizable, compliant, and reliable, Microsoft 365 is ready to empower your local government and streamline your approach to records management. Contact us today to learn more about how Microsoft 365 can modernize your municipality’s operations!