Microsoft 365 is more than just Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams. If your business is using a Microsoft 365 plan, you already have access to a range of powerful apps designed to improve productivity, streamline workflows, and enhance collaboration, at no additional cost.
Many organisations overlook these lesser-known apps, potentially missing opportunities to automate workflows and improve efficiency. In this post, we explore some valuable yet underutilised Microsoft 365 tools and how they can benefit your business.
Microsoft Bookings – Online Appointment Scheduling Made Simple
Microsoft Bookings enables businesses to offer an online booking system that integrates with Outlook and Teams. This eliminates the hassle of scheduling meetings through email, providing clients with a convenient self-service booking option.
Ideal for: Service-based businesses, IT support teams, consultants, and sales professionals.
- Customisable booking pages with automated reminders
- Seamless calendar integration for real-time availability
- Reduces scheduling conflicts and improves efficiency
Microsoft Forms – Efficient Data Collection
Microsoft Forms simplifies the process of gathering information through online surveys, quizzes, and feedback forms. Responses are collected in real-time and can be automatically exported to Excel for further analysis.
Ideal for: Businesses conducting customer feedback surveys, employee assessments, or event registrations.
- User-friendly interface with customisable templates
- Real-time tracking and reporting
- Mobile-friendly and accessible from any device
Microsoft Planner – Task and Project Management
Microsoft Planner provides an intuitive way to organise projects using a Kanban-style board. It helps teams track tasks, assign responsibilities, and monitor progress without the complexity of full-scale project management software.
Ideal for: Small to mid-sized teams managing multiple projects or workflows.
- Drag-and-drop task organisation
- Task assignments with due dates and progress tracking
- Visual dashboards for team collaboration
Microsoft To Do – Personal Task Management
Microsoft To Do is a simple yet effective tool for organising daily tasks, setting reminders, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. It syncs across devices and integrates with Outlook tasks for seamless workflow management.
Ideal for: Business professionals looking for an easy-to-use personal task manager.
- Syncs across all devices
- Customisable lists and reminders
- Integrated with Outlook for seamless task management
Microsoft Loop – Dynamic Collaboration (Available with Microsoft 365 Business Standard & Premium)
Microsoft Loop is a flexible, real-time collaboration tool designed to enhance teamwork. It allows users to create and share content across Microsoft apps, keeping projects fluid and well-organised.
Ideal for: Remote and hybrid teams that require seamless collaboration across multiple platforms.
- Real-time co-authoring and content syncing
- Works within Teams, Outlook, and Word
- Keeps ideas, notes, and tasks connected across apps
Maximising Your Microsoft 365 Investment
If your business is already using Microsoft 365, leveraging these built-in applications can help you get more value from your subscription. From scheduling and task management to data collection and collaboration, these tools offer practical solutions to enhance productivity and streamline operations.
Need expert guidance on optimising Microsoft 365 for your business? Contact us today to learn how we can help you make the most of your technology investment.