6 Helpful Tips to Troubleshoot Common Business Network Issues
A business network is the lifeblood of operations. It’s the digital artery that pumps data through your organization. It enables everything from email to critical applications and cloud services.
When problems sever that lifeline, the consequences can be catastrophic. Communication is cut off and productivity grinds to a halt. Additionally, it can leave your customers hanging and dry up revenue streams. This is the stark reality of network downtime.
When downtime happens, it’s important to identify the source as fast as possible. Understanding the issue can save you time, money, and countless headaches. Let’s get started on keeping your network up and running smoothly. Read on for
six helpful tips to troubleshoot common business network issues.
1. Identify the Problem
Understanding the nature of the problem is the first step in troubleshooting. By gathering detailed information, you can narrow down potential causes.
- Determine the Scope
First, determine the scope of the problem. Is it affecting a single user, a group of users, or the entire network? This helps you zero in on the cause, and potential solutions.
For instance, if only one user has issues, it might be a device problem. If the entire network is down, it’s likely a more significant issue.
- Ask Questions
Ask users specific questions about the problem. When did it start? What were they doing when it happened? Have they tried any solutions? Gathering detailed information helps pinpoint the cause.
- Check Error Messages
Look for error messages or alerts. These can provide clues about the nature of the issue. Document these messages for future reference.
2. Inspect Physical Connections
Notifications keep you informed but can be overwhelming. Customize them by going to Settings > Notifications. Choose which activities you want to be notified about. This way, you stay updated without unnecessary interruptions.
- Use Tabs for Quick Access to Team Resources
Tabs in Teams give quick access to important files and apps. No more constantly emailing documents to team members who can’t find them. Add tabs for frequently used documents, websites, or apps. Click the plus icon at the top of a channel and select the type of tab to add. This streamlines workflows and improves productivity.
3. Secure Your Data
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds a critical layer of security to your account. It protects against unauthorized access. Especially in the case of a compromised password. Read this help article to set up M365 MFA.
- Set Up Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies
DLP policies help prevent data breaches. Create policies to identify and protect sensitive information. This ensures compliance with data protection regulations. Go to the Microsoft Purview help page to see how.
- Manage Mobile Device Security
Ensure mobile devices accessing Microsoft 365 are secure. You can do this by upgrading to Microsoft 365 Business Premium. It includes Intune, a powerful endpoint device manager. It allows you to set up several security protocols for devices accessing your data.
4. Customize SharePoint
- Organize with Document Libraries
Document libraries in SharePoint help organize and manage files. Create libraries for different departments or projects. This improves file management and accessibility. Learn how SharePoint integrates with Teams and OneDrive.
- Set Permissions
Control access to your SharePoint site with permissions. Assign permissions based on roles and responsibilities. This ensures only authorized users can access sensitive information.
- Use Site Templates
Site templates in SharePoint are great for sharing information. You can set up topic-focused mini-websites either inside or outside your company. Use templates for common site types, like team sites or project sites.
5. Maximize Productivity with OneDrive
- Sync Files for Offline Access
OneDrive allows you to sync files for offline access. Go to OneDrive, select the files or folders to sync. This ensures you can access important files even without an internet connection.
- Use Version History
Version history in OneDrive allows you to restore previous versions of files. This is vital for business continuity and ransomware recovery. You can view and restore older versions as needed. This helps recover from accidental changes or deletions.
- Share Files Securely
Share files securely with OneDrive. Select a file, click Share, and choose sharing options. Set permissions and expiration dates for shared links. This ensures only intended recipients can access shared files.
6. Leverage Advanced Features
- Use Power Automate for Workflow Automation
Power Automate helps automate repetitive tasks. Go to the Power Automate website and create flows for common workflows. Use templates or create custom flows. This saves time and reduces manual work.
- Analyze Data with Power BI
Power BI provides powerful data analysis and visualization tools. Connect Power BI to your Microsoft 365 data sources. Create interactive reports and dashboards. This helps you gain insights and make informed decisions.
- Add Copilot for Microsoft 365
Copilot is Microsoft’s generative AI engine. It can dramatically reduce the time it takes for all types of tasks. For example, create a PowerPoint presentation from a prompt. Or have Copilot generate tasks based on a Teams meeting. Learn more about Copilot here.
Reach Out for Expert M365 Optimization & Support
Using these essential settings can maximize your Microsoft 365 experience. This can lead to improved security, efficiency, and collaboration.
Want a more detailed exploration of these settings and how to use them? Consider reaching out to our Microsoft 365 team. We’ll be happy to help you optimize and manage your tools and leverage all the benefits.
Reach out today and let’s chat about powering up your use of M365.