If your office is suddenly making a switch to allow employees to work remotely during the COVID-19 crisis, you may be wondering how to cope and how to get things done. Fortunately, there are many online and cloud-based tools available that can help your company make the most of working remotely, both now and in the future. Here are some of the most popular and effective:

1. Office 365

Microsoft’s Office 365 includes online versions of Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more, giving all of your staff members access to their emails and all office apps anywhere in the world allowing them to complete their work on any device. Because the service is online, you get ongoing updates and security fixes as part of a monthly or annual subscription.

2. Microsoft Teams and Slack

These two platforms offer instant chat services for your team to be able to communicate as if they were sitting next to each other. You can use them to share files, attend meetings and have team or company-wide conversations easily via video conferencing. (A free version of Teams is available without purchasing Office 365 - learn more here.

3. AnyDesk

This downloadable software allows IT teams to remotely access staff members’ computers in order to resolve any technical issues they may be having whilst away from the workplace. It works across all devices and operating systems including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux. There’s a free personal version as well as paid options for businesses.

4. Zoom and Skype

Both of these video (and chat messaging) tools have multiple online meeting rooms to allow the transmission of voice and video in order to conduct business meetings without staff having to be onsite. Note: Skype is now owned and operated by Microsoft but is not part of the standard Office 365 suite. Google Hangouts and FaceTime can be great for group communication too.

5. Cloud-based file systems

If you don’t have or want Office 365 but need a cloud-based file system, then consider Google Drive, Box.com or Dropbox.

6. Cloud-based payroll systems, including

Among other advantages, cloud-based accounting systems like Xero allow HR managers to ensure staff get paid without needing to be onsite. These systems usually have built-in approval workflows.

7. SAP Business One

SAP Business One is a perfect Cloud CRM, allowing daily processes to be maintained while you’re away from the office. It helps streamline key processes, gain greater insight, and make decisions based on real-time information. Interactions with customers can also be recorded no matter where your customer service personnel may be.

Need advice on remote working, SAP Business One, or understanding which cloud-based systems and tools might work best for your business? Please contact us.