Microsoft 365: How to ensure productivity – Lists

The modern world of business revolves around data - copious amounts of data in some circumstances. Almost everything we do requires us to store and process data – whether that consists of staff records, tasks, inventories, customer details or order processing. With our reliance on data tracking and handling being more important than ever before, the need for fast and easy access to information is imperative to ensure an effective and profitable business.

Microsoft 365 makes this possible. The industry leader in providing tools that have the power to revolutionise the way you work, both remotely and in office, Microsoft has and continues to evolve its infrastructure to allow for as productive a future as possible for businesses all over the globe.

Its tools are at the pinnacle of their capabilities and have revolutionised the way we work for over 45 years. The innovations released over the years have enabled Microsoft to become one of the most successful businesses on the planet, with a 14% increase in annual turnover despite the Corona virus pandemic.

Let’s tackle Data!

Microsoft Lists holds the key to the problems we previously discussed.

Yes, you are right, Lists allows you to make lists, but saying it this way really sells the application short. Lists allows for near complete control over the parameters your list must reside within.

For example, you are the manager of a gym, and your clients sign up to a tier level membership when they start their fitness journey with you. If you have a bronze level, silver level and gold level, Lists will allow you to organise the clients into their particular tier levels – allowing you to ensure you give your customers the service they are paying for. We could be here all day giving examples of different parameter possibilities because they truly are endless!

Is Lists unique? If so, how?

Yes, Lists is unique. We have discussed the ability to present your information with almost total control but another particularly good asset that Lists has is the ability to view your data in many different ways; a calendar format, a card format, or a column based format. You also have control over what part of your list is visible to whom.

Why would you choose Lists?

If you are familiar with Microsoft 365 and its range of tools, you may – at first glance – consider Lists to bare an uncanny resemblance to Microsoft Planner/ the To-do app. You would be correct because it is similar, but its functions are much broader. Its structure allows the user to personalise formats, field titles, and the style too.

The Microsoft Lists phone app

Microsoft’s introduction of a phone app for Lists allows it to be available “on the go” and makes for a more flexible way of working. With many businesses adapting to a remote work setting since the onset of Covid-19 this could really change the game in the way that business owners go about creating lists. It is definitely worth taking some time to delve deeper into what the app has to offer to be sure you are utilising it to its full potential.

Lists can also connect to Power Automate – which we will look at in more detail later on in the series. By utilising the workflow processes in Power Automate, you can allow data inputs to be automatic, bridging the gulf between applications and allowing them to work together for the good of your business.

365 tools have the ability to revolutionise the way you work now and into the future. Explore the different tools they have to offer to see how they could help you and your business achieve greater levels of automation, collaboration, communication, and productivity.

Are you worried you are not using your tech to its full potential? Is using new tech a daunting prospect?



The 1 solution – 1-Fix

At 1fix,we offer a range of business IT services ranging from desktop to server management to network design and cybersecurity assistance. Our expert team can become one with your team whilst establishing itself as your sole IT resource, or we can work alongside your existing team to add our skills and expertise to your IT department. Do not hesitate to contact the 1-Fix team for a conversation on any aspect of your IT.