Establishing a Portal for Business – How to Know If It’s Worth It

Establishing a Business Portal - Is This the Right Investment for You?

In today's digital age, a strong online presence is essential for any business wanting to remain relevant and competitive. However, beyond a basic corporate website, more and more companies are discovering the advantages of a comprehensive organizational portal. Whether it's improving internal communication, streamlining workflows, or strengthening customer connections—a business portal can be a powerful tool for growth and success.

But how do you know if this is the right investment for your business?

First, let’s define what a business portal actually is. Essentially, it is an online platform serving as a central access point for information, applications, and resources related to the organization. This can encompass anything from project management and file sharing to a self-service customer portal and a learning management system. The common denominator is that a portal consolidates all workflows and communication processes in one accessible and secure location.

So what are the benefits of establishing a portal for your business?

Well, the data tells the story. Research from Forrester found that companies with business portals experienced a 35% improvement in internal collaboration, a 42% increase in employee satisfaction, and cost savings of over 30 hours per employee per month due to more efficient workflows. In terms of ROI, it is estimated that the investment in a portal pays for itself in less than a year.

But beyond the numbers, it's important to evaluate the specific needs and goals of your business. If you manage a company with many remote or mobile teams, a portal can significantly enhance communication and coordination. If you have a complex operational activity requiring automation and streamlining of processes, a portal with built-in workflows could be a game changer. And if you are a business focused on customer service, a portal that offers 24/7 access to account information, technical support, and self-help resources can greatly empower the experience and satisfaction.

An excellent example of this is the company AppsFlyer, a provider of mobile attribution and analytics platforms. With offices worldwide and thousands of customers, communication and knowledge management were ongoing challenges. After implementing an organizational portal, AppsFlyer saw a 45% increase in insights sharing, a 20% reduction in customer response times, and a significant improvement in employee morale. The portal became a central tool driving the company's growth and innovation.

So how do you proceed?

The first step is to have an in-depth discussion with all stakeholders about the organization’s challenges and goals. Seek insights and ideas on how a portal can improve the work and experience of each group—management, employees, customers, and suppliers. Based on this information, you can define the key requirements and metrics to assess success.

The next step is to establish the budget and research possible solutions. Cost-wise, the range is broad—ranging from tens of thousands of shekels for basic cloud portals to millions of shekels for custom platforms. Inquire with technology companies about pricing, implementation processes, payment models, and levels of service. Don’t compromise on functionality, but also don’t pay for features you don’t really need.

The timeline for implementation should also be a central factor in the decision. Most projects last several months, but the range can vary from a few weeks to a year, depending on the scope and complexity. Create a detailed work plan with clear milestones, and allocate appropriate internal resources to manage the project. Remember—a portal implementation is not just an IT project, but a comprehensive organizational change that requires involvement and ownership from all levels.

Finally, consider the ongoing investment involved in establishing a portal for your business. Aside from one-time development and implementation costs, expect monthly or annual expenses for hosting, licensing, support, and ongoing maintenance. Ensure that you have a sustainable funding model for the portal over time, with a dedicated budget for future upgrades and updates. After all, a portal is not a one-time project but a living, breathing digital asset.

In conclusion, establishing a portal for your business is an important strategic decision that can yield significant benefits, but it also involves a considerable investment. Before you jump into the water, take the time to analyze the business rationale, calculate the expected return, and build a detailed implementation plan. With the right approach, a portal can be the catalyst that propels your business forward—toward better communication, smarter processes, and faster growth. So if you feel your organization is ready for a digital leap, it may be time to consider investing in your own portal. The decision may not be easy, but the returns can be game-changing.