If your business uses Microsoft 365, there's a good chance you're not getting the full value from it. Most organizations use the basics like Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams. But beyond those familiar names lies a suite of powerful tools designed to boost productivity, strengthen collaboration, and streamline business processes.

At IP Consulting, we regularly help businesses uncover hidden gems within Microsoft 365. Below are some underused tools we recommend exploring to get more out of your existing investment.

1. Microsoft Loop

Loop is a relatively new addition to the Microsoft 365 family and is perfect for teams that collaborate on projects. It allows users to create shared workspaces where components like task lists, notes, and tables can be edited in real time across multiple apps including Teams and Outlook. If you're still juggling multiple apps and copy-pasting between them, Loop is worth checking out.

2. Microsoft Planner

Think of Planner as a lightweight project management tool. It lets teams assign tasks, set deadlines, track progress, and collaborate within a simple dashboard. It integrates directly with Teams, which makes it a great option for managing group responsibilities without needing a separate tool like Trello or Asana.

3. Microsoft Forms

Need feedback, surveys, or internal quizzes? Microsoft Forms lets you build forms and gather insights easily. Whether you're collecting employee feedback or running an internal knowledge check, it's simple to set up and integrates with Excel for easy data analysis.

4. Power Automate

Many routine tasks like approval processes, file transfers, or email alerts can be automated using Power Automate. This tool lets you build automated workflows between Microsoft apps and even third-party services. The result is less manual effort, fewer mistakes, and more time for strategic work.

5. Delve

Delve uses AI to help you discover relevant content across your Microsoft 365 environment. It surfaces documents your coworkers are working on, based on what's most relevant to you. It's a great way to stay connected and informed without needing to dig through folders or search manually.

6. OneNote

While many know OneNote exists, not enough teams use it effectively. It's a powerful digital notebook ideal for organizing meeting notes, project ideas, and research. It syncs across devices and integrates with Teams, Outlook, and even Planner.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Microsoft 365

You're already paying for these tools, so why not use them? Whether you're managing a small team or overseeing operations for a large organization, maximizing your Microsoft 365 investment can lead to better collaboration, more efficiency, and fewer third-party app costs.

At IP Consulting, we offer Microsoft Cloud Assessments that help you identify gaps, uncover underused tools, and align your Microsoft environment with your business goals.

Want to find out what you're missing? Contact us today to schedule a Microsoft 365 Assessment.