The utilization of an Intranet Portal is one of the most effective and efficient ways to make information available
to staff, customers, suppliers, and investors. By using common Internet technology, sound architectural planning,
and adequate security measures, clients can either “push” out information, or allow authorized parties to “pull”
information as needed. Clients have been able to identify real time and money savings by utilizing such Portal-based
functions as:
Publishing Company Documents Online. Items such as Employee Manuals, various Benefit Plan details, Company Policies, various employee
enrollment and HR-related forms and instructions, and other employee-related forms. These implementations can
dramatically reduce the volume of calls coming into the related departments, because most inquiries can be
answered over the Portal.
Portal-based Timesheet Entry. These implementations reduce the number of times a timesheet is handled,
provide on-line editing to reduce errors, and speed payroll and customer billing processes.
Portal-based Employee Expense Entry. Similar benefits are gained through instant editing and a reduction
in the number of times an Expense Report is handled. Approvals can be automated, and not be delayed while paperwork
is in the mail.
Direct, controlled access to company-approved vendors. This capability can be used to control purchases
by directing the buyer to the preferred vendor; minimize costs and improve visibility into travel expenses by
directing the traveler to a preferred travel agent or carrier.
Creating and making accessible an INTERNAL body of knowledge on any number of priority topics. Success
stories, winning sales pursuits, internal product specifications, competitor weaknesses, and confidential
communications can all be made available through the use of a secure Portal.
Use of the Intranet Portal to disseminate important information and announcements to related organizations or individuals.
Marathon Consulting has extension experience in Intranet Portal Development, and each portal is designed to meet the exact needs of the client. The client does not have to
purchase unwanted functionality because it might be part of a package or shrink-wrapped portal tool. All of the
software components are the sole property of the client and there are no license fees, either initial or ongoing,
that would increase the cost of the solution. Client Portals can also be developed with the ability for the client
to perform a great deal of the ongoing maintenance required to keep the information on the Portal up to date. This
limits the client’s dependence on programmers, reduces the total cost of ownership over time, and extends the
economic life of the software.
