A Gartner study found that 40% of SharePoint projects fail due to poor implementation and adoption issues. Employees often find it overwhelming, IT teams struggle with customization, and security concerns can create compliance headaches.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated with SharePoint, you’re not alone. Let’s break down some of the biggest challenges businesses face and how to overcome them.
1. User Adoption: Employees Find SharePoint Confusing
Many organizations invest in SharePoint but then struggle to get employees to actually use it. Common complaints include:
- “It’s too complicated.”
- “I don’t know where to find the documents I need.”
- “The interface is confusing.”
Why does this happen?
Most employees aren’t trained properly on how to use SharePoint, and without clear guidelines, they resort to old habits—like saving files to desktops or using personal Google Drives. This defeats the entire purpose of SharePoint.
Solution:
- Provide hands-on training with real-world examples relevant to employees’ daily work.
- Simplify navigation by customizing the interface to match how your teams work.
- Encourage adoption with executive buy-in—when leadership uses SharePoint, employees follow.
2. Messy Document Management: Files Are Hard to Find
One of SharePoint’s core features is document storage, but poor organization can turn it into a digital junkyard.
Common problems:
- Files are saved in random locations, making it impossible to find what you need.
- Different versions of the same document cause confusion.
- Permissions are not properly set, leading to unauthorized access or restrictions.
Solution:
- Establish a clear folder structure and naming conventions for files.
- Enable version control to prevent outdated files from causing confusion.
- Set role-based permissions so only the right people can access sensitive data.
3. Customization Limitations: Making SharePoint Work for Your Business
Out-of-the-box, SharePoint offers a lot—but sometimes, it doesn’t align perfectly with specific business needs. Many companies require custom workflows, integrations, and UI tweaks, but they hit a wall when:
- Custom development is costly and time-consuming.
- Some features require coding knowledge (Power Automate, Power Apps, etc.).
- Updates from Microsoft break existing customizations.
Solution:
- Leverage third-party SharePoint add-ons for enhanced functionality.
- Use Power Automate for workflow automation instead of custom scripts.
- Work with an experienced SharePoint development partner for scalable customization.
4. Performance Issues: Slow Loading & Downtime
A slow SharePoint system kills productivity. Large file sizes, excessive metadata, and unoptimized search functions can cause long loading times. Microsoft’s own documentation states that poorly optimized SharePoint sites can see load times exceeding 5 seconds, frustrating users.
Solution:
- Optimize large files using OneDrive sync instead of uploading everything directly.
- Regularly clean up unused sites and libraries to prevent database bloat.
- Enable caching and indexing to speed up search results.
5. Security and Compliance Concerns
With data breaches costing companies an average of $4.45 million (IBM Security Report, 2023), SharePoint security is a major concern. Common risks include:
- Misconfigured permissions leading to data leaks.
- Employees accidentally sharing confidential files externally.
- Lack of audit logs and compliance tracking.
Solution:
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and conditional access policies.
- Use DLP (Data Loss Prevention) policies to prevent sensitive information from being shared externally.
- Regularly audit permissions to ensure only authorized users have access.
How Zenesys Can Help You Solve SharePoint Challenges
If you’re struggling with SharePoint, you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Zenesys, a trusted Microsoft SharePoint development company, specializes in optimizing SharePoint for businesses of all sizes.
Why Choose Zenesys?
- Expert Customization: From workflow automation to UI enhancements, Zenesys tailors SharePoint to fit your business.
- Seamless Migration & Integration: Whether you’re moving to SharePoint Online or integrating with third-party tools, they ensure a smooth transition.
- Security & Compliance Solutions: Zenesys helps set up secure environments to prevent data breaches and meet industry regulations.
- Ongoing Support & Training: Get continuous assistance to maximize SharePoint adoption within your organization.
If SharePoint has been a challenge for your company, Zenesys can provide the right solutions to make it work seamlessly for you.
Conclusion: Making SharePoint Work for Your Business
SharePoint can be an incredibly powerful tool—if it’s set up and used correctly. Many businesses struggle with user adoption, messy document management, performance issues, and security concerns, but with the right approach, these challenges can be overcome.
By implementing proper training, streamlining workflows, optimizing performance, and ensuring security best practices, your team can fully leverage SharePoint’s potential. And if you need expert guidance, Zenesys is ready to help.
Are you facing any SharePoint challenges in your organization? Drop a comment below or reach out for expert advice!