Case Studies
Enhancing Internal Communications and Knowledge Sharing: Hatmill’s Remote Workforce Success with Cloud Design Box
Hatmill, a logistics and supply chain consultancy with a flat, autonomous organisational structure, operates entirely remotely with 75 team members. This innovative model required a cohesive digital solution to overcome challenges in internal communications and knowledge sharing.
Cloud Design Box partnered with Hatmill to implement a SharePoint-based intranet that streamlined processes, enhanced access to information, and provided a centralised hub to support the company’s growth.
About the Company
Hatmill is a forward-thinking consultancy that thrives on its “Teal” organisational structure, where employees make decisions independently. With no traditional office space, the company operates remotely, embracing innovation to maintain efficiency and collaboration.
"Cloud Design Box have been fantastic to work with. They delivered exactly what they promised, and we’ve never looked back."
-Fiona Macpherson, Business Support Manager
Challenges
Before adopting Cloud Design Box’s solution, Hatmill’s internal resources were disorganised and lacked uniformity, despite being stored in SharePoint. Employees often relied on one another to locate critical information, resulting in productivity losses and frustration.
The absence of a centralised repository for essential documents, such as company handbooks and client files, complicated operations further. Additionally, low engagement with the existing platform highlighted the need for a more user-friendly and engaging solution.
Fiona Macpherson, Business Support Manager, noted: “We had information all over the place. It was very hard for people to find what they required, quickly.”
Solution
Cloud Design Box developed a SharePoint-based intranet tailored to Hatmill’s needs. The platform served as an all-encompassing hub, consolidating everything from employee handbooks to client documents and internal updates.
With Fiona leading the development, the intranet was built and operational within eight weeks. The platform’s user-friendly design allowed Hatmill to maintain consistency without requiring specialised technical expertise.
Fiona emphasised: “The solution was extremely user-friendly. We built it in just eight weeks.”
The Cloud Design Box solution revolutionised Hatmill’s internal operations:
- Improved Internal Communication: Weekly updates and news posts keep employees informed of industry trends and company developments.
- Streamlined Knowledge Sharing: Employees can quickly locate everything they need, from client files to policies, reducing time spent searching for documents.
- Ease of Use: The intuitive interface and search functionality make information readily accessible, significantly minimising downtime.
New employees have particularly benefited from the platform, with onboarding now being more seamless and efficient. Fiona remarked: “New starters love it—they often comment on how easy it is to find everything they need to know.”
The Future
Hatmill’s intranet continues to evolve as the company’s needs grow. The platform’s scalability and flexibility allow the organisation to adapt to future challenges while maintaining a consistent user experience.
Fiona highlights the long-term benefits: “It’s made everyone’s lives easier. It’s a huge time saver, and it’s reduced the number of internal queries. As a fee-based consultancy, reducing the time consultants spend searching for information means they can focus on delivering great projects.”
Cloud Design Box has been a pivotal partner in Hatmill’s digital transformation. By turning a fragmented system into a cohesive, user-friendly platform, the company has significantly improved efficiency, communication, and employee satisfaction.
Fiona concludes: “Cloud Design Box has been fantastic to work with. They delivered exactly what they promised, and we’ve never looked back.”
