How to Build an Intranet Using Drupal?
We have said more than once that Drupal is a multifunctional platform for creating websites of any complexity.
Today Drudesk Drupal support team wants to prove to you how good it is for building an intranet system using Drupal. An intranet is something like a corporate site.
The Drupal core already has many useful functionalities for building a company's intranet. Alternatively, you can always add to it using contributed modules.
Our web developers try to answer a few questions:
- Can you use Drupal to create an intranet?
- What benefits will you get from creating your own intranet using Drupal?
- How can you extend the functionality of a Drupal intranet?
What is an Intranet?
In simple terms, an intranet is a private site that only the company members have access to.
Such intranets are used for open communication and cooperation between all members of the company.
Previously, it had to be created on third-party platforms, for example:
- Sharepoint
- Jive
It's easier now that you can create it in open-source Drupal.
For example, this has already been done by:
- Stanford University
- Curtiss-Wright
8 Benefits of using the intranet for your business
- Improving communication between different members of the company
- Quickly share information about important events, news
- Improve HR processes
- Easy integration with other company systems, employee account
- Improving communication with remote workers
- Opportunity to expand functions through contributed modules
- All messages and news can be commented on
- Increase your worker engagement
Reasons to use Drupal for your company's intranet
Drupal is best suited for building a user-friendly and powerful intranet for your company. There are several reasons for this.
- Drupal gives you unlimited possibilities in creating an intranet and filling it with content.
- Drupal, has a solution to any problem - a module. So you can be sure that any issue can be fixed and improved.
- Drupal is an open-source CMS. That is, everyone can contribute to its development and expand its capabilities continuously.
- Drupal has lots of qualified professional support. If you suddenly have a problem, you can always consult Drupal experts.
- Drupal can personalize content, which is a vital feature when it comes to the company's intranet.
- Drupal is great for mobile users. And as we know, now is the era of mobile, so this is very convenient.
We have only described the main reasons why it is worth choosing Drupal to build an intranet. However, this is not all. We have not yet mentioned that Drupal has high-security standards, easy integration with other systems, and many other advantages in favor of Drupal.
In short: If you choose Drupal for the intranet possible for your company, you will not lose.
7 must-have modules for intranets on Drupal website
Let's say you have already built an intranet using Drupal. To create the most functional and thoughtful company's intranet, you can use the following modules:
1. Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)
Last updated on 7 June 2020
Coupable with Drupal versions 7-9
The good thing about the LDAP module is that if users have already logged into the PC once, then they no longer need to enter a password to enter the intranet. It also seamlessly integrates your intranet with the Active Directory. As a result of this integration, different employees of your company can get different roles and accesses.
2. Workflow
Last updated on 6 May 2020
Coupable with Drupal versions 7-8
The Workflow module is needed for site administrators. They can manage the publishing of content on the intranet and give different content permissions for other users. All members of the intranet will be up to date on the latest news.
3. Profile
Last updated on 23 May 2020
Coupable with Drupal versions 8-9
The Profile module is needed to create and configure user profiles. It separates profile information and default user fields. For intranet users, this is the ability to add their own profile pages and information to them.
4. Masquerade
Last updated on 6 August 2020
Coupable with Drupal versions 7-9
The Masquerade module is an indispensable module for sites such as intranets. It allows the site administrators to see the site through a particular user's eyes and quickly fix problems.
5. Group
Last updated on 7 July 2020
Coupable with Drupal versions 8
The Group module is useful in that it allows you to group users and content on the intranet —for example if you need to gather people from a specific department in one place. This module helps you to inform just that group about something.
6. Calendar
Last updated on 8 November 2020
Coupable with Drupal versions 7-9
The Calendar module's main feature is that it allows you to create a calendar and display content on a calendar view based on a date. It is incredibly convenient to use this module on an intranet to display scheduled events in your employees' calendar.
7. Flag
Last updated on 17 November 2017
Coupable with Drupal versions 7-8
The Flag module allows you to flag content. For example, intranet users can flag content that they like, to mark inappropriate information, to tag other users, and more.
If there is nothing you like among all these modules, or you would like to customize it, then our web developers can create it or adjust the existing ones to meet your needs.
Build your intranet on Drupal with the Drudesk web support company!
Your company is your employees, and when it is convenient for them to access what they need, your business succeeds. Therefore, the best solution would be to create a private intranet.
A company intranet on Drupal is a place/site where your employees can find information about everything they are interested in, and managers can efficiently oversee the work.
To build your intranet on Drupal in the fastest way - contact our web support agency.