Reimagining SharePoint: The Story Behind HBS Connect
Organization: Heartland Business Systems
Industry: Technology & Professional Services
Employees: 750+
Solution: SharePoint Modernization
We transformed our outdated intranet at Heartland Business Systems into HBS Connect—a modern SharePoint platform that drives communication, collaboration, and daily productivity. Thanks to leadership buy-in, cross-department collaboration, and a phased rollout, HBS achieved high adoption and a unified digital workspace.
» A single, trusted space for teams to connect and get work done
» Smooth, company-wide rollout with high adoption
» Aligned leadership and stakeholder engagement
The Challenge
Every organization values communication.
But turning that value into something practical, usable, and effective? That’s where the real challenge lies.
At HBS, our old intranet had become more of a barrier than a bridge. Information was buried. Navigation was confusing. Teams relied on email chains and shared drives to find what should’ve been easy.
Step 1: Securing Buy-In
Before we touched SharePoint, we focused on people.
We met with leaders across the business to understand their needs, frustrations, and goals. Then we showed them what a connected, modern platform could unlock for every team.
That clarity helped secure what most intranet projects lack: visible, committed executive sponsorship.
Leadership didn’t just approve the project—they championed it. That changed everything.
Step 2: Building with the Business
This was a company-wide effort driven by leaders across the organization.
HR prioritized onboarding and policy access. Sales asked for faster access materials they needed. IT focused on security and scalability. Marketing made sure the experience reflected who we are as a company.
By involving stakeholders from the start, we created a platform that felt familiar, useful, and intentional from the moment it launched.
Step 3: Rolling It Out Right
We designed HBS Connect to be simple, intuitive, and ready for day-one adoption.
Built entirely within our Microsoft 365 ecosystem, the platform used SharePoint Online to create a secure and easy-to-use experience.
Key rollout tactics:
- Department pilots with real-time feedback
- Walkthrough webinars and how-to resources
- Internal champions in every department
- Consistent communication and support
The result was a clean launch, with no chaos and little confusion.
The Result: Aligned, Informed, and Empowered
HBS Connect quickly became the digital starting point for every employee, every day.
It’s where people go to:
- Catch up on company news
- Access forms, templates, and policies
- Connect with departments
- Launch their tools and systems
- Feel in sync with what’s happening
It’s clear, it’s current, and it works the way people do.
Why It Worked
✔ Leadership support created momentum from the start
✔ Department collaboration shaped the right solution
✔ A thoughtful rollout drove adoption and trust
HBS Connect reflects what’s possible when a business aligns around a shared goal and builds with purpose.
The process worked because the people did.
Ready to Modernize Your Intranet?
If you’re ready to improve communication, streamline collaboration, and build a SharePoint intranet your teams will actually use, let’s talk.
