Resources & insights

Get ahead with MS Office 2016: Your ultimate guide

Introduction to MS Office 2016

In today’s fast-paced business world, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Business professionals are constantly seeking tools that can enhance productivity, streamline operations, and foster collaboration. One such indispensable tool is MS Office 2016. This robust suite of applications is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern businesses, from small startups to large enterprises.

MS Office 2016 is more than just a software package; it’s a comprehensive solution that integrates seamlessly with various business processes. Whether you’re creating a detailed spreadsheet, crafting a compelling presentation, or managing your emails, MS Office 2016 offers the features and flexibility you need to get the job done efficiently.

It’s important to note that MS Office 2016 is a standalone product that doesn’t receive updates. In contrast, Office 365, included in the Microsoft 365 licence, is evergreen and guaranteed to receive the latest features and updates.

Key features of MS Office 2016

Enhanced user interface and experience

One of the first things you’ll notice about MS Office 2016 is its polished and intuitive user interface. Microsoft has made significant improvements to make the software more user-friendly, including a new dark mode to reduce eye strain during long working hours.

Real-time collaboration

Collaboration is at the heart of MS Office 2016. With real-time co-authoring in Word and PowerPoint, multiple team members can work on the same document simultaneously, making it easier to share ideas and feedback.

Advanced data analysis with Excel

Excel 2016 comes packed with new features like Power Query and Power Pivot, enabling more advanced data analysis. These tools allow business professionals to import, transform, and visualise data with ease, making it simpler to derive actionable insights.

Seamless integration with cloud services

MS Office 2016 integrates seamlessly with Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive, allowing you to access your documents from anywhere, on any device. This cloud connectivity ensures that your files are always backed up and accessible, facilitating remote work and collaboration.

Smart Lookup and Tell Me feature

The “Tell Me” feature in MS Office 2016 acts as a powerful search tool within the applications, guiding you to the functions you need without having to dig through menus. The Smart Lookup feature uses Bing to provide contextual information from the web, enhancing your documents with relevant data.

Improved security features

Security is a top priority for businesses, and MS Office 2016 doesn’t disappoint. With features like Sensitivity Labelling, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), multi-factor authentication, and advanced threat protection, you can rest assured that your sensitive information is well-guarded.

Tips for optimising MS Office 2016

Customise the Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar

Personalise your workspace by customising the Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar. Add the commands you use most frequently to enhance your workflow and save time.

Take advantage of templates

MS Office 2016 offers a wide range of templates for various documents, from business reports to marketing plans. Using these templates can save you time and ensure a professional look for your documents.

Leverage Excel’s data analysis tools

Make the most of Excel’s advanced data analysis tools like Power Query and Power Pivot. These features can help you analyse large data sets and create meaningful reports that drive business decisions.

Use OneNote for meeting notes

OneNote is a versatile tool for taking and organising meeting notes. You can easily share your notes with colleagues and integrate them with other MS Office applications, ensuring that important information is always at your fingertips.

Set up email rules in Outlook

Organise your inbox by setting up rules in Outlook. Automatically sort incoming emails into specific folders based on criteria like sender, subject, or keywords, helping you stay on top of your correspondence.

How MS Office 2016 benefits business professionals

Boosted productivity

The enhanced features and improved user interface of MS Office 2016 enable business professionals to work more efficiently. Real-time collaboration tools, advanced data analysis capabilities, and seamless cloud integration contribute to a significant boost in productivity.

Streamlined communication

With Outlook 2016, managing emails, calendars, and contacts has never been easier. The Focused Inbox feature prioritises important emails, while the integrated calendar ensures you never miss a meeting. Skype for Business integration further streamlines communication with team members and clients.

Enhanced data management

Excel 2016’s powerful data management tools allow business professionals to handle large data sets with ease. From data cleansing and transformation to advanced analytics and visualisation, Excel equips you with the tools needed to make informed business decisions.

Improved document quality

Features like Smart Lookup and the “Tell Me” function ensure that your documents are enriched with relevant information and formatted correctly. The wide range of templates available in MS Office 2016 also helps maintain a professional standard across all your documents.

Secure business operations

The advanced security features of MS Office 2016 provide peace of mind for business professionals. With DLP, multi-factor authentication, and advanced threat protection, your sensitive data remains secure, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.

Future of MS Office

AI and machine learning integration

Looking ahead, Microsoft is increasingly integrating AI and machine learning into its Office suite. Features like Insights in Excel, which provides automated data analysis, are just the beginning. Expect more AI-driven capabilities that will further enhance productivity and decision-making.

Enhanced collaboration tools

The future of MS Office will likely see even more advanced collaboration tools. Think of integrated video conferencing, enhanced project management features, and real-time collaboration across all applications, making teamwork more seamless than ever.

Greater cloud connectivity

Cloud services will continue to play a significant role in the future of MS Office. With improved cloud connectivity, you can expect even more robust remote work capabilities, allowing teams to collaborate effectively regardless of their physical location.

Focus on user experience

Microsoft is committed to continually improving the user experience. Future updates will likely include more intuitive interfaces, customisable features, and user-friendly designs that cater to the evolving needs of business professionals.

Conclusion

MS Office 2016 remains a powerful tool for business professionals, offering a range of features that enhance productivity, streamline communication, and improve data management. Its advanced security measures ensure that your business operations remain safe and secure.

By integrating MS Office 2016 into your daily workflow, you can take advantage of its numerous benefits and stay ahead in today’s competitive business environment. Don’t wait—start exploring the full potential of MS Office 2016 today.

Ready to boost your productivity with MS Office 2016?

Explore the full potential of MS Office 2016 today and transform your business operations. Whether you’re looking to streamline communication, enhance data analysis, or improve document quality, MS Office 2016 from Doherty Associates is your ultimate solution.

Contact us to learn more and start optimising your workflow with MS Office 2016.

Back to resources & insights