Top 10 Features Every Custom Web Portal Should Have

Web portals are web-based gateways that allow authorised users to access a company’s datasets. Once authenticated, a user can access data and services by logging into a back-end cloud system via a web interface. Custom web portals can retrieve information from a variety of sources, including search engines, emails, and online forums. This single point of access to information can help with information integration, search navigation, and personalization. Portals can also be used to create a library of categorized content.

What Every Custom Web Portal Requires
Creating a custom web portal can be a complex process that requires a company to analyze its current IT needs and determine which web portal features would best meet the company’s objectives.

Here are some of the most important features that any custom web portal should have:

1.Interactive Homepage
When a user logs into a custom web portal, the first thing they will see is the homepage. Make sure the homepage is clean, easy to navigate, and highly interactive. The home page will differ depending on the type of web portal; for example, users will expect to see educational resources on a school portal, whereas a training portal may highlight training programme management. Consider the overall design, the display of videos and news, and whether a quick links menu should be implemented for quick access to data when creating a web portal homepage.

2.Dashboard Recap
The homepage or dashboard of a web portal should also include a brief summary of important news or “things to do.” Consider including a feature that allows users to categorize major tasks and display them at the top of the page, where they can be seen after logging in. A well-designed dashboard should prioritize any urgent or overdue tasks that require immediate attention. Users should also be able to mark these tasks as completed once they have been completed.

3.User Personalization
Personalization is an essential component of any custom web portal. Each authorized user should only receive information that is pertinent to their specific requirements, user roles, or preferences. Businesses can use various types of personalization to improve the portal experience. Personalization of navigation may provide shortcuts to specific information, such as ‘favourites’ or ‘bookmarks,’ whereas personalization of layout may specify what information appears on the screen, as well as what colour, size, and format it appears in.

4.Easy Access To Information
Users expect quick access to information, which necessitates a simple design with minimal clutter. When creating a custom web portal, consider whether the important information is visible immediately upon logging in or if users must scroll down to find the information they seek. The use of accordion-style content organization allows for the organization of information without overwhelming readers.

5.Tracking Tools
Businesses that send or receive goods or services frequently rely on tracking to ensure that operations run smoothly and that delays are addressed as soon as possible. Tracking tools should be included in custom web portals so that users can track orders, shipments, and even support tickets. Providing tracking information can help to reduce order status confusion and the number of support tickets received by businesses. Customers frequently use portals to get answers about their orders without having to contact customer service directly.

6. Content Management
The foundation of any custom web portal is content. The right features and functions can aid in the simplification of the content management process and ensure that the interface is usable by both technical and non-technical users. Consider what features of a web portal the company may require for content management, such as the ability to restore previous versions of a page, the addition of tags and widgets, and the addition of start and expiration dates. A content management system should also be capable of alerting users when a document is created, needs to be reviewed, updated, or expires.

7.Accessibility On Multiple Devices
The ability to access information from any device and from any location is essential in today’s workforce. Staying at a desk all day is not always possible, especially for employees who are in charge of a variety of activities. It is critical to be able to access a custom web portal from any device and from any location where wifi is available.Mobile responsiveness has been shown to improve customer interaction and increase workplace productivity. Ensure that any web portal created for employees or customers can be accessed

8.Interactive Reports And Analyzes
To ensure that all departments function properly, business processes must be well organized. It is critical to have well-designed reporting functions that allow users to easily create, print, and share reports. These reports can provide users with a variety of information, such as the status of current business affairs, order history, support issues, and similar data.

9.Customization Options
Creating a successful portal experience necessitates the ability to customize the interface to meet the specific needs of users. Consider adding features that allow each user to personalize their dashboard based on their location or position in the company, which can increase effectiveness and productivity. Consider including personalized tools on the homepage, such as calendars, frequently used forms, or news widgets that can be added or removed based on the user’s preferences.

10.Integration With Software
Custom web portals can function as stand-alone systems or be easily integrated with other software and systems to enhance the portal’s interactivity and comprehensiveness. A quality portal can be linked to customer relationship management (CRM), learning management systems (LMS), or information management systems. Portals can also be linked to popular software, such as Microsoft Office 365, to allow users to use these tools without leaving the portal. Consider how the built-in integration will appear and what types of data will be pulled into the portal.