Case Overview
- Company: Makinen
- Industry: Maritime Construction & Cruise Ship Remodeling
- Location: United States, Finland, China
- Partner: Interfell
- Main Goal: Centralize communication and optimize internal processes
- Solution: Microsoft O365 SharePoint Intranet Platform
- Key Results: Improved knowledge management, stronger collaboration, real-time communication, and enhanced operational efficiency
Introduction
Digital transformation has become essential for companies operating across multiple countries and departments. Without centralized systems, organizations often struggle with disconnected communication, duplicated information, inefficient workflows, and delayed decision-making.
Makinen identified these challenges early and decided to modernize its internal operations through the development of a collaborative intranet platform. Their Vice President of Operations, Tarja Stephens, led the initiative with the goal of creating a scalable and secure digital environment capable of supporting the company’s global operations.
To achieve this transformation, Makinen partnered with Interfell, leveraging remote talent specialized in Microsoft technologies and enterprise collaboration systems.
The Objective
The main objective was to develop a fully functional corporate intranet using Microsoft O365 SharePoint Intranet Platform, allowing Makinen to:
- Centralize company-wide information
- Improve document management
- Enhance communication between global teams
- Standardize operational processes
- Strengthen information security
- Facilitate data-driven decision-making
The new platform needed to support collaboration between offices in Finland, the United States, and China, while also connecting operational teams working at cruise ship production and remodeling sites worldwide.
The Challenges
Like many multinational companies, Makinen faced several operational and communication barriers that impacted efficiency and scalability.
1. Managing Large Volumes of Information
The company handled extensive documentation and operational data generated across multiple international offices and production sites.
2. Information Security and Governance
Protecting sensitive information while maintaining accessibility for authorized employees was a critical requirement.
3. Improving Operational Logistics
Manufacturing and remodeling operations required faster coordination and better communication between departments and locations.
4. Enhancing Global Communication
Employees across different countries needed real-time access to company updates, documentation, and project information.
5. Standardizing Processes
Makinen required unified workflows and operational structures to improve consistency across global operations.
6. Supporting Better Decision-Making
Leadership teams needed centralized and continuously updated information to make faster and more accurate strategic decisions.
The Solution: A Microsoft O365 SharePoint Intranet
Interfell designed and developed a robust enterprise intranet powered by Microsoft O365 SharePoint Platform, providing Makinen with a centralized collaboration and information management platform.
The solution delivered several major improvements across the organization.
Centralized Information Hub
The intranet connected offices in Finland, the United States, and China through a cloud-based information center that streamlined communication and knowledge sharing.
Employees gained real-time access to:
- Internal news
- Documentation
- Operational updates
- Project information
- Interdepartmental resources
This significantly accelerated communication and decision-making processes.
Improved Data Security
Microsoft O365 SharePoint Intranet Platform provided enterprise-grade security standards, helping Makinen improve:
- Data protection
- Information governance
- Access management
- User trust and compliance
The platform ensured secure handling of sensitive operational information across all global offices.
Real-Time Global Collaboration
All employees worldwide were integrated into the intranet, enabling seamless communication among departments, offices, and cruise ship production sites.
The result was:
- Faster operational coordination
- Better logistical management
- Improved collaboration between teams
- Immediate access to updated information
Standardized Global Processes
The platform centralized workflows and operational procedures, helping Makinen create consistent processes across all locations.
This standardization improved organizational efficiency and reduced operational fragmentation.
The Human Impact Behind the Project
One of the key strengths of this project was the collaboration between Makinen’s leadership team and Interfell’s remote professionals.
Tarja Stephens — Vice President of Operations at Makinen
According to Tarja Stephens, the professionalism and expertise demonstrated throughout the project were critical to its success.
“Thank you very much for your invaluable support in creating our company’s intranet. Your expertise in planning, designing, and developing our intranet was highly professional.”
She also highlighted the team’s efficiency, attention to detail, and commitment throughout the implementation process.
María Eugenia Pérez — Partner at Interfell USA
María Eugenia Pérez emphasized the importance of leadership alignment and strategic vision during the project.
“The experience of working with Makinen has been extraordinary. The company’s commitment, leadership, and clearly defined vision were key factors behind the project’s success.”
She noted that the collaboration evolved into a tactical and highly focused transformation initiative designed to modernize Makinen’s operational methodology.
Yavanna Aranguren — Interfell Talent
For Interfell’s remote talent team, the project also represented an opportunity for professional growth and technical innovation.
“It was a great professional experience working with the Interfell team assigned to this project. Communication was excellent, tasks were carried out efficiently, and challenges were resolved quickly.”
Results Achieved
The implementation of the Microsoft O360 SharePoint intranet platform generated measurable improvements across Makinen’s global operations.
1. Optimized Document Management
Makinen improved the organization, sharing, and updating of information and documentation across departments.
2. Enhanced Internal Communication
Real-time updates and centralized communication significantly improved collaboration between offices worldwide.
3. Stronger Information Security
The company strengthened governance and protection of sensitive operational data.
4. Faster Decision-Making
Leadership teams gained access to continuously updated information, enabling smarter and faster strategic decisions.
5. Improved Operational Efficiency
Standardized processes and centralized workflows streamlined global operations and logistics.
Why Remote Talent Was Key to Success
This project demonstrates how remote talent can drive digital transformation for global companies.
By partnering with Interfell, Makinen gained access to specialized professionals with expertise in:
- Microsoft O365 SharePoint Intranet Platform
- Enterprise collaboration systems
- Information architecture
- Digital transformation
- Workflow optimization
Remote collaboration enabled the project to move efficiently while maintaining high-quality implementation standards across international teams.
Final Thoughts
Makinen’s digital transformation journey highlights the importance of centralized communication, knowledge management, and scalable collaboration systems in today’s global business environment.
Through the implementation of a Microsoft O365 SharePoint Intranet Platform and the support of Interfell’s remote talent, Makinen successfully improved operational efficiency, standardized workflows, and enhanced communication across its international operations.
As businesses continue expanding globally, investing in secure and collaborative digital infrastructure is no longer optional — it is essential for sustainable growth and operational excellence.
___________________________
You can learn
More about our Success Stories
by clicking HERE
____________________________
FAQs
1. What is Microsoft O365 SharePoint Intranet Platform?
Microsoft O365 SharePoint Intranet Platform is a cloud-based collaboration and document management platform that helps companies centralize information, automate workflows, and improve team communication.
2. Why did Makinen need an intranet solution?
Makinen needed a centralized platform to improve communication, manage documentation, standardize processes, and support collaboration across multiple countries and operational sites.
3. How did SharePoint improve Makinen’s operations?
The platform improved information accessibility, real-time communication, workflow standardization, and operational efficiency while strengthening data security.
4. What were the biggest challenges in the project?
The main challenges included managing global information flows, improving collaboration between offices, securing sensitive data, and standardizing workflows worldwide.
5. How did remote talent contribute to the project?
Interfell provided specialized remote professionals with expertise in SharePoint development, digital transformation, and enterprise collaboration systems.
6. What industries benefit from SharePoint intranets?
Industries such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, logistics, finance, education, and technology commonly benefit from SharePoint intranet solutions.
7. Why is centralized knowledge management important?
Centralized knowledge management improves communication, reduces information silos, increases productivity, and supports faster business decision-making.
____________________________________________________________________________
Quick Glossary
- Digital Transformation: The process of using technology to improve business operations, communication, and efficiency.
- Intranet Platform: A private internal company network used to share information, documents, and communication among employees.
- Microsoft O365 SharePoint: A Microsoft collaboration platform used for document management, communication, workflow automation, and knowledge sharing.
- Knowledge Management: Organizing, storing, and sharing company information so employees can easily access and use it.
- Centralized Communication: Keeping all company communication and information in one unified system.
- Workflow Standardization: Creating consistent processes and procedures across all teams and locations.
- Enterprise Collaboration Systems: Tools that help employees work together efficiently across departments and countries.