Smartsheet unveils major platform overhaul with new features

Smartsheet has announced the most significant transformation of its platform to date, unveiling a new user experience and a series of novel features designed to enhance project management and collaboration.

The enterprise work management platform introduced a range of updates, including a new user interface alongside features aimed at streamlining workflow and boosting data visualisation. These changes have been designed to make Smartsheet more accessible and intuitive for users of varying technical abilities.

Among the new features is the Amazon Q Business connector, developed in collaboration with AWS. This tool will allow data to be synchronised from Smartsheet into Amazon Q Business, an AI-powered assistant. It will enable tasks such as answering questions, generating content, and completing tasks based on customer enterprise data.

Collections, another key feature introduced, allows users to compile and share items from Smartsheet and other platforms within a single view, ensuring pertinent information is easily accessible. This feature aims to enhance security by offering detailed view and edit permissions, while also supporting easy collaboration.

Smartsheet has also launched the File Library, designed to improve file organisation within projects. By facilitating direct annotation and commenting on digital assets, the File Library is set to reduce the need for extensive review meetings, thereby speeding up approval processes.

According to Ben Canning, SVP, Product Experiences, "Companies partner with Smartsheet because we understand the importance of rapidly adapting to the ongoing changes and complexity of work management. To help our customers ensure workers are continuously optimising the power of our solution, we've reimagined key features and launched capabilities so that it's simpler than ever for people to get started and take full advantage of the platform, regardless of their technical abilities."

The platform's new user experience has been overhauled to be more vibrant and accessible. Feedback from customers has influenced these changes, with an emphasis on ensuring it appeals to users managing a range of tasks, from entire portfolios to referencing dashboards on mobile devices.

Improved data visualisation is also a highlight of the new offering. The Board View, inspired by Kanban boards, and Table View, which enables real-time collaboration and faster data processing, are among the new ways users can visualise and interact with their work.

Melinda Ballou, Research Director, Agile ALM, Quality, and Portfolio Strategies service at IDC, commented, "Today's news showcases Smartsheet's commitment to customer success. IDC's recent Future of Work survey research shows that to address the dynamism and complexity of flexible work over the next 18 months, the top areas of investment for organisations include Intelligent Digital Workspaces (IDWs) and communication and collaboration tools. With easier team access to resources and data across locations and environments, Smartsheet's refreshed user experience paired with its new collections and other capabilities combine to help users better manage and prioritise initiatives and collaboration for improved efficiency and productivity."

The updates are part of Smartsheet's ongoing development to meet the evolving needs of its users and to simplify onboarding while facilitating efficient workflow management. These changes reflect an ongoing strategy to deliver an effective, no-code solution that prioritises collaboration and accessibility.