Microsoft's weeklong look at social networking in the workplace continues today at the Vertical Industries blog, which shines a light on the manufacturing industry. Manufacturers rely on social tools every day to keep their businesses running smoothly and to keep their employees connected--no matter where in the world they are.
"Imagine you are a remote employee working on an oil rig in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. If an issue arises, you need to nimbly and efficiently contact your numerous colleagues and vendors who may be in offices hundreds of miles away. Social networking tools make this possible and help prevent minor issues from becoming catastrophes," according to the post.
Social tools aren't just useful for fixing problems in the field quickly. They also can help manufacturers collaborate through various stages of innovation. Xerox and Tyco, for example, are using Yammer internally to help connect employees and unlock knowledge across their companies.
Want more on enterprise social? Head over to the Microsoft News Center to learn about a survey that highlights growing worker appetite for social tools and to get tips on how to start using social in the office. Then join the conversation on enterprise social that's happening over at the Worldwide Water Cooler.
Jake Siegel
Microsoft News Center Staff