How Odyssey Partners Helped Skidmore Build an AI-Ready SharePoint Environment
- alexa6412
- 28 minutes ago
- 4 min read
A Smarter Foundation for Food Distribution and Supply Chain Collaboration
In the fast-paced world of food distribution and supply chain management, efficiency is essential. Skidmore Sales & Distribution, a trusted name in ingredient sourcing and distribution, knew this well.
As the company grew, its digital tools, especially its Microsoft 365 SharePoint environment, needed to evolve with it. Before Skidmore could introduce AI-powered tools like Microsoft Copilot, they needed a cleaner, more secure, and more scalable foundation.
That’s when they partnered with us at Odyssey Partners Consulting to build an AI-ready SharePoint environment that could support everything they were aiming for.
From the Client:
“We needed to audit and clean up our SharePoint environment to implement Copilot. Odyssey Partners was a pleasure to work with. We had a tight budget and timeline, and Rob was able to execute while navigating our unique company needs.”
— Phil Toombs, Senior IT Engineer, Skidmore Sales & Distribution
The Challenge: Preparing SharePoint for Growth and AI Integration
Skidmore’s legacy SharePoint structure had supported the business for years, but as data and users increased, the system became harder to manage. The environment was deeply nested and inconsistent, and it suffered from broken permissions and limited governance.
Those issues slowed down collaboration and raised concerns about security, scalability, and readiness for AI. Before Copilot could be introduced safely, Skidmore needed their content organized, accessible, and protected.
Odyssey Partners stepped in to help modernize the architecture and strengthen governance, creating a clear path toward simple, secure, and strategic AI adoption.
Strategic Design for Long-Term Scalability
At Odyssey Partners, we believe lasting digital transformation begins with structure. Rather than applying temporary fixes or deploying new tools, our team takes a strategic, design-first approach that blends technical expertise with organizational understanding.
Led by Microsoft 365 Technical Solutions Architect Rob Niles, the Odyssey team worked closely with Skidmore’s IT staff and department leaders to assess the current environment and shape a roadmap that made sense for the business.
Modernizing SharePoint Architecture and Governance
The engagement centered on converting Skidmore’s legacy structure into a flat, hub-and-spoke SharePoint architecture. The modern design is built for clarity, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
Key elements of the project included:
Implementing standardized global navigation to make content easier to find
Designing a clear governance model for site and Microsoft Teams creation
Recommending integration with Azure Active Directory (Entra) for centralized permissions and security
Conducting a security and readiness assessment to prepare for Copilot adoption
The process was collaborative from start to finish. Odyssey worked alongside Skidmore’s stakeholders to ensure every decision supported both long-term IT goals and the daily operational needs of the business.
“Our role isn’t just technical. It’s strategic. We help clients align their digital architecture with how their teams actually work.”
— Rob Niles, Microsoft 365 Technical Solutions Architect
Aligning Security and AI Readiness with Microsoft Copilot
A major focus of the project was preparing for AI deployment without compromising governance or data protection. Odyssey helped Skidmore gain full visibility into their environment, standardize permissions, clarify ownership, and verify compliance for seamless adoption of Microsoft Copilot.
With governance in place, Skidmore could deploy Copilot with confidence, knowing its data is structured, protected, and accessible to the right people.
The Results: Scalable, Secure, and AI-Ready SharePoint Environment
In only 10 weeks, Skidmore’s SharePoint environment was transformed into a modern, efficient, and secure foundation that now supports future growth and innovation.
Key outcomes included:
• A flat hub-and-spoke architecture that simplifies navigation and reduces admin workload
• A global navigation system that improves usability and collaboration
• A governance framework that standardizes site creation and access control
• Integration with Azure/Entra for centralized permissions and lifecycle management
• A verified security posture that supports safe AI adoption through Copilot
The improvements strengthened day-to-day collaboration and positioned Skidmore for long-term digital growth across the organization.
Key Takeaways for Similar Organizations
Many mid-sized companies in manufacturing, logistics, and food distribution face similar challenges. Legacy SharePoint environments often grow organically over time, which can lead to inconsistencies, inefficiencies, and increased risk.
Odyssey Partners recommends organizations:
Evaluate their Microsoft 365 SharePoint architecture for scalability and control gaps
Implement hub navigation to create consistency and improve user experience
Define and enforce governance policies early to prevent unmanaged sprawl
Align SharePoint and Teams security models for centralized management
Conduct security and AI readiness audits before enabling Copilot or other AI tools
Intentional design and governance are what turn collaboration platforms into true business enablers and create a pathway for successful AI adoption.
About Odyssey Partners Consulting
At Odyssey Partners Consulting, we help organizations align technology, processes, and strategy to drive meaningful business results.
With decades of experience in Microsoft 365, SharePoint modernization, and AI readiness, our experts combine technical precision with practical insight. We guide clients through digital transformation that is scalable, secure, and centered on the people who use the tools every day.
Ready to Build an AI-Ready SharePoint Environment?
If your organization is preparing for Copilot or looking to modernize its Microsoft 365 environment, our team at Odyssey Partners can help.
We’ll assess the environment, understand your pain points and define the roadmap, governance, and architecture you need to make your AI strategy successful.
Microsoft 365 Technical Solutions Architect
Rob is a seasoned Technical Solutions Architect with over 25 years of experience in IT, specializing in cloud computing, networking, and cybersecurity. Rob excels in designing and implementing comprehensive, enterprise-scale solutions, integrating advanced AI capabilities.