Microsoft 365 suite is one of the most extensively used software in enterprises today. The most popular product in the suite would be Microsoft Power Apps, used to solve common business process problems such as workflow needs, service requests, etc. In addition, it is an application developer that is used to create mobile and web-based applications with low or no code.
Process automation tools such as Microsoft Power Automate offer modern businesses automation of repetitive, day-to-day or routine tasks that otherwise would be time consuming and involve major paperwork and approvals. However, this is an ever-existing issue in all enterprises. Therefore, custom mobile and web apps were developed to simplify such repetitive and redundant tasks to resolve this issue.
Microsoft Power Apps is such a tool that allows you to build custom applications that can be easily accessed via mobile devices or browsers. So how can you utilize Microsoft PowerApps for your enterprise? In what ways can you leverage the potential of these apps? This guide will introduce you to five PowerApps use cases highlighting how organizations use this software to meet their specific needs.
Using PowerApps: Few Tips To Consider
All software comes with documentation such as short manuals; however, sometimes, you learn better by example. Listed below are a few tips that might be useful if you consider using Microsoft PowerApps in your enterprise.
Connectors: The power platform's ability to connect or integrate with other platforms is considered to be a huge benefit. With these connectors, your apps can utilize the power of other services. For instance, Power BI integration with PowerApps is one such integration that deserves a shout-out due to its flexibility and compatibility with the Power platform.
Templates: The PowerApp portal has many tiles that help you create your custom app. It includes many ready-to-use applications as well. You can start using them with a simple click. Moreover, you can edit, copy app parts and paste them into your environment.
Controls: Controls such as text input, slider, timer etc., are used to showcase information, collect data or even take a photo/video. Most controls are simple, and it would take a small amount of time to discover all the commands.
Functions: There are 155 PowerApps functions. Every function has a description of what it does and when to use it. Therefore, it is imperative that you understand all the controls, properties and features the PowerApps offers.
Data Storage: Power platform softwares such as SharePoint is perfect for storing documents. The modern intranet solution consists of Microsoft Teams, SharePoint and Power platform. Multiple forms of data storage also include SQL, CDS, Blob storage, etc.
Top 5 PowerApp Use Case Scenarios
It is a fact that the cost of developing an application in PowerApps is 74% relatively less than other app creators. This speaks volumes regarding the efficiency of PowerApps. In addition, it is simple because of the low-code approach, and anyone with limited experience in IT can develop applications easily using built-in templates. It also enables users to create low-code websites and combines low coding with automatic testing. Listed below are five use cases that highlight how enterprises utilize PowerApps to streamline their business processes:
Employee onboarding app: Enterprises use PowerApps templates to develop onboarding processes to support HR. These apps contain a lot of resources for recruits that would help them with their onboarding process. It also has policy guides, contact information and various other forms to ensure hassle-free onboarding of new hires.
Inspection and review app: Organizations such as retailers, construction companies and medical services utilize the camera features to capture photos and store other types of data. Therefore, a customized inspection or review app created by PowerApps comes in handy during inspections using mobile devices.
Service request app: Enterprises also use this platform to create apps that allow users to submit IT service requests. These apps also provide features such as gathering service requests and IT tickets for HR, facility maintenance, etc., from the app.
Crisis communication app: Since the pandemic, organizations fear challenges that affect operational continuity. Crisis communication apps let you inform your employees about important information and other emergency contacts. In addition, they assist people in tracking their health and well-being, grievance handling and improve collaboration.
Expense approval app: There is no doubt that expense approvals involve tedious challenges. Users can develop mobile apps that let the employee claim an expense by submitting approval requests for smooth and seamless expense approval operations. However, they must submit valid proof. This app can also be integrated with an HR system that can track expense reports easily.
Final Takeaway
The need for mobile apps is not going to cease anytime soon. On the contrary, it will continue to rise since enterprises always look for creative and innovative methods to streamline their business processes, simultaneously reduce costs, and enhance employee productivity. PowerApps aid organizations to establish exactly this by creating mobile apps and web applications that simplify tasks and are easily accessible.
Services such as new hire onboarding, inspections, service requests, etc., enables users to overcome certain challenges enterprises face. PowerApps provided these enterprises with solutions that help build custom apps to address these challenges and cater to dynamic workflow needs. This platform also continues to be one of the most popular products in MS Office 365 suite. Its ability to interact effectively with other Office 365 products is another added advantage of this platform. One prime example could be Power BI integration with PowerApps, where you add PowerApps visuals to your BI report. For what it's worth, PowerApps is an essential component in promoting business intelligence.