It is difficult to keep the software up to date to the extent that it reflects all processes 1:1 at all times. We know this, because in many years in the software industry, we have experienced this many times. The up-to-dateness is particularly important in order to be able to work efficiently. However, assigning a programmer every time and requesting adjustments is not an option either, as there is no budget for this, right? If there is a separate IT department, the employees are probably already entrusted with so many tasks that they do not have time to program new things in between. How can this dilemma be solved?
Microsoft Power Apps now allows you to easily and quickly create mobile apps and web apps on your own – without writing a line of code. So create individual apps according to your needs and the whole thing without any programming knowledge. Without programming knowledge? Exactly, within a few clicks you build apps by choosing a template from the diverse templates and layouts or start without a template. Then you fill the app with your data.
Microsoft products such as Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (formerly Microsoft Dynamics NAV), etc. can serve as data sources, but also third-party products such as Salesforce or Dropbox. Thus, you can include data from various sources and present it in a descriptive way. Furthermore, there is the possibility to create custom connections with other sources.
The apps you create can be used on all end devices. This way, you always remain flexible and can access all data on the go. Best of all, it’s actually as easy as it sounds!
There is something for everyone in the Microsoft Power Apps application: Either you start on a canvas and benefit from numerous existing functions or you create the app using a data model or templates.
There is no need to write code in a traditional programming language such as C#. This process in the App Designer feels like creating PowerPoint slides. You can also create expressions, such as those used in Excel, for example to specify logic and work with data. You are therefore completely responsible for the layout yourself.
The model-driven apps start with your data model. Forms, views and other components are modelled using data from your core business and your processes in Common Data Service.
Model-driven apps automatically generate powerful user interfaces that can be used across devices. Unlike canvas app development, where the designer has full control over the app layout, model-driven apps are designed with much of the layout determined by the components you add to the app.
The full capabilities of Dynamics 365 portals that were previously only offered as add-ons to customer engagement apps (Dynamics 365 Sales, Dynamics 365 Customer Service, Dynamics 365 Field Service, Dynamics 365 Marketing, and Dynamics 365 Project Service Automation) are now available standalone in Power Apps in conjunction with Microsoft Dataverse.
This provides the following added value:
The following features are included:
Data is the core of canvas apps. The data sources can be of different nature and origin. A connector or data source can provide tables or actions.
Dynamics 365 Business Central
Dynamics 365 applications such as Dynamics 365 Business Central also use the underlying data platform (Common Data Service) that Power Apps use to store and protect data. This allows you to create apps with Power Apps and Common Data Service directly with the core business data already in use in Dynamics 365 without the need for integration.
Power Apps can be used for a wide variety of scenarios. We have put together some use cases for you:
For example, you can build a small application in a short time that allows you to correct the prices of items. For example, when raw material prices fall or rise. Convenient, isn’t it?
In just a few clicks, build an application that allows your service technicians to record their times on site at the customer. Simple but so effective!
No need for programming knowledge
With Microsoft Power Apps, app development becomes possible for everyone. The point-and-click or drag-and-drop method in the App Designer makes it very intuitive to use, so new apps can be designed in minutes to hours. Furthermore, the application is designed in the conventional Microsoft design. No programming skills are required, so even non-developers can use Power Apps.
Integration into Microsoft products
Dynamics 365 applications such as Dynamics 365 Business Central also use the underlying data platform (Common Data Service) that Power Apps use to store and protect data. This allows you to create apps with Power Apps and Common Data Service directly with the core business data already in use in Dynamics 365 without the need for integration.
Extensibility for developers
Power Apps is also an extensible platform that allows professional developers to seamlessly extend app functionality with Azure features and customize connectors to on-premises systems, for example. The tool offers so much potential!
Microsoft Power Apps is actually suitable for every company, because there is always potential for optimization. Power Apps are excellent at replacing existing manual processes that are often tedious and repetitive.
Yes, Power Apps is included in some Office 365 plans. For example, in Office 365 E1, E3, or E5. You can use most of the functionalities of Power Apps with it, but for some features, like connecting to third-party data, you need an additional license. You can find an overview of the licensing options on our pricing page.
You don’t have to be a specialist. Microsoft has developed Power Apps so that any person can take control of processes in the company. Power Apps are easy to create and require no programming skills.
And so you don’t have to start from scratch, Microsoft has created an extensive repertoire of templates that let you get started right away and try things out.
If you are tech-savvy, Power Apps also offers a lot of functionality for developers.
Power Apps can be used on any type of device, from desktops, laptops and tablets to cell phones. It doesn’t matter if it’s iOS or Android.
Yes. When you are on the road, you can access your Power App from your tablet or smartphone. You can use and submit data from the app with or without an Internet connection.
When you’re offline, Power Apps caches your entries until your device reconnects to the Internet. Once you are back online, you don’t need to do anything. Your Power App will automatically process your cached data.
Get to know us and our solution! We will be happy to present the product to you in a free initial consultation. You will be able to assess whether we as a partner and Microsoft Power Apps as a solution are a good fit for you.
We look forward to your inquiry!