Microsoft Power Apps is a low-code service for creating business applications. It can provide a clearer way for employees to capture, review and update information without commissioning a large software-development project.
Where a Power App can help
A focused app may be useful when employees currently rely on a shared spreadsheet, an email chain or a form that has to be re-entered somewhere else.
Possible examples include:
- recording inspections or checks;
- submitting an internal request;
- updating a simple job or asset record;
- collecting information from employees in the field; or
- giving a team a controlled view of information relevant to their work.
The process still comes first
An app should solve a defined problem for a defined group of users. Start by agreeing what information is required, what each person needs to do and where the data should be stored.
How Power Apps fits with automation and reporting
The app can provide the user-facing part of a wider solution. Power Automate may move the request through approvals or notifications, while Power BI may report on the resulting data.
Those services should only be added when they improve the outcome. A small solution is often easier to use and maintain.
Plan ownership and support
Low-code does not mean no management. The business needs to know who owns the application, which connections it uses, who can access the data and how changes will be tested.
Licensing should also be confirmed before the design is approved, particularly when the app uses data or connectors outside standard Microsoft 365 services.
Begin with one useful application
Choose a process where the problem is clear and the result can be measured. Build a small first version, test it with the people who will use it and improve it from their feedback.
baseMSP can assess a suitable requirement through its Business Technology service and explain whether Power Apps, automation, reporting or a simpler change is the right answer.
Further reading
Microsoft explains current app types, data connections and planning in its Power Apps canvas-app guide.
