Power Platform & Apps

Consolidate business data from multiple sources including Dynamics 365 and Office 365 into Common Data Service for Apps — a standardised data model with business logic, security and integration built-in - and then build apps that reference this data.

Build business apps that take advantage of device capabilities including cameras, GPS and touch controls, run on any device and are fully customised for your business requirements.

In addition to creating 'low-code apps', developers can seamlessly extend app capabilities using Azure Functions. This can include building custom connectors to support tailored scenarios or legacy systems, and embed apps directly into websites or other tools for fully integrated solutions.

Canvas Apps

Configured using a PowerPoint style interface with Excel type formulas. Start by designing a custom user interface for users with mobile friendly controls and then connect this to data using the inbuilt connectors, or a custom connector.

Define the look and feel of each app with a wide range of controls that can be used to create a clean, simple and intuitive interface.

Canvas apps are suited for simple requirements where there is a very specific use such as submitting expense claims, completing a job sheet or capturing registrations.

Model-Driven Apps

With model-driven Power Apps, the user experience is the same as the Dynamics 365 and the layout will be determined by the components that you add.

These are built using the Dynamics framework and use the Common Data Service as their data source. As a result, they are designed to handle more complex requirements. These can utilise in built controls for business process flows, forms, auditing, role-based security, Exchange integration and timelines.

Read more about Power Apps and examples of apps built by Preact for mobile or embedded to extend Dynamics 365 capabilities

Examples of our Power App solutions

Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow) automates workflows across multiple web-based services including Dynamics 365, SharePoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and others shown above.

Create conditional flows between apps and services that handle approvals, sync files, create notifications, delete records, collect data and trigger many other actions.

Start creating a flow for common business scenarios using a template gallery, and then easily customise a template to meet your needs through an intuitive graphical editor. Or, start from scratch using the same editing experience to build complex flows that can include parallel branching, conditional logic and loops.

RELATED: Automated Update of Exchange Rates through Power Automate

Get consolidated insights and analytics on usage, management and monitoring of apps, granular security, and data loss prevention policies for connectors. Everything is built on the global, secure, and compliant Azure platform to give you power and control.

What is the Microsoft Power Platform?

The Microsoft Power Platform is a business application platform enabling businesses to create and deploy tailored apps, reports and workflows. Connect these together, and to Office 365, Dynamics 365, Azure, and hundreds of 3rd party applications for end-to-end solutions.

The Power Platform comprises: Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI and Power Virtual Agents.

How much does Microsoft Power Platform cost?

If you are already using Office 365 or Dynamics 365, you are already working on the Power Platform. The lowest cost option to begin building applications on the Power Platform and the Common Data Service is through a Power Apps Plan. This licensing option starts from £7.50 per user / month.

See our guide to Power Apps licensing for more options and restrictions.

What are the Power Platform Connectors?

Examples of the Power Platform Data Connectors (through Power Automate) include:

Unify Microsoft 365 (previously Office 365) and Dynamics 365 with powerful apps that span productivity and business data. Customise and extend SharePoint Online, use Power Apps with Microsoft Teams, build apps on Dynamics 365 for a single platform and an unlimited opportunity.

Contact Preact to find out more and chat over how your business can use the Power Platform to advance its digital transformation.