What is Power Apps?

Power Apps is a platform from Microsoft that makes it possible to build custom apps without having to code from scratch. With an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, organisations can quickly develop solutions that automate tasks, improve workflows and create better data insights - all without requiring a background in software development.

Whether it's capturing data in the field, streamlining internal processes or creating dashboards for better decision-making, Power Apps ensures that technology supports your business, not the other way round.

How does Power Apps work?

Power Apps enables apps to be developed quickly by combining different Microsoft services and data connections. Typically, a Power App consists of the following elements:

1. Data connections
   • What systems does the app need to integrate with? Power Apps can pull data from SharePoint, SQL, Dynamics 365 and many other sources.
2. User interface
   • What should the app look like? Drag-and-drop lets you design forms, buttons and visual elements without coding.
3. Logic and automation
   • What actions should the app perform? Power Automate can be added to automate tasks like notifications and approval flows.
4. Deployment and access
   • How to share the app? Power Apps can be distributed within the organisation via Teams, SharePoint or a mobile app.
5. Maintenance and optimisation
   • How do you ensure that the app evolves with the needs? Ongoing adjustments and integrations can be made without major costs.

Benefits for organisations

Power Apps can make a big difference to both daily workflows and strategic decisions:

• Faster development: Build functional apps in days or weeks instead of months.
• Lower costs: Avoid expensive customised solutions.
• Better data insights: Integrate and visualise data from multiple sources.
• Increased productivity: Automate manual processes and reduce errors.
• Accessibility: Apps can be used on desktop, tablet and mobile.

How to get your business started with Power Apps

To get the most out of Power Apps, it's important to take a structured approach:

1. Identify needs
   • What tasks can an app streamline?
2. Define goals
   • Should the app reduce errors, save time or improve data collection?
3. Choose data sources
   • Which systems should integrate with the app?
4. Design and development
   • Build the app with drag-and-drop and test the functionality.
5. Deployment and optimisation
   • Roll out the app, collect feedback and adjust continuously.

Power Apps as part of the Power Platform

Power Apps is part of the Microsoft Power Platform, which also includes Power Automate, Power BI and Power Virtual Agents. Together, these tools allow businesses to build advanced automations, analyse data and develop chatbots - all without the need for advanced coding. Power Platform also integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 and a wide range of external data sources, making it easier to create a cohesive digital solution.