Not every solution needs to be a heavily coded project. Microsoft’s Power Apps offers a “low code” solution within the Power Platform. Power Apps integrates seamlessly with SharePoint and Power Automate to create some extremely useful everyday apps needed by all organizations. 

Keep reading to see how our team of IT professionals uses this tool.

Designing Apps for Different Layouts

One of the best advantages of using Power Apps is being able to easily design apps for different devices such as a desktop, tablet or mobile device. The modern controls allow for responsive designs that will change the size of the screen and layouts as they change. This ensures users have the same experience no matter what device they’re using.  

Embedding Power Apps Into Other Platforms

Power Apps can be embedded into a SharePoint page for a company intranet that would have multiple links for different apps. These apps can be published for separate groups and users. You can also embed Power Apps into a Teams tab for a specific channel, making it much easier to find. 

Common Data Sources

One of the most common data sources for Power Apps is SharePoint Lists. Other common sources of data include:

• Dataverse tables (formally Common Data Service).
• SQL server tables.
• Excel files. 

The numerous supported data sources and connectors allow you to utilize common databases or other services to connect to. 

Integrating Power Automate

You will want to integrate Power Automate into your solution, regardless of the data source. These are just a few examples of what Power Automate is used for:

• Content approvals
• Status updates
• Sending emails
• Gathering user input 

Enhancing User Accessibility

While the technologies that power this tool are impressive, the users of these apps don’t need to have special technical skills. Your team members just need a Microsoft 365 login and a link to the app. 

While SharePoint can be complicated for any user, when it’s leveraged as an underlying data source for your app, it ensures usability remains high. With this approach, downtime spent on figuring out how to use the app is reduced. 

Common Power Apps Use Cases

Site Inspection App

This use is common for insurance claims, property managers and others in the real estate industry. When used on-site, especially with a mobile device, this site inspection app allows you to create fields to enter details about the property, upload pictures and add a signature field for approvals. 

It can even be used to obtain and record approvals from supervisors. The app is also capable of sending statuses upon approval or submission.

Timesheet App

A timesheet app is a common tool used in many businesses. When team members use the app, they can track their time against a variety of options, including projects or clients. After the timesheet is submitted, Power Automate keeps the flow going by sending it for approval. During the approval process, the timesheet app can send status updates showing the approval status.

Expenses App

Expense apps are another common use of Power Apps. This app works similarly to the timesheet app. Your users can create expense reports with line items and details regarding the expenses. Pictures of receipts can be uploaded as well. AI helps scan the receipts and input the amounts into the app. 

Power Automate helps with the approval process as well by streamlining submissions to managers and the accounting department. It also can help with the reimbursement process. The app allows users to see the submissions, approved expenses, receipts and more. 

Leave Request App

A leave request app can show the current balance of accrued vacation time, sick time or personal time to the user. It can be used to enter the details of a request for leave, which is then submitted for approval using Power Automate. This can be a two-step approval process being sent from the manager to HR. 

When it’s approved, the app will show the approval, updated balances and status of the request. 

Power Up Your Team With Power Apps 

We know that Power Apps and Power Automate can be game-changers for organizations using Microsoft. However, setting them up can be a challenge for many organizations. You can rely on our IT and technology staffing solutions to support your team. Book a meeting with us today to see how we can help streamline and grow your business.