5 reasons why you should jump onto the Power Platform train
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May 7, 2021
We’ve taken a look into why the Power Platform is becoming such an important tool for the modern way of working. So after you’ve read this, it should be crystal clear to you that you cannot ignore the Power Platform any longer.
What is the Microsoft Power Platform?
The Power Platform is the representation of four Microsoft products: Power BI, PowerApps, Power Automate and Power Virtual Agents. They can be used individually or together and thus work as a business application platform. The Power Platform is possible thanks to the Common Data Service (or CDS), which is essentially the underlying data platform that provides a unified and simplified data schema so that applications and services can inter-operate.
So, if the Power Platform has existed for so long, why are we stressing its importance now?
The sum that the Power Platform represents is starting to take shape now. Individually, each technology has already proven its power, but a massive increase in attention from Microsoft in 2019 has turned the Microsoft Power Platform into a powerful source of modern work.
We can get you started with the Power Platform.
1. Business Application by design without code
Business departments often feel disconnected or ignored by the IT Department as their work is not seen as a priority. This has caused a gap between the two departments, leaving both frustrated because of language barriers. One part speaking a ‘business’ language and the other a ‘coding’ language. As a consequence, some work processes have been unnecessarily prolonged, leaving people in waiting positions, thus affecting the efficiency of work.
With the Power Platform, Microsoft has been able to bring two worlds together and enabled a business solution built with and on IT capabilities. All products included in the Power Platform are built in such a way that anyone can use the platform, regardless of their knowledge of coding. With a few steps, you can easily build your own app, chatbot, integration or automation, or report.
What makes it even better is that Microsoft has built a platform that speaks to the everyday worker, but, if you want to add more complex capabilities, you can just go ahead and build on top of your solution.
2. Allow for work the way you want
The Power Platform allows for high flexibility, thus allowing people to work the way they want. Integrations to e.g. Microsoft Teams, Project for the Web, Planner, and more, enables individuals and teams to improve their work processes and efficiency by creating a more seamless work experience.
The Power Platform thus opens up for a change in mentality and culture from ‘can’t do’ to ‘can do’, eventually realizing the full potential of employees. By allowing people to work the way they want, organizations not only engage in the aspect of the choice of tools and technologies but also acknowledge the value that each individual brings to the table.
This element is particularly important, as we are seeing a new workforce bringing in new skills and a new mindset in respect to work. This is clearly something, that Microsoft has noticed too, and their increased attention in making the Power Platform a modern workplace underlines the importance of flexibility in our work. Additionally, it is important to stress that the Power Platform isn’t just a PPM solution but a Work Management solution in general, which just emphasizes the flexibility.
3. Built-in AI and Business Intelligence capabilities
All organizations have data, some of this is turned into information but up to now very little is further processed into intelligence, and it’s only with intelligence that you can build organizational wisdom.
Power BI was introduced in 2015 and has since become one of the most important products of the Microsoft Office 365 universe. The Power Platform would naturally not be the same without Power BI and Microsoft have of course recognized that.
In the most recent 2021 Magic Quadrant from Gartner, Microsoft together with Power BI was recognized again as the leading BI application. It is clear from recent additions such as the decomposition tree that Artificial intelligence has an increased focus in the BI solution.
In addition to this, Microsoft has recently added a new feature to the Power Platform called Power Virtual Agents. The possibility of building your own intelligent chatbots enables efficiency to your work as you now have assistants in your communication both internally and externally. It’s all about moving your attention to the work that creates real value for your business.
4. Quick integration and automate time-consuming work processes
Automation is one of the most important words (and processes) of current business initiatives. It is enabling us to do double the work in half the time.
Power Automate (previously Flow) allows anyone to automate work processes to ensure a smooth and seamless work experience. One of the powerful benefits of the Power Platform is the strength of each product individually, while simultaneously working even better together. Power Automate probably represents this strength best, by allowing for integrations between not only Microsoft products but even third-party apps. This truly allows for a modern work management structure, where the organization can transform their business by digitizing their work processes.
5. Modern UI with full mobile support
Of course, you cannot have a modern solution if it doesn’t support mobile devices. The Power Platform products, Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate can all be downloaded as apps to your smartphone, and are thus optimized to all screens. brings the ability to work directly from the phone, which we personally have enjoyed. The modern UI is another reason why the Power Platform is worthwhile. Microsoft has advanced in recent years with its products, designing a UI that resonates with the contemporary era.
