What is Power Automate?
Power Automate (previously known as Microsoft Flow) is a cloud-based application within Microsoft 365 that allows users to create automated workflows between multiple applications and digital services.
The decision to rename Microsoft Flow was made to better integrate the product within Microsoft’s Power Platform, where it now forms part of the Microsoft Automate structure.
How does Power Automate work?
Fundamentally, you use Power Automate to define an action that is triggered by an event. For example, you may want to create a notification that appears in a Teams channel when the latest sales report is issued.
In this case, the event is you receiving a Teams notification, and the action is an updated sales report. Power Automate forms the middle part, where you can define what you want to happen in response to different triggers from various systems. When you start combining multiple events and actions simultaneously, you can create sophisticated automation for far more complex processes.
Power Automate Features
Power Automate integrates with other Microsoft and third-party services, including Facebook, Outlook, Mailchimp, and Salesforce. In addition, there are connectors to almost 300 apps and services, including pre-built templates that have automation for your workflows.
Triggers
These are the connectors that start the workflow. A trigger can be anything, such as saving changes to a document or receiving a new direct message via Twitter. Each connector has at least one trigger.
Actions and Events
Actions or events are responses to a trigger. Examples of actions include saving a file to SharePoint, sending a push notification to Teams or starting an approval process.
Connections
As the name suggests, ‘connections’ are when two applications need connecting. Power Automate will request credentials for each application, using encryption via Microsoft security.
Benefits of using Microsoft Power Automate
40% of workers spend at least 25% of their work week on repetitive tasks that could be easily automated”. With Power Automate, businesses can streamline processes and achieve several outcomes that include:
Faster and safer automations
Reduce workload
Make processes more efficient
Reduce operational costs
Limit human error and increase reliability
Optimise performance
Mitigate user fraud
Improve compliance
Track progress of projects
Why choose BCN Group as your Microsoft Power Automate partner?
Microsoft Gold Partner
We deliver hundreds of successful data projects involving architecting and analytics solutions for our clients.
100% focus on delivering business goals
BCN Group aren’t interested in delivering just any solution; it has to be the right solution. Therefore, we first consider your needs, goals and objectives before making a plan of action.
In-house experts
Our highly experienced data specialists help organisations understand, adapt and implement data transformation projects. Better still, there’s no jargon — just industry-leading advice, support and expertise.
Get in touch
For more information on Microsoft Power Automate, speak to our expert team
