MICROSOFT POWER APPS
What Is Microsoft Power Apps? A Business Guide
Microsoft Power Apps helps organizations create business applications without building every application from scratch. Learn how Power Apps works, where businesses can use it and how it fits into the broader Microsoft 365 and automation ecosystem.
WHAT IS POWER APPS?
Build Business Applications Around Real Business Problems
Microsoft Power Apps is part of the Microsoft Power Platform. It provides tools organizations can use to create applications that help employees collect information, manage processes and interact with business data.
Instead of creating every business application entirely through traditional software development, organizations can use Power Apps to build solutions around specific operational needs.
Power Apps works especially well when combined with other Microsoft services such as SharePoint, Microsoft 365 and Power Automate.
BUSINESS USE CASES
Where Can Businesses Use Power Apps?
Employee Applications
Create applications that help employees submit requests, access information or complete internal processes.
Operations
Create tools for tracking operational activities, inspections, inventory, projects and business tasks.
Data Collection
Replace manual spreadsheets and paper-based processes with structured applications for collecting information.
POWER APPS & SHAREPOINT
Power Apps Can Extend SharePoint-Based Processes
Organizations already using SharePoint may be able to extend business processes with Power Apps. SharePoint can provide the information structure while Power Apps provides an application interface for employees.
For organizations new to SharePoint, our guide What Is SharePoint and How Can Businesses Use It? explains how businesses can use the platform for document management, collaboration and internal information.
POWER AUTOMATE
Combine Power Apps With Workflow Automation
Power Apps can provide the application interface while Power Automate can help automate processes behind the application.
- Submit a request
- Trigger an approval
- Update business information
- Send notifications
- Create tasks
- Move information between systems
The result can be a connected business process rather than a collection of disconnected spreadsheets, emails and manual steps.
MICROSOFT 365
Power Apps Works Within the Microsoft 365 Ecosystem
Power Apps can become particularly useful when organizations already have Microsoft 365 services and want to improve existing business processes.
Organizations should consider how applications, data, identity, permissions and security fit together before deploying business applications.
Our Microsoft 365 security best practices guide provides an overview of important identity, email, data and access considerations.
For broader Microsoft 365 planning and implementation, explore our Microsoft 365 consulting services.
POWER APPS & AI
Business Applications Can Become Part of an AI Strategy
As organizations explore AI and automation, business applications can provide structured processes and data that support broader digital transformation initiatives.
Before introducing AI into business processes, organizations should understand their current technology, data, people, processes and security environment.
Our AI Readiness Assessment helps organizations evaluate those foundational areas.
Organizations ready to determine where AI should fit into their business can also explore our AI Strategy Consulting services.
APPLICATION GOVERNANCE
Business Applications Need Security and Governance
Low-code development can make it easier for organizations to create applications, but organizations should still establish appropriate controls around data, access, security and business ownership.
- Who owns the application?
- Who can access the data?
- Where is the information stored?
- How should sensitive information be handled?
- How are applications maintained?
- What happens when an application is no longer needed?
Organizations adopting AI should apply the same principle to AI-enabled applications and processes. Our AI Governance Consulting services can help establish practical governance around AI use, data and organizational accountability.
BEFORE BUILDING
Start With the Business Problem
The best application is not necessarily the most sophisticated one. Organizations should first understand the problem they are trying to solve and determine whether an application is the appropriate solution.
- What problem are we solving?
- Who will use the application?
- What information is required?
- What existing system contains the data?
- Can the process be automated?
- What security controls are required?
- Who will own and maintain the application?
READY TO IMPROVE YOUR PROCESSES?
Turn Manual Processes Into Connected Business Solutions
WS Tech Consulting helps organizations evaluate Microsoft 365 environments, identify automation opportunities and develop practical technology solutions around real business needs.