Start by understanding the purpose of your Power App.

What problem are you trying to solve?

Who is the target audience?

Research and choose the right template for your Power App. Microsoft offers a variety of templates to choose from. Including those for data entry, inventory management, and task management.

Customise the template to fit your specific needs. This includes adding your own data, customising the layout, and adding new features.

Utilise SEO keywords and long-tail keywords in the title. And throughout the content of your Power App to ensure that it is easily discoverable.

To ensure the app is functioning correctly and that all features are working as intended.

Finally, share your Power App with your target audience. and gather feedback to make any necessary improvements.

Optimise the app for better performance and make sure it's mobile friendly

To improve your app's visibility.

A write a blog article to share your experiences. Explain your process. The benefits of your Power App. The importance of embedded SEO keywords and long-tail keywords.

If you are experiencing errors and becoming frustrated.

There are a few things you can do to help alleviate the frustration:

Take some time to relax and engage in an activity that you enjoy. 

Remember, it's important to stay calm and not let frustration get the better of you. With patience, persistence, and the right approach, you will be able to overcome any errors.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionise the back office.

The way businesses handle their invoicing and accounts processes. One of the ways AI can do this is by using natural language processing (NLP). To extract invoice descriptions and add the data to accounts software.

The system can also be configured to automatically match invoices with purchase orders. Ensuring that all invoices are accounted for and reducing the risk of errors.

AI-powered invoice processing can also be integrated with other systems. Such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. To provide a more comprehensive view of a business's financial data.

Overall, the use of AI to extract invoice descriptions and add the data to accounts software.

Can help businesses streamline their invoicing and accounting processes. Leading to increased efficiency and cost savings.

The fourth industrial revolution has truely arrived.

What is the Power Platform?

If you have Office 365, you already have access to the Power Platform. The platform includes Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI. With these apps, you can create custom apps. Automate workflows, and create data visualisations.

These are low code/no code tools. Offering you unlimited possibilities for creating custom business apps. Without the expense of large-scale development projects.

Advantages of building your own app.

• You design and own the app.
• No third-party software offering features and capabilities you never use. Not to mention integration issues.
• No third-party recurring monthly or yearly software costs.
  

Microsoft Power Apps for Service Request

Microsoft PowerApps for Expense & Purchase Approval

Managing budgets, expenses, and purchase approvals is a tedious job at the best of times. Not to mention report generation.

The process can involve multiple submissions and processes.

Using PowerApps, a user can submit expenses or purposed purchases. For approval with valid proofs.

The manager can approve or reject the request and add comments if required. The requester is updated on the status of the request through notifications. The app can be integrated with Power BI reports and any existing HR system.

What is AI Builder?

AI Builder is a feature within the Power Platform that allows users to create custom AI models.

Without the need for specialised coding knowledge. Members of staff can leverage pre-built templates. Then using their own data to train models to perform tasks. Such as

• Image recognition.
• Text classification.
• Form processing. 
• Sentiment analysis.
• Predictive maintenance
  

AI models can be integrated into Power Apps and Power Automate workflows.

Microsoft PowerApps for Employee Onboarding

A growing business is generally constantly struggling with day-to-day things. For example the demands of onboarding new employees. The process is time-consuming and prone to errors. As a business increases in size. It becomes increasingly difficult.

To ensure all new members of staff are successful in their new roles. They must have acess to the information and resources they need.

A noteworthy feature of Microsoft PowerApps. Is its ability to seamlessly integrate with data stored in other Office applications. Like Outlook, tasks, and calendars. Using PowerApps, an employee onboarding app can be built to pull together resources.

Like policy guides, team member contacts, and forms. On to a single platform so that employees have a hassle-free onboarding experience. This also simplifies the role of the HR onboarding for new hires. 

And more.

• Job application.
  
• Complying with HR regulations.
• Time sheets (automate the process of tracking employee time).
  
• Time sheets for third-party. For example Food & Beverage Audits contractor.
  
• Sick leave.
  
• Time Off, holiday requests.
  
• Performance Review and goals.
  
• Offboarding (a process that completes the end of a professional relationship between an employee and the company they work for).
  

Operational continuity

The recent pandemic illustrated the importance of tracking employee health. Their well-being, grievance handling, and employee collaboration, all can be managed remotely.

Microsoft PowerApps for Inventory Management

The Power Platform is an effective real time inventory and asset management tool. An app can keep track of your inventory and assets. Can also help you automate and or review the process of re-ordering and tracking inventory. Plus generate mangement reports.

There are Microsoft customer case studies. Where organisations have replaced a six-figure a year 3rd party tool with a custom Power App. 

For the hospitality industry effective inventory, and checklist management is crucial. Hotels to restaurants, keeping track of inventory. Can be a time-consuming and error-prone task.

But with Microsoft PowerApps. Businesses in the hospitality industry can streamline their inventory management processes. And gain greater control over their inventory. 

For example this can help businesses quickly identify shrinkage.

And more.

Fictional cases for using Microsoft Power Apps audits.

Hotel Manager

As the manager of a busy hotel, I was constantly struggling to keep track of all the different aspects of the business. From finances to customer satisfaction, there was always so much data to analyse and so little time to do it. That's when I discovered Microsoft Power Apps.

But what really made the biggest difference for me was the collaboration feature. I was able to share data with my team and work together to make improvements to the business.

Thanks to Power Apps, I no longer feel overwhelmed by the data. I have the insights I need. To make informed decisions and improve the overall performance of my hotel. It's a game-changer!

HouseKeeper

As a housekeeper at a large hotel. My days were always filled with endless tasks and never enough time to complete them all. One of my biggest challenges was the daily room audit. The old way of doing it was time-consuming and prone to errors. But that all changed when our hotel started using Microsoft Power Apps for our room audits.

With the help of customisable forms and automated data validation. I was able to quickly and easily complete my room audits. And the real-time data visualization allowed me to quickly spot any issues.

Thanks to Power Apps, my days as a housekeeper has become more manageable. Less stressful and I feel more productive. It's amazing how much of a difference technology can make in our daily lives!

Restaurateur story of woo

Once upon a time, there was a small restaurant called "The Power Apps Kitchen". The owners were very passionate about serving delicious food to their customers. But they were always concerned about maintaining the highest levels of food hygiene. They knew that a single mistake could lead to a devastating loss of reputation. And potentially harm their customers.

The app was incredibly user-friendly. And allowed the chefs and staff to quickly and easily input data. Such as the temperature of refrigerators. The cleanliness of kitchen surfaces. The expiration dates of ingredients.

The owners were overjoyed with the results. Not only were they able to ensure that their food hygiene practices were always up to par. But they were also able to save time and money by reducing the number of audits they had to conduct manually.

The customers were also happy. Because they knew that the restaurant was taking their safety seriously. They could enjoy their meals with peace of mind. Knowing that the food they were eating was prepared in a clean and safe environment.

The hospitality industry is a vital part of the global economy.

For businesses in this sector. It's essential to have efficient and effective methods for tracking and analysing data. 

One powerful tool for achieving this goal is Microsoft Power Apps. Power Apps can be used to create custom, user-friendly audit applications.

Requirements

Microsoft Office 365 E3 licence. Alternatively, you can purchase services separately. Recommendation purchase MS O365 E3 licence.

Who Can Benefit from Microsoft Power Apps in the Hospitality Industry?

Businesses of all sizes in the hospitality industry. Hotels, resorts, and restaurants, can benefit from using Power Apps for auditing. The ability to create custom audit applications tailored to specific needs. This means businesses can quickly and easily track and analyse data. Related to operations, finances, and customer satisfaction.

What Are the Key Features of Power Apps for Auditing in the Hospitality Industry?

Automated data validation and error checking. Real-time data visualisation and reporting. Integration with other Microsoft Office 365 applications. Ability to share data and collaborate with team members.

When Should You Use Power Apps for Auditing in the Hospitality Industry?

Businesses in the hospitality industry should consider using Power Apps for auditing. At any time they want to improve their data tracking and analysis processes. Whether you are looking to streamline operations. Improve customer satisfaction, or gain a better understanding of your financial performance. Power Apps can help.

Where Can You Find More Information? About Power Apps for Auditing in the Hospitality Industry?

Microsoft's official website and online documentation provide more information about Power Apps. Including tutorials and case studies. These resources can help you get started with creating custom audit applications.

Apps for a specific use Cloud Hound courses.

Why Should You Use Power Apps for Auditing in the Hospitality Industry?

Using Power Apps for auditing. In the hospitality industry can bring significant benefits, including:

How Can You Get Started with Power Apps for Auditing in the Hospitality Industry?

Getting started with Power Apps for auditing in the hospitality industry is easy.

First, visit the Microsoft website and sign up for a free trial of Power Apps.

Next, explore the tutorials.

Case studies available.

To learn more about how to create custom audit applications Cloud Hound.

Finally, start experimenting. With the various features and tools available. To create a custom audit application tailored to your specific needs.

Free for logged in users

This article is a webinar review. The webinar featured John Rymer Vice President/Principal Analyst at Forrester Research and Charles Lamanna Corporate Vice President for Low Code Application Platform (LCAP) at Microsoft presentation.

You can view the video here... If you want to learn more about low code platform it's well worth watching. 

Below are the webnair slides.

It's possible you may have come across the terms ‘low code’, ‘citizen developer’ and think marketing hype. 

If you are inquisitive enough to wonder what low code application development is?

• Why companies should consider low code platform.
• How such platforms foster collaboration between the business and developers.
• How to govern a low code app development in your organisation then read on. 

Let us begin by defining low code development. 

The development approach uses products and or cloud services. Developers use visual tools, code libraires. Drag, and drop screen design, declarative techniques instead of programming. 

The business model is available to all at low or no cost as a self-service low code platform. At least to begin with. Costs generally rise in proportion to the business value of the platform.

Such platforms move away from writing lines of code to invoke commands held in libraries. To something that is more like workflow or processed diagramming approach.

To achieve this many organisations placed tremendous emphasis upon innovation. Particularly Customer software, mobile applications. 

Demand for developers far exceeded availability. 

Besides cash strapped organisations needed faster development cycle at a lower cost. A low code platform bridges the gap between developers and user contribution. Software that users build is more likely to solve business challenges. As users generally know what is really going on in the business.

Besides no organisation. Has all the development talents they need to deliver the software they need. 

Interestingly Forrester carried out developer research (2018-19 - see PowerPoint slides). Half of all developers are using or plan to use low-code platforms. Intriguingly all sectors appear to utilise low code platforms.

Reasons they gave to improve effectiveness and drive their costs down.

It is all about speed and flexibility throughout the business.

There is an assumption, developers will want to shy away from the low-code platform.

Forrester research suggests. Half the developer community has adopted or has plans to use low code.

The research indicated an interesting drop-in developers saying no plans to use low code platform (PowerPoint slide12). 

Why  adopt a low-code platform? 

Initially the primary motivation. Speed of development and implementation. These days that is a given.

Today the answer is front line employees can build and deliver apps. Removes having to wait for central IT app development and implementation.

The result more, faster cheaper software. Fewer employees are resistant to using apps. Because employees use apps on their phones and may be involved in building apps.

Research suggests quantitative benefits, for low-code, 70% less cost.

Apply a tradional software budget to low code app and you get almost three times as many apps.

A low code app produces 362% return on investment over 3 years. 

Many organisations have core backbone legacy bespoke software.

To update or replace such software. Would necessitate considerable budget not to mention business continuity problems. 

An example of mismanaged IT project implementation TSB IT meltdown. 

Using connectors low-code platforms can utilise legacy software. And allow business users, customers to have modern app capabilities and interface. For example, apps with machine learning, conversational bots. 

Often a question is raised does low code apps result in shadow IT?

Shadow IT refers to unmanaged tools like Access, Excel. The issue with these tools. Data is held on the device and management might not know what employees are doing with these tools. Employees often print reports. Management input the figures into their spreadsheets. Possible transposition errors. Not to mention unnecessary duplicate workflows.

A minimal code platform is managed and not held on the device. Data can be analysed without having to request data from employees.

Minimal code should not mean no IT involvement.

Successful innovation requires collaboration. 

• IT knows how to keep things secure.
  

• Comply with governance, compliance, integrations, and scalability.

Low code governance

Implementing traditional governance rules upon low-code development is likely to stifle innovation.

PowerPoint slide 29 illustrates a low code governance model. 

Essentially, it is a fine balance between IT and business developers interests. No silver bullets. 

How to get started.

Low code platforms pricing is a negligible or free (at least to start) so you can experiment before committing. Read the small print. Some providers are not as up front as they should be with regards to costs. Think about the type of apps you are wanting to build (look at PowerPoint slide 34). Some low code platforms might fit one or two requirements.

Case studies

Model-driven app

Model-driven app is component-focused. They can be simple or complex. Model-driven apps do not require coding skills. If your data source is a Common Data Service. You can automatically generate a model-driven app from your business data and processes.

What is a Common Data Service?

Common Data Service is a secure store to manage data. The data can be is used by multiple business applications. Data within Common Data Service is stored within a set of entities. An entity is a set of records used to store data. Think about how an Excel table stores data.

An Excel table has a base set of standard entities. Other Excel sheets can refer to the data. A common data service functions in very similar way. You can create custom entities specific to your organisational needs. And populate entities with data using Power Query. 

App makers can then use Power Apps to build rich applications using a common data service. For example, model forms, views, and other components.

Why use Common Data Service?

Standard and custom entities within Common Data Service are a secure data source.

Easy to manage – Both the metadata and data are stored in the cloud. That means you do not need manage the database.

Easy to secure –Role-based security. Enables you to control access to entities for different users within your organisation.

Logic and validation – Define calculated fields, business rules, workflows. And business process flows ensure data quality.

Model-driven app UI automatically adjusts to phones, laptops, and other devices. 

Canvas apps are built for specific form factor. Responsive design is now possible. With extra steps.

Why choose to build a canvas app?

The app designer has complete control over app layout. With a model-driven app much of the layout is determined for you. And largely designated by the components you add to the app.

You design your app by dragging and dropping elements onto a canvas. Just as you would design a slide in PowerPoint. If you have experience of creating Excel expressions. For specifying logic and working with data. Then the learning curve will be minimal. A stroll in the park. With no hills.

App users can run your app in a browser or on a mobile device. 

Both Canvas and Model Driven Apps can be embedded into SharePoint, Power BI, or Teams.

You would not be surprised to learn MS Power Apps have several no code competitors.

Certainly, suggests organisations are keen to automate workflows. 

What do I define as specific?

Criteria question you ask in your workflow needs to be yes or no. 

The more your questions are open to interpretation. The more likely your user is to become is to become infuriated. Particulary when their understanding does not match the answer you expect to be given.

Just think of those pop-up AI bots you see on websites these days. If you are like me, you have become very frustrated with answers provided in response to your enquiry.

Over the years I have attend numerous tech presentations. More often than not, AI features being demonstrated has left the presenter embarrassed.

The key point I am trying to make is successful automation requires some thought.

Three major competitors

This article will review three major competitors. And not in depth. As at present I do not have adequate experience of using these platforms. I am still learning the ins and outs. In a future article. I shall dictate one detailed article to each competitor reviewed in this commentary. 

Nintex Process Platform

The Nintex Platform is intuitive no code solution. Used by process professionals, business analysts, and power users. Nintex includes capabilities for advance workflow, DocGen. 

They must be doing something right to attract customers like Amazon. 

Nintex is not likely to appeal to many SME’s given the cost. Nintex market is corporate.

AppSheet (now Google)

AppSheet is the intelligent no-code platform. Trusted by over 200,000 app creators around the world. Including Clearlink, Enterprise Holdings, ESPN, Pepsi, Husqvarna and more. A Forrester Low/No Code Development Platform leader in 2018.

Build a No Code App in 4 Ways: 

1. Connect your data sources (e.g. Excel, Google Sheets, SQL, etc.) 
2. Copy a sample app. 
3. Use an Add-On for Google Sheets, Forms, or Excel. 
4. Google’s natural language declarative programming tool.
   

AppSheet is an intelligent, no-code app platform for everyone. However, given Googles ownership. It is likely to increasingly appeal to those familiar with Google platform.

Quick Base

Quick Base enables businesses to quickly turn ideas into applications. Anyone regardless of technical background. Can quickly create business apps and share them with others. Quick Base is trusted by half of the top fortune 100 companies.

QuickBase is a true low-code platform. For building, customising and connecting highly scalable and secure cloud applications. Without compromising IT governance and controls.

QuickBase focus is to empower citizen developers. To rapidly prototype processes. Build and roll out apps, and modify them on the fly and still meet IT compliance.

QuickBase is slick but unlikely to appeal to SME’s.