Get a Jump Start on Digital Transformation with the Microsoft Power Platform

The challenges of digital transformation for SMBs While this all sounds great in theory, many SMBs don’t have the budget, expertise or resources to invest heavily in digital transformation. While larger organizations have the wiggle room for trial and error, SMBs need to make sound investments that they’re sure will bring in a return.  Unfortunately, this means that hiring an app developer or testing an A.I. solution is often out of the question - that is unless you’ve got Microsoft Power Platform as a tool in your arsenal.  

Microsoft Power Platform makes digital transformation accessible to all! Microsoft is the brain behind beloved workplace applications like Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Office 365. Many of our clients use these applications - but not everyone knows about Power Platform. As background, Power Platform was launched in 2018. Since then, it’s grown hugely and now has 16 million active monthly users. It also has many well-known customers, including brands like Lego, T Mobile, Hershey and many more. But Power Platform isn’t just for large enterprises. It can help small and medium-sized businesses too. The beauty of Power Platform is that it is designed to make technology and digital transformation accessible to the average employee, not just tech and security guys!  If you already use Microsoft Office 365 for Business, Power Platform is just a few clicks away. If not, you can access Power Platform as part of a Microsoft Office 365 subscription.  In our view, Power Platform can help businesses of all sizes - across all sectors - to harness the power of digital technologies.  Let’s take a look at how it works below. 

How Microsoft Power Platform worksMicrosoft Power Platform is a trio of applications. Each app tackles a different workplace issue. While you can use all three apps, you can also choose which ones you deploy based on your requirements.  The applications are: 

Power BIBI stands for business intelligence. This tool uses automation and data analytics to create visual representations of your company data, so you can find new insights and make informed decisions. In line with this, 64% of B.I. users reported that B.I. data and analytics helped improve their efficiency and productivity. Power B.I. sounds complex, but it’s pretty simple once you get started. The application mines through the data you share to find patterns and trends. For example, it can be used for customer analysis to help you gain a clearer picture of your customer demographic and your best selling items. 

PowerAppsPower Apps democratizes the process of application development. With this solution in place, you’ll no longer need to hire an external app developer should you wish to create an app. Instead, Power App offers you ready-to-use widgets and drag and drop style functionality, so any member of your team can build an app without having to know about code.  For example, you could use PowerApps to create a reservation system for your office meeting rooms or even create a consumer-facing app for your customers. The opportunities are endless! 

Power AutomatePower Automate takes advantage of the powers of automation, enabling you to robotize repetitive tasks that your employees would typically complete - things like data entry and invoicing.  While these tasks are essential, they also take ages. In fact, research shows that half of employees say their productivity is held back by repetitive work. In the age of automation, your employees shouldn’t be spending valuable time on tasks that a computer could easily do - and faster too.  Power Automate solves this issue. You can set up processes to automate a whole range of tasks, so your people can focus on higher-value, meaningful work. 

Getting started with Power Platform Microsoft Power Platform can help SMBs like you to find new efficiencies and keep up with larger competitors.  To get the most out of Power Platform, we advise working with an I.T. provider - like us - who can help you with deployment and train your employees on how to use the tool. If you like, we can even manage Power Platform for you - so you can turn your attention away from I.T.! 

Start your Microsoft Power Platform journey now! Texas I.T. Pros can work with your Denton or Wise County business to ensure you’re fully exploring all the capabilities you have with your Microsoft 365 subscription. Contact us today to learn more! Call 940-239-6500 or reach out online.