Latest news with #PowerApps
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
No-Code Revolution: How Dynamics 365 Partners Empower Citizen Developers
In the rapidly evolving landscape of enterprise software development, the rise of no-code (LCNC) platforms is transforming how businesses operate and innovate. Among the leaders championing this movement are microsoft dynamics implementation partners, who play a crucial role in enabling organizations to empower their citizen developers—non-technical employees who can now build apps and automate processes without deep programming skills. This revolution is not just about democratizing software development; it's about redefining digital agility across all levels of the business. no-code platforms are visual development environments that allow users to create applications through drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates, and configuration options. The aim is to reduce the time and technical complexity associated with traditional development cycles. Microsoft's Power Platform, which integrates seamlessly with Dynamics 365, is one of the most powerful LCNC toolsets available. It includes Power Apps for app development, Power Automate for workflow automation, Power BI for data visualization, and Power Virtual Agents for chatbot creation. Together, these tools enable rapid innovation—particularly when deployed by a skilled Dynamics 365 partner who understands the nuances of enterprise integration. Citizen developers are business users who understand their department's specific needs and use low-code tools to develop solutions independently or in collaboration with IT. They are typically professionals in HR, sales, marketing, finance, and operations—not coders by training, but innovators by necessity. Instead of relying solely on IT departments bogged down with backlogs, citizen developers can build applications that solve day-to-day problems quickly and efficiently. This shift frees up IT resources for more strategic initiatives, while driving a culture of innovation across the organization. A Dynamics 365 partner is far more than just an implementation vendor. They are strategic enablers who: Provide governance frameworks for LCNC adoption for LCNC adoption Offer training programs for citizen developers for citizen developers Ensure proper integration with enterprise systems with enterprise systems Monitor compliance and security Guide app lifecycle management and scaling Let's dive into the specific ways Dynamics 365 partners empower organizations in the no-code era. One of the biggest risks of unregulated LCNC development is app sprawl—when too many untracked applications are built without proper oversight, leading to security, compliance, and performance issues. Dynamics 365 partners help organizations set up governance models to: Define who can build what Monitor app usage and performance Ensure that data connectors comply with internal policies Prevent duplication of effort and reduce shadow IT By establishing center-of-excellence (CoE) models, partners ensure LCNC success is scalable, repeatable, and secure. While low-code tools are easy to use, getting real value from them requires best practices and contextual knowledge. Dynamics 365 partners provide: Custom training programs tailored to different departments Online learning paths through Microsoft Learn and partner-specific platforms Hackathons and app challenges to spark interest and experimentation Mentorship between IT teams and business users These efforts help nurture an empowered and confident base of citizen developers who know how to use tools responsibly and effectively. Building an app is only part of the story. For an app to be valuable, it must integrate seamlessly with existing enterprise systems like CRM, ERP, HRMS, and third-party data sources. This is where a Dynamics 365 partner adds significant value. Partners bring architectural insight and experience to: Map data flows between Power Platform and Dynamics 365 modules Connect apps to finance, operations, or supply chain modules Integrate third-party APIs for additional functionality Implement Single Sign-On (SSO) and ensure compliance with Active Directory policies This integration expertise ensures that citizen-developed solutions are not siloed but embedded within enterprise ecosystems. LCNC tools democratize development, but they can also open new security vulnerabilities if unmanaged. Dynamics 365 partners help clients configure: Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies policies Environment-level restrictions on app publishing on app publishing User roles and permissions to ensure least-privilege access to ensure least-privilege access Audit logs and monitoring tools to track changes and identify anomalies Partners also ensure compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, and other industry-specific regulations, which is critical in regulated sectors like healthcare, banking, and government. Creating a single app for a department is easy. But what happens when the app becomes mission-critical or needs to scale across geographies or business units? Dynamics 365 partners guide organizations through: Version control and change management and DevOps for Power Platform , using tools like Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions , using tools like Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions Testing and deployment pipelines Migration strategies from MVPs to enterprise-grade solutions This ensures that citizen-developed solutions can evolve into robust business applications without disruption or risk. In many organizations, IT and business departments operate in silos. LCNC adoption supported by Dynamics 365 partners creates an opportunity to bridge this gap. By involving both IT and business units in the co-creation of solutions, partners help: Build mutual trust and collaboration Ensure that business apps meet security and data integrity standards Drive digital transformation from the ground up This fusion development model, where IT and citizen developers collaborate in an agile environment, leads to faster delivery and better business outcomes. Perhaps the most transformative impact of no-code tools is the acceleration of innovation. Dynamics 365 partners help organizations: Build customer-facing portals faster Automate repetitive tasks with Power Automate Enable real-time dashboards for smarter decision-making Launch chatbots for customer support using Power Virtual Agents All of these capabilities allow businesses to adapt quickly to market changes—an essential trait in today's competitive environment. A large retail chain worked with a Dynamics 365 partner to roll out Power Apps across its store network. Store managers were trained to create their own inventory management and shift scheduling apps. Within six months: Over 60 custom apps were built by non-technical users Manual tasks reduced by 40% IT support requests dropped significantly Data entry errors decreased by 25% The Dynamics 365 partner provided governance, training, and lifecycle management, transforming the retailer's workforce into a team of innovators. The no-code revolution is not a passing trend—it's a foundational shift in how software is created and consumed. Citizen developers are becoming central to digital transformation, but their success hinges on strategic enablement. A Dynamics 365 partner is the catalyst that turns potential into performance. From governance to training, integration to lifecycle management, partners ensure that low-code adoption is not only efficient but also secure, compliant, and scalable. By empowering citizen developers, Dynamics 365 partners are helping organizations unlock untapped innovation and achieve digital agility like never before. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
International Business Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- International Business Times
How to Streamline Business Case Approvals Using Power Apps & Automation
Most of the organisations find the process of getting approval for new projects to be slow and frustrating. The traditional methods of managing approvals mostly relying on email exchanges and follow-ups often lead to delays. This in turn, leads to missed deadlines and leave people feeling stuck. But advancements in the tech world have provided a solution to this in the form of automation. It's not surprising that these tools are greatly helping businesses to streamline approval processes, improve collaboration, and get projects moving faster. Advocating the crucial role of automation in bringing about these changes is Ravi Sankar Thinnati Palanichamy, a seasoned professional in the Project Management Office (PMO). He has been focusing on making this process faster and more efficient. With years of experience managing projects, he has seen first-hand how slow approvals can affect timelines. He has used tools like Microsoft Power Apps to build a system that makes the approval process quicker and smoother. Taking a deeper dive into his experience, it's worth mentioning what he found to be the main causes of hindrance. The expert noticed that the biggest problems in the old system were the delays caused by manual work. "My experience has given me insight into the inefficiencies of manual approval processes, particularly the delays caused by email-based follow-ups and disjointed communication between business owners, PMO reviewers, vice presidents, and executives," he highlighted. To this, he added, "From my vantage point, the reliance on manual approvals isn't just a logistical issue it's a cultural one." Project charters the documents that outline new projects needed to go through multiple people for approval. But this process could take weeks, and this not only slowed things down but also created confusion with different versions of documents floating around. To fix this, Ravi worked with his team to create a system using Power Apps. "I understand how Power Apps can serve as a customizable front-end platform, integrating seamlessly with project servers and communication tools like Microsoft Teams, to create a unified, transparent process," he stated. This new system automates the workflow, allowing business owners to submit their project ideas and instantly generate project charters. These charters are then routed through an automated process for review and approval, complete with notifications to keep things moving forward. The main benefit of this new system is speed. The approval process that once took weeks can now be done in just a few days. By automating the process, his team has been able to eliminate delays, allowing projects to start on time and respond to business needs more quickly. Transparency has also greatly improved. In the old system, there were often multiple versions of the same document being passed around, leading to confusion. Now, everyone has access to the same, up-to-date version of the project charter. This has greatly reduced errors and made the entire process more transparent, which has led to better collaboration across departments. For the professional, one of the biggest rewards has been seeing a shift in the team's culture. Now, the system handles most of the tedious work, allowing the team to focus on the more important parts of the job, like planning and managing risks. This shift has not only increased productivity but also boosted team morale. Additionally, decision-making has also simplified. With all project data available in one place, and automated notifications reminding stakeholders to approve the documents, executives and vice presidents can make faster, more informed decisions. This has helped the company prioritize the most important projects and allocate resources more effectively. To put it together, the success of the project demonstrates just how much impact automation can have. It has already improved approval times, saved administrative hours, and helped the team work more efficiently. With 90% of users actively using the system within the first few weeks, it's clear that people are seeing the benefits. Looking ahead, it's not puzzling to understand that low-code platforms like Power Apps will be a key part of project management in the future. These platforms allow teams to build custom solutions without needing to rely on a full IT team, making it easier for project managers to take charge of their projects. As more companies adopt automation, these tools will play a big role in improving efficiency and streamlining workflows. So, it won't be wrong to say that automation is a promising turn in improving business case approvals.
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To Hack Microsoft AI And Make $30,000
Microsoft launches new bug bounty offer. With security threats increasingly powered by AI, from sophisticated Gmail attacks to malicious advertising accounts that can lead to search engine compromise, there's no doubt that this is the new frontier of the cybersecurity badlands. The AI security threat runs deeper than these attack campaigns; dig under the surface, and you will find vulnerabilities waiting for cybercriminals to expose. Microsoft is no stranger to vulnerabilities, it has to be said, but its bug bounty programs look to address the issue. The latest Microsoft bug bounty announcement targets AI hackers specifically, with rewards of up to $30,000 per vulnerability on offer to those hackers who can find and disclose them. Microsoft has added an AI bounty award category to its acclaimed vulnerability disclosure program that paid elite hackers a total of $16.6 million during 2024 alone, and $60 million in total. The newly announced Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform Bounty Program is looking for both individuals and organizations to identify security vulnerabilities in specific Dynamics 365 and Power Platform applications. 'Qualified submissions are eligible for bounty rewards of $500 to $30,000,' Microsoft said. While Dynamics 365 covers a suite of what Microsoft described as 'intelligent business applications' that are created to connect all parts of the business from customers to operations, Power Platform comprises applications to enable data analysis, process automation and the creation of 'virtual agents to overcome business challenges. Microsoft said that it is looking for hackers to disclose security vulnerabilities that are rated as either important or critical, as defined by Microsoft's own Vulnerability Severity Classification for AI Systems rather than the standard Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures, or CVE, rating system. When it comes to the vulnerabilities that are in scope, Microsoft said that AI integrations in PowerApps and model-driven applications are included. For PowerApps, these are: For model-driven applications, these are: Hackers interested in earning some extra cash by finding AI vulnerabilities in these Microsoft products can find out more about signing up by referencing the announcement link already provided.
