Low-code development platforms allow developers and non-developers to build applications using a graphical user interface rather than traditional “coding”. In the low-code model, complex coding is removed delivering high-powered apps at a lower cost and reduced timeline. Within Microsoft’s low-code development platform, Power Apps, there are two app building methods available, Canvas apps and Model-Driven apps (MDAs).
Think of Microsoft’s Power Platform as an app store housing many applications that deliver unique features and functions to end users. Some apps deliver simple features, while others provide solutions for more complex processes. One of the main benefits of Microsoft’s Power Platform comes from the variety of apps being shared within the Microsoft community so they can be leveraged independently or in combination with other use cases.
In general, Canvas apps are a type of Power App. They are designed to accomplish basic functions. The drag-and-drop build interface offers UI design flexibility, while also giving Power App creators the ability to connect to Microsoft data sources as well alternative data sources.
A few examples of apps that can be built within Canvas include:
• Checklists
• Estimates
• Events
• Stock/Inventory
As you can see from the list above, Canvas apps are action-oriented and can be used to automate simple tasks. They can stand-alone, or be a part of a larger, more complex app, like a MDA.
Dynamics 365 Sales, Service, Field Service, and Marketing are examples of Model-Driven Apps (MDAs). The ability to create apps that mirror complex business processes, like Dynamics 365, within a low-code framework is accomplished using a templated approach to workflows, features, and settings. The MDA framework also helps organizations consolidate multiple data sources into a single source of truth within Microsoft’s Dataverse.
Here are some use cases that are best addressed with MDAs:
• Employee Onboarding
• Expense Approvals
• Services Requests
• Crisis Management
If you’re reading this blog, you might be considering Microsoft Power Apps to address a specific business need. Maybe you’re looking to replace a legacy system or upgrade an internal process that is currently managed using spreadsheets or both!
Here are three key takeaways about using Canvas and Model-Driven apps to support you within that process.
If you’d like to learn more about Microsoft Power Apps, feel free to read the additional articles we’ve linked below. If you have specific questions you’d like answered about your project, contact us today!
Canvas Apps:
Model-Driven Apps:
If you’re looking for pixel-perfect control and a customized user experience, go with Canvas apps. If your business logic is complex and you want a consistent look and feel across screens without much effort from the app creator, consider Model-Driven apps. Remember, there’s no right or wrong in using either of these apps; it depends on your organization’s specific needs and challenges.
Starting with Microsoft Power Apps can be a straightforward process, even for organizations with limited technical expertise. Here are some initial steps and considerations:
As for how partners like TrellisPoint can facilitate this journey, we offer several services:
Microsoft Power Apps offers several features to support collaboration and iteration, especially for teams with a mix of technical and non-technical members:
Fusion Teams: Power Apps enables the creation of fusion teams, which unite business technologists, professional developers, and IT departments into a joint venture that can deliver production-ready digital products.
Collaboration Features: Power Apps provides collaboration features that help teams work together to build model-driven apps. These include commenting features for asynchronous work and co-presence and co-authoring features for real-time collaboration.
Microsoft 365 Collaboration: Power Apps allows you to bring Microsoft 365 collaboration to your model-driven apps. This includes creating and managing tasks backed by Planner, scheduling meetings backed by Outlook and Teams calendars, storing files in SharePoint, and requesting approvals from others in your team.
Multiplayer Apps: When working on a record, you can see other users who are also working on the same record. This feature uses the Azure Fluid Relay service.
Share Button: Power Apps provides a Share button that allows you to easily share records with your colleagues.
Collaborative Workloads: Power Apps ensures app experiences are familiar, allows users to collaborate with team members in their apps, and work with data from their apps in their existing tools like Microsoft Teams.
These features and tools facilitate the process of collaboration and iteration in app development, making it easier for teams with diverse skill sets to work together effectively. Remember, successful collaboration in Power Apps involves defining and adopting co-development best practices that promote collaboration, accelerate scalable development, reduce organizational silos, and optimize application delivery.