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Power Automate: automation features and setup
Microsoft’s automation tool for cloud workflows and actions in a computer interface. It connects Microsoft 365, business systems, and software without an API.
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Overview
Power Automate offers two main paths: cloud flows that respond to events in services, and desktop flows that operate applications through their interfaces. This combination is useful in an organization that manages information in Teams, Excel, or SharePoint but still depends on legacy software. You can include approvals, document processing, and execution tracking. The choice of flow type affects licensing, the computer that needs to remain available, and operational responsibilities.
Features
- Cloud flows with ready-made and custom connectors.
- RPA to operate applications and websites, with or without a user present.
- Approval workflows, document processing, and monitoring within Power Platform.
Business uses
- A purchase request is sent for approval and updates an organizational list after a decision.
- Transfer data from an Excel file to legacy desktop software.
Getting started
- Classify the process as a cloud flow or desktop flow based on API availability.
- Set up connections in a test environment and grant access only to the necessary sources.
- Check both approval rejection and failures on the run computer, not just successful completion.
What to check
- Licensing for unattended flows and premium connectors differs from basic licensing. Check the exact scenario.
- Desktop flows require a suitable Windows environment and need to be retested when the software interface changes.
Sources to check next
Vendor features and prices change. Confirm details on the linked official pages before you rely on them.