You’ve suspected it for a while. If you could manage data in your organisation more effectively, not only could you put your team’s time to more productive use, but you could also make better business decisions based on more accurate information.
The problem is, for many businesses, that this challenge often ends up in the “too difficult” pile, always getting pushed to the bottom of the heap by seemingly urgent business issues. Sometimes even accurately specifying what you think you need to manage your data can seem daunting, and the idea of a bespoke custom-built business application has you running for the hills. Let’s face it, for most businesses time, effort, money and resources can be in short supply.
An alternative solution
Thankfully, there are now off-the-shelf templates that cover the majority of business basics used by 90% of businesses, which need minimal customisation to suit your specific needs. These low code development platforms let you develop and deploy your business applications with minimal disruption to your business.
We’ve developed a tried and tested approach for our customers using Microsoft’s Power Platform –it’s one of the most complete ecosystems for low code data platform currently available. The data platform, known as Common Data Service (CDS) allows you to progress quickly without the hassle of in-house development, licensing, infrastructure and, most importantly without a high price tag. There are three main products available: PowerApps, Power BI and Microsoft Flow. So what are they and how do they benefit your business?
PowerApps
PowerApps offers drag and drop functionality to create new apps. It’s simpler to use to create the applications you need, so you are less reliant on IT teams and developers to get more straightforward applications live. You’ve got the option to take part and lead the creation of the business application, which should make sure it’s fit for purpose for your requirements as the end user; and because most of us are pretty familiar with Microsoft Office style templates the app development process is normally faster than expected.
So, the plus points are:
Rapid development due to low coding requirements
Simply connects to existing business apps and systems
Works on your existing Microsoft Office 365 platform (robust and secure)
Power BI
Microsoft’s Power BI is the perfect solution if you’re looking to leverage the power of your business data. It’s a simple to use analytics tool – quick to hook up – that can present all your core data in impactful dashboards and graphics rather than reams of spreadsheets. Happy days.
Benefits:
Simplify your business intelligence by using natural language queries and data visualisations
Connect with the broader Microsoft ecosystem or third-party services
Microsoft Flow
Finally, to really reduce time and effort, Microsoft Flow automates your business processes, helping you create automated workflows between applications and services. Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to get rid of repetitive tasks such as approval workflows, collecting and sharing data within the organisation, generating notifications, emails and more?
The main advantages are:
You can set up automated workflows with zero or low coding
Reduce human error
Save time and resources
Increases engagement when tasks are due
We’ve worked with enough businesses to know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We all have different requirements and processes. That said, we have leveraged the Microsoft Power Platform to successfully deliver a number of low-cost solutions for our customers.
And, from experience, we know it will create the most benefit if you’re currently:
Hampered by inflexible legacy systems,
Struggling to stay up to date in the digital / Dev Ops age
Running manual processes
We can provide the development and personalisation to deliver your digital transformation.
Contact Us
Would you like to know more about the applications we have deployed and how we can help you released trapped value in your organisation?
Please contact us: Info@lionandgazelle.com
We look forward to hearing from you!