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Power Apps

IT Service

What is Power Apps?

Power Apps is a low-code development platform by Microsoft that allows users to build custom business applications without extensive coding knowledge. It provides a visual interface for designing and developing apps that can run on various devices and platforms. With Power Apps, users can create apps tailored to their specific needs, automate processes, and integrate with other Microsoft services. The platform empowers the University to rapidly create and deploy apps, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and collaboration across the business.

Key features

Power Apps offers a range of powerful features to create custom business applications. Here are some key features that make Power Apps a versatile platform for application development. The table below provides a detailed explanation of each feature, highlighting how they enhance the functionality and flexibility of your applications.

FeatureExplanation
Low-Code DevelopmentPower Apps offers a low-code development environment, allowing users with minimal coding experience to create custom business applications using a visual interface and pre-built templates.
Data IntegrationPower Apps seamlessly integrates with various data sources, including Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Excel, SQL Server, and more. This enables users to access and incorporate data from multiple systems into their applications.
App TemplatesPower Apps provides a range of pre-built app templates that cover common business scenarios. These templates serve as a starting point, allowing users to quickly customise and tailor the app to meet their specific needs.
Mobile CompatibilityPower Apps supports mobile devices, enabling users to create responsive applications that can be accessed and used on smartphones and tablets. This allows for greater flexibility and accessibility of the created apps.
Customisation and BrandingWith Power Apps, users can easily customise the look and feel of their applications to match their organisation’s branding guidelines. They can customise themes, colours, logos, and layouts to create a consistent and professional user experience.
Workflow AutomationPower Apps can integrate with Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow) to automate workflows and streamline processes. Users can create workflows that trigger actions and updates within their apps based on predefined conditions or events.
AI Builder IntegrationPower Apps integrates with AI Builder, a part of the Power Platform, which allows users to incorporate artificial intelligence capabilities into their applications. They can leverage AI models for tasks such as text recognition, sentiment analysis, and object detection.
Collaboration and SharingPower Apps enables users to easily share and collaborate on their applications with others. They can invite colleagues or team members to view, edit, or provide feedback on the app, fostering collaboration and collective development.
Key features of Power Apps

Approval process

If you’d like to develop a Power App, please log a ticket on the IT Service Desk portal using the ‘Power App development request’ template. This will enable the IT Service team to assess the development work and determine if it needs to be submitted to the minor projects team.

Unauthorised Power App developments will be identified and disabled by the IT Service. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring compliance and alignment with university policies and standards.

Data security and compliance

Power Apps prioritises data security and compliance to ensure the protection and privacy of sensitive information. Here are some key aspects:

  1. Data Encryption: Power Apps utilises robust encryption methods to safeguard data both in transit and at rest.
  2. Access Controls: Role-based access controls enable administrators to manage user permissions, ensuring that only authorised individuals can access and modify data.
  3. Compliance Standards: Power Apps adheres to industry-leading compliance standards, such as GDPR and ISO 27001, to meet regulatory requirements and maintain data integrity.
  4. Data Loss Prevention: Built-in data loss prevention policies help prevent accidental or unauthorised sharing of sensitive data, reducing the risk of data breaches.
  5. Auditing and Monitoring: Comprehensive auditing and monitoring capabilities allow for tracking and reviewing data access, modifications, and user activity, enhancing transparency and accountability.

By incorporating these security and compliance features, Power Apps provides a secure and reliable platform for building and deploying applications while safeguarding sensitive data.

Power Platform policy

Our Power Platform policy can be found on the IT Policies page.

Training

Please visit our IT Service Training Portal for Power App training resources.

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