This blog is for people who is interested in PowerApp development within the Office365 suite. These types of apps are developed using Low-Code techniques. Also in some circumstances great apps can be created with Zero Code. One of the great things about PowerApps is that these can be created by Power users. Although if required a developer can push its limits – wonderful apps can be created quickly.
Below is list of the things we think are great with PowerApps.
Mobile Apps
Mobile Apps can be created for LOB (line of business) applications. These apps do not need to go through any app store approval. if you have ever added an app to certain app stores you know this can be a painful process. Instead of ‘downloading’ your LOB app – you download the PowerApp app from your app store – log on with your Office365 account and voila the apps you have access to are there and available to run.
When your developer changes or fix bugs within the app – the new app is available to your users immediately and they get prompted to use the latest version. If you are not ready for your users to see the new app yet – you don’t have to publish it.
So when I have logged in with a certain user into my Office 365 tenancy. There is only one app available and to open it just touch your finger on the logo.
Tablet Apps
If your staff have tablets (i.e IPad) instead of a mobile phone then nothing changes and an app can be created that fits all sizes. Large phones to tiny tablets , no extra design needs to be done.
Connections
Choose the data connection first and then design the screens afterwards. Data can come from the usual suspects SQL, SharePoint and Excel. If you have a more bizarre data source , then there is a large selection of connectors which can be used to connect to your data. Also if your data source is not here ask your friendly PowerApp consultant to see if they can create one for you.
Components
As PowerApps mature we can make nice looking components which is the de-facto way of creating unique UI components for your app. If you want an app that stands out and looks awesome lets create some components. For example if we require an icon lets create one with an SVG and make it shine. Long gone are the days of using the out of the box components that everyone else uses.
SharePoint List forms
There is no doubt – SharePoint is great. Sometimes an PowerApp will make filling that list form in so much easier. We can create an lovely intuitive SharePoint form using Drag-and-drop techniques.
Common Data Service
If you are creating an app from scratch without any previous data (or in fact you have data) you can use the Common data service to host your data. Common Data Service (CDS for short) is relatively easy to get your head around but it can be complex and do so amazing things. If simplicity is necessary then you can simply create an new entity in CDS and then enter the data into that entity using Excel and then you have data for your app – simple ! a very good backend for PowerApp Development
Pricing
Sometimes pricing can be complex, so I will try and make it as simple as possible. There are two scenarios :
Per App
This pricing structure is £7.50 per month / per user / per app. So if you have a LOB app for your sales department, it would cost you £75 per month to license the app.
Per User
The pricing structure is if you have many apps and the same people use the same apps. It works out to be £30.20 per user per month. So if you have many apps and 10 staff then it works out to be £302 per month.
With these plans you have access to the common data service, use pre-built connectors and also you can add Power Automate workflows into the Apps with that price too.
Talk to a Office 365 & SharePoint expert today
Silver Limes is your trusted PowerApp developer. We will design and develop your line of business apps to make your business easier. Contact us today on 0116 319 4402 or hello@silvelimes.co.uk. We’re here to help you achieve your success story.
