Digital transformation is the necessity of tomorrow. Technology is advancing, and the reliance on smart, automated systems has increased drastically. However, to make the transition smooth, cloud-ready systems are important. Process automation with Microsoft 365 is just the solution.
Microsoft 365 offers a range of applications and integrations that allow businesses to improve teamwork, security, simplicity, and creativity. It allows you to make powerful, scalable solutions to help in your business processes and improve the overall performance.
Also read: Business Process Automation in the Oil and Gas Industry
Business applications can allow you to manage data, users, teams, and streamline processes for maximum efficiency. With Microsoft’s business app tools, you get Microsoft forms, Microsoft Flow, PowerApps, Sharepoint Lists, and Power BI. These tools help design more precise and targeted solutions.
What are Business Apps?
A business app is a solution designed to improve processes and help services adapt to the new technological patterns. For instance, they can be created easily, without the need for extensive coding. Business apps help users automate and transform processes according to Microsoft’s vision.
They allow you to:
Make Data-Driven Decisions
Firstly, you can see all your data on one platform, making the decision-making process seamless. You can get live Power BI dashboard and analytical reports. The reports feature visualizations and trends to get a high-level view of your business’s performance. The data can help you identify bottlenecks and improve processes to generate better results.
Make Intelligent Apps
With the data you get through business apps, you can design smart systems to improve business processes. You can combine the features of Flow, Power Bi, and PowerApp. This gives you the opportunity to use the trends to your advantage. Therefore, improving your company’s performance.
Improve Security
Lastly, applications can make use of high-quality Microsoft tools and software to deliver 24/7 service. Microsoft services have high-grade security that keeps your data safe and away from sensitive security breaches. Controls like multifactor authentication and geofencing access can significantly improve the security of your app.
Utilizing Microsoft apparatuses, such as Microsoft Flow, PowerApps, Microsoft Forms, and Power BI, any business application can be envisioned and made. Hence, enabling associations to develop applications that can give a serious edge increment efficiency.
Process Automation with Microsoft 365
Process automation with Microsoft 365 is easy. Especially due to its products, i.e. SharePoint, Power Automate, and Power Apps designed specifically for automating business processes.
To delve into some of the features offered by the apps:
Collect and Manage Data
Firstly, SharePoint makes managing data simple and effortless. SharePoint lists gather data, similar to Excel that you can share across a company’s network. Currently, there are over 10 million lists in use. They can keep track of your contacts and tasks and also power critical business operations. Further, you can also use Microsoft Power Apps to build customized forms for handling the data.
Automate Tasks
Secondly, using manual labor on repetitive and tedious tasks is simply a waste of resources. You can automate these tasks using the Microsoft 365 infrastructure for better efficiency. Manual labor can be employed in areas that require more focus. They can also use their expertise to improve processes that can lead to profitable results for the company.
The visual designer can be used to layout the steps of the process. It can configure alerts, send approvals, and model complex processes.
Integrate Data Sources
Sometimes processes need to fetch data from other services and sources. Power Automate makes this process efficient and hassle-free. It allows you to exchange data, synchronize files, and much for. It also lets you integrate your platform with an intracompany of third-party sources or services. For example, if you want data from the sales team, Microsoft 365 lets you get that information within seconds.
Build Apps
Lastly, Microsoft’s Power App lets you build applications according to your requirements and preferences. You can create these apps without writing a single line of code. They can help improve interactions between different departments and data sources.
Process Automation Tools Offered by Microsoft
Office 365 contains different applications that can be utilized by business clients to make applications and robotize business measures rapidly. These include:
Microsoft Forms
Firstly, Microsoft Forms can help you get insights into your audience. Forms let you gather information from different audience groups through polls, surveys, and questionnaires. Through the data gathered, you can get an overview of the analytics. Therefore, they can help shape business strategies to fit market demands.
Power BI
Power BI helps you create intuitive reports and dashboards. Data from over 200 different systems can be displayed in the Power BI portal. It allows you to get an overview of your business processes. Further, it can also connect you to Excel spreadsheets, data sources, and others that your company could use.
Power Apps
Secondly, Power Apps lets you build applications for different platforms. It connects you with hundreds of data sources – both Microsoft’s and the third party. It can also connect you to APIs and external databases for easier management. Hence, PowerApps are not only simple to create but also easily accessible for efficient transactions.
Power Automate (as known as Microsoft Flow)
Automation can play a major role in streamlining processes in most industries. Power Automate is a business automation tool that can connect you to several Microsoft and third-party data sources. It can also allow for seamless exchange of data and set up alerts while the process is executing.
Power Virtual Agents
Lastly, Microsoft also offers Power Virtual Agents that can cater to your customer or employee needs. The platform allows you to create your own intelligent chatbots without writing a single line of code. You can then integrate them with different services to offer a seamless experience to the clients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft Office 365 is a great platform for you to automate and streamline your processes. It offers a range of tools and applications that can help improve your business model. Therefore making processes more efficient. Through PowerApps and Microsoft Flow, you can manage your data and stay updated with your company’s processes. Therefore, going for a Microsoft based solution is definitely worth it.