Microsoft PowerApps is a powerful business tool that is a part of the Power Platform that allows users to build custom business applications without the need for extensive coding skills. With its flexibility and range of app types, PowerApps can address a variety of business needs.Â
In this blog, we will explore different app types available in Microsoft PowerApps, discuss their pros and cons, and explain when it is most appropriate to use each one.
Canvas Apps
The first type of Power App that we will explore is the Canvas App, which provides a blank Canvas for you to design the app’s layout and interface from scratch. Users have complete control over the design and functionality, making it highly customizable.
Pros
Customization: Design the app layout and functionality according to specific business requirements.
Integration: Seamlessly integrate with various data sources and services, especially Microsoft’s own Common Data Service (Dataverse).
Rich User Experience: Ability to create visually appealing and interactive user interfaces.
Cons
Learning Curve: Steeper learning curve for users new to app development.
Time-Intensive: Designing from scratch can be time-consuming, especially for complex applications, and requires a bit of effort to meet desired functionality.
Best Appropriate Use
Canvas Apps are ideal when you need to develop a highly customized application with a specific design. They allow users to tailor the app’s features to meet unique business needs. Use Canvas Apps for scenarios where you have a clear vision of the app’s design and functionality.
Model-Driven Apps
The second type of Power App we will explore is the Model-driven app, built on a data model, allowing users to create powerful, data-centric applications quickly. The data model drives the app’s layout and business processes.
Pros
Rapid Development: Quick creation of apps based on existing data models.
Standardization: Utilize standardized business processes and data models.
Ease of Modification: Easy to modify and update the app based on changes to the underlying data model.
Cons
Limited Customization: Less customization compared to Canvas Apps, as the data model is the basis of the app’s structure.
Dependency on Data Model: Changes in the data model can impact the app’s functionality and design. This could be a good thing in cases where an update is needed. However, it can also cause the app to lose specific functionality due to a change made in the data model.
Best Appropriate Use
Model-driven apps are suitable when quickly developing applications that align with existing data models and standardized business processes. Use model-driven apps when data-centric applications are the primary focus.
Portal Apps
The final type of Power App that we will explore is the Portal App. Portal Apps allow for the creation of external-facing apps and provide a way to interact with users outside the organization. Portals can be customer-facing, partner-facing, or employee-facing.
Pros
External Interaction: Engage with customers, partners, or employees outside the organization.
Self-Service: Allow users to access and manage their data independently.
Integration: Connect with internal systems and databases for a seamless user experience.
Cons
Licensing Costs: Licensing may be required for external users, incurring additional costs.
Security Concerns: Users need to be cautious when allowing external-facing customers access to the app and data.
Best Appropriate Use
Portal apps are best suited when you need to provide external audiences, such as customers or partners, with controlled access to specific information or services. Use portal apps to allow external audiences to engage with your data and business.
Why PowerApps?
In addition to allowing business users to help create Apps that can make business processes more efficient, it can also help a business save time and money.
Here’s How: If the average time for an application developer to create and support the front/back end and database is 25 hours a week at a rate of $43 an hour, using PowerApps creates 1,300 hours of additional capacity, which translates to roughly $55,900 a year in company savings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft PowerApps provides a wide variety of app types allowing users to choose the app type that best suits their business needs. Canvas Apps allow for high customization and unique design layouts. Model-driven apps allow for rapid development and easier maintenance based on existing data models.Â
Portal Apps allow for external-facing audiences to interact with your app and data. The best option for you will be based on your customization, audience engagement, integration, and business needs.
