What is Power Automate? 

Power Automate is a robust cloud automation platform offering end-to-end solutions powered by low code and AI. The low code/no code solution allows for the development of business workflows within Business Central.  

It is a service that enables you to craft automated workflows between applications and services, such as Business Central. It can be linked to a variety of events and responses, such as: 

1. Record changes 

2. External file updates 

3. Posted documents 

4. Integration with various Microsoft and third-party services like Outlook, Excel, Dataverse, Teams, SharePoint, Power Apps and more. 

Power Automate Flows in Dynamics 365 Business Central 

Businesses receive a license for Microsoft Power Automate with Business Central. This license enables businesses to incorporate Business Central data into Power Automate workflows. It helps to create flows and links to both internal and external data sources through the Business Central connector. 

Power Automate flows can be triggered by various events, such as when a record is created, modified or deleted. Flows are scheduled to run at specific times or initiated manually. 

There are two types of Power Automate flows available for use with Dynamics 365 Business Central: 

1. Automated Flows 

Automated workflows are activated by events (like the creation, modification or deletion of records or documents) or operate according to a schedule defined by the user. These workflows are created within Power Automate, accessible either directly from the Power Automate homepage or via Business Central. 

2. Instant Flows 

Within Business Central, users have the option to manually initiate workflows instead of relying on automated events for activation. These instant workflows appear in the Automate action group within the Business Central client, allowing users to execute workflows directly relevant to their tasks. 

One can create and trigger a Power Automate instant workflow on a Business Central record, such as a customer, item or sales order, providing capabilities to manage data both internally and externally through integrated tools. 

What are the Power Automate Features Available in Business Central? 

With Power Automate and Business Central integration, businesses can effortlessly handle tasks, freeing up time to focus on what truly matters. It’s all about automating and optimising business processes to unlock unlimited growth potential.  

Pre-Configured Flows and Templates 

Power Automate, integrated with Business Central, offers pre-configured templates that users can utilise to create various workflows. These templates can be customised instantly without the need to start from scratch. Accessible within the Power Automate interface, these pre-configured templates enable the implementation of automation solutions across different processes. 

Comprehensive Business Process Workflows 

Within Business Central, Power Automate empowers users to craft complete business process flows. This tool directs users through a sequence of specific business tasks, enabling business owners to establish progression criteria and precisely map out workflow procedures. Moreover, by incorporating decision-making logic, users can seamlessly execute entire processes. 

Advanced Analytics and Monitoring Tools 

Power Automate Flows with Business Central provides comprehensive analytics and monitoring tools. These tools enable you to track and optimise your automated workflows through detailed analysis. Users have access to real-time reports and dashboards that offer insights into usage statistics, flow performance and error tracking.   

With these analytics tools, you can monitor the overall performance of your business workflows, pinpoint issues and make informed decisions based on real-time data.  

Robust Data Transformation Features 

Power Automate integrated with Business Central includes built-in expressions, functions and actions designed for data extraction and aggregation. Users can format and filter this data to maximise business benefits. With its extensive data transformation features, users can manipulate, transform and enrich large datasets within their automated workflows. 

Vast Library of Connectors and Integrations 

Power Automate, integrated with Business Central, features a vast library of pre-built connectors. These connectors enable integration with a variety of services and applications from third-party providers and Microsoft. 

Using these Business Central connectors, users can effortlessly communicate and exchange data between various systems. Power Automate provides hundreds of connectors, including applications such as Dynamics 365, Microsoft Office 365, Teams and SharePoint. 

Conclusion 

Power Automate is a highly versatile platform that effectively tackles business challenges with its advanced capabilities to automate tasks, integrate systems and optimise business processes.  

To learn more about the benefits of Power Automate in Dynamics 365 Business Central, contact a trusted and local Microsoft partner today.