SharePoint and Microsoft Power Platform – a powerful, yet underutilised combination 

Businesses manage data across various locations and databases; however, we often discover that much of the data needed to streamline internal processes already lives in one place: SharePoint. And many overlook the potential of a great combination already at their fingertips: Microsoft SharePoint and the Power Platform. Together, these tools offer a solution for efficient file management, and cost-effective application development, especially for smaller, internal applications and processes, where complex scenarios and databases aren’t required.  

In this discussion, we explore how, when used effectively, SharePoint and Microsoft Power Platform can significantly and swiftly affect your business.  

The Strengths of SharePoint for File Management 

At its core, Microsoft SharePoint excels in document management capabilities. Its robust features allow organisations to store, organise, and share files securely, streamlining collaboration and enhancing productivity. SharePoint’s strengths lie in its ability to: 

1. Centralise File Storage: SharePoint provides a centralised repository for all your organisation’s files, making it easier to locate and access documents from a single location. 
2. Enhance Collaboration: With built-in version control, check-in/check-out functionality, and real-time co-authoring, SharePoint facilitates seamless collaboration among team members. 
3. Maintain Compliance: SharePoint adheres to industry standards for data security and regulatory compliance, ensuring that your organisation’s sensitive information remains protected. 
4. Customise Libraries and Metadata: SharePoint allows you to customise document libraries and metadata, enabling better organisation and searchability of your files. 

The Power of Integration with the Microsoft Power Platform 

While SharePoint’s file management capabilities are impressive, its true power is unleashed when integrated with the Microsoft Power Platform. This combination empowers organisations to develop low-code applications, automate workflows, and generate insightful analytics, all while leveraging the data stored in SharePoint. 

1. Cost-Effective Solutions: SharePoint is often included in enterprise licensing agreements with Microsoft, making the Power Platform integration a cost-effective solution for application development and process automation. 
2. Streamlined Processes: By utilising Power Automate, you can streamline routine tasks such as document approvals, data entry, and notifications, boosting efficiency and productivity. 
3. Custom Applications: With Power Apps, you can build custom applications tailored to your organisation’s specific needs, whether it’s for resource tracking, employee onboarding, or project management. 
4. Scalable and Adaptable: As your business grows, the SharePoint and Power Platform combination can scale alongside you, ensuring that your solutions adapt to your evolving requirements. 

Practical Tips for Implementation 

To harness the full potential of SharePoint and the Power Platform, consider the following steps: 

1. Assess Your Current Infrastructure: Understand the existing usage of SharePoint and Power Platform within your organisation to identify gaps and opportunities for integration. 
2. Start Small: Begin with a pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of combining these platforms without committing extensive resources upfront. 
3. Invest in Training: Equip your team with the necessary knowledge and skills to leverage SharePoint and Power Platform effectively through training and continuous learning opportunities. 
4. Engage with the Community: Leverage Microsoft’s extensive community and documentation to learn from others’ experiences and discover new ways to enhance your solutions. 

Conclusion 

By combining the file management prowess of Microsoft SharePoint with the low-code application development capabilities of the Power Platform, organisations can unlock a world of opportunities for streamlined processes, enhanced collaboration, and cost-effective solutions. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, this duo can streamline, in a cost-effective manner, the way you manage your files and applications.