Struggling to Get Power Platform Adoption?

Getting buy-in for Microsoft Power Platform across your organisation is crucial for maximising the benefits of low-code solutions.

At Marra, we’ve helped many clients successfully scale their Power Platform activity. From implementing automated workflows with Power Automate to making your data more accessible using Power BI.  It’s not always easy to get buy-in for new technology. Here’s some of the challenges we have heard and how you can overcome them.

Four common challenges we hear from our customers

Limited flexibility. There is often a misconception that you are limited to pre-built components and templates with low-code and there can be uncertainty around whether you can really build anything of use.

Integration Concerns. Business systems rarely operate in isolation, therefore seamless integration is key to the successful running of the IT estate.

Security Concerns. Security is always a major concern, and there can often be apprehension that security may not be fully considered when developing rapidly. There may be particular concerns around who can connect and where from, how the data is stored and how can sensitive data be controlled and protected.

Governance & Innovation paradox. How do you manage the balance innovation and governance? There can be a worry that citizen developers could potentially cause chaos across the business without IT collaboration and support. IT departments often take the step to buy Microsoft licenses but then end up in a standstill as they are afraid to let go of control.

What’s the solution?

The great news is that there are simple ways to overcome all of these challenges and realise the many benefits of low-code in your organisation – speed & agility, reduced cost, better customer experience and enhanced collaboration across departments.

Limited flexibility.

Pre-built components and templates are a great way to build applications quickly. They can be fully customised to meet the required business needs. Business process flows can be introduced to guide users through unique business processes and seamlessly fit your ways of working. They can be utilised to simplify intricate daily operations. This increases productivity, reduces costs and ensures a consistent, standardised approach.  Our clients love the way we can put a realistic prototype in front of them very quickly and get feedback early in the process.

Integration Concerns.

There are often concerns that low-code may not be able to support required integrations, however as well as the 800+ pre-built connectors, custom connectors can easily be set up within Power Platform to ensure data flows to where it needs to be. If a custom connector is required, there are built in wizards to hold your hand through the process without requiring prior knowledge, taking away the overhead of manual development and documentation.

Security Concerns.

Microsoft Power Platform is designed with security as a top priority. It has industry -leading protection, trusted by national security agencies and financial institutions. Power Platform integrates with Azure Active Directory for user authentication, and you can control access via roles and permissions. Data loss policies can be configured to ensure regulatory compliance as required. There are also measures to isolate environments to isolate data and applications. In addition to data encryption and monitoring and auditing logs.

Governance v Innovation concerns.

A Centre of Excellence (CoE) balances governance and innovation. This means managing platform use and ensuring standards are met before an organisation wide roll out. We find IT departments are overwhelmed with projects and welcome the introduction of low-code. But they need to know it is being developed with controls in place. Our consultants can give that extra level of confidence. They ensure there is buy-in to low-code, preventing shadow IT.

Here’s some additional tips from our Power Platform Consultants:

• Training: Even a small amount of training can boost buy-in. A library of Power Platform solutions can showcase possibilities and nurture an internal community.
• Start Small: Begin with simple projects to build confidence and gradually increase complexity. This approach helps demonstrate the benefits of low-code firsthand.

Need some extra support?

Low-code is a refreshing alternative to the ‘pro-code’ world or procurement of an off the shelf product. Marra can provide a third option.

Not only can low-code fully fit your requirements, it can be rapidly developed and has the ability to be modified just as rapidly. With the ongoing pressure to deliver more with less, low-code is becoming the strategic option. According to KPMG, 53% of EMA low-code users have made good progress in reducing their development costs, and 55% said they have been able to reduce their IT backlog.

Ready to take the next step?

Our consultants are here to support you in your Microsoft Power Platform journey. 

Written by Sara Nixon, Lead Business Analyst