Power Platform Training in Fort Collins, CO

What is Power Platform

Microsoft Power Automate (formerly known as Microsoft Flow) is a cloud-based service that allows users to automate workflows between apps and services. It integrates different applications, services, and data sources, allowing businesses and individuals to create automated processes without needing extensive programming knowledge. Power Automate is part of the broader Microsoft Power Platform, which also includes Power BI (for analytics) and Power Apps (for low-code app development).

Key Components of Power Automate

1. Flows: The core building blocks of Power Automate. A flow defines the process or workflow being automated. There are several types of flows:
   • Automated Flows: Triggered automatically based on events, such as when a new email arrives or when a file is updated.
   • Button Flows: Manual flows triggered by the user, typically through a button in the Power Automate mobile app or web portal.
   • Scheduled Flows: These run at a set time, such as daily or weekly, to carry out routine tasks.
   • Business Process Flows: Used to guide users through defined stages in business processes, ensuring consistency and compliance in data collection and task execution.
   • UI Flows: Robotic process automation (RPA) flows that allow automation of tasks on legacy systems or web applications that don't support APIs by simulating user actions.
2. Triggers: Each flow begins with a trigger. Triggers initiate the flow when a certain event occurs. Power Automate offers a wide variety of triggers, such as:
   • Receiving an email in Outlook
   • Adding a new row in an Excel file
   • Submitting a form in Microsoft Forms
   • Creating a new record in a SharePoint list
   • A user clicks a button or a schedule is reached
3. Actions: After a flow is triggered, it performs one or more actions. Actions define what happens after the trigger. These can include:
   • Sending an email
   • Creating or updating a record in a database
   • Posting a message to Microsoft Teams
   • Saving files to cloud storage (like OneDrive or SharePoint)
   • Starting an approval process
4. Connectors: Power Automate can integrate with many third-party applications and Microsoft services via connectors. These connectors enable Power Automate to communicate with various applications (e.g., Google Drive, Salesforce, Twitter, Dropbox) and cloud services (Azure, Dynamics 365).
   • Standard Connectors: These include services like Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, etc.) and social media platforms.
   • Premium Connectors: These are specialized connectors for more complex services such as Azure services, third-party CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), and more.
5. Templates: Power Automate provides pre-built templates to help users create common workflows without starting from scratch. These templates range from simple tasks like sending a notification when a specific email arrives to more complex scenarios like multi-step approval processes.
6. Integration with Other Microsoft Tools: Power Automate is tightly integrated with other Microsoft tools, such as:
   • Power BI: Users can automate data refreshes and other reporting tasks.
   • Power Apps: Power Automate can trigger workflows from custom apps built using Power Apps.
   • Microsoft Teams: Teams can be used as a collaboration hub where notifications from automated workflows are posted.

Use Cases for Microsoft Power Automate

• Email Automation: Automate responses, forward important emails, or extract information from incoming emails and save it elsewhere.
• Document Management: Automatically move, rename, or organize files across OneDrive, SharePoint, and other cloud storage platforms.
• Approval Processes: Implement multi-step approval processes, where documents or requests can be approved by different stakeholders.
• Task Management: Automatically create tasks in apps like Microsoft To Do or Planner when certain events occur (e.g., a new email arrives, a form is submitted).
• Notifications: Receive alerts or notifications when specific events happen, such as a new CRM lead or a low stock alert in inventory management software.
• Data Collection: Automate the collection of data from surveys, forms, or emails, and store it in databases or Excel files.

Benefits of Using Microsoft Power Automate

1. Efficiency: Automating repetitive tasks saves time and reduces human error, freeing employees to focus on more complex and value-added activities.
2. Integration Across Platforms: Power Automate can seamlessly integrate Microsoft applications and third-party services, providing a unified workflow across different platforms.
3. Low-Code/No-Code Development: Users with little to no programming experience can create sophisticated workflows thanks to its user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface.
4. Scalability: Power Automate can scale with the needs of the business. Whether automating simple personal tasks or complex enterprise-wide workflows, it adapts to different use cases.
5. Accessibility: Power Automate can be accessed from the web, mobile devices, or even integrated into existing Microsoft applications like Teams and SharePoint.

Types of Power Automate Plans

Microsoft offers different plans based on business needs, such as:

• Free and Basic Plans: Ideal for small businesses or individuals looking to automate simple workflows.
• Enterprise Plans: These plans offer advanced features, premium connectors, and additional capabilities, including RPA and AI-based automation.

Example Scenarios

• Marketing: A flow can automatically upload new leads from a web form to a CRM system, send a welcome email to the lead, and notify the marketing team on Microsoft Teams.
• IT Management: Automate the creation of user accounts in Active Directory when a new employee starts or send automatic system alerts when servers go down.
• Sales: Automate the process of sending quotes to customers and logging the interaction in the company’s CRM system.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in Power Automate

With UI Flows, Power Automate also supports RPA, which enables automation of tasks in legacy or web applications that do not have available APIs. By recording and playing back manual steps, UI Flows can automate repetitive tasks across applications where traditional integration is not possible.

AI Builder Integration

Power Automate includes AI Builder, which allows users to incorporate artificial intelligence into their flows, such as recognizing objects in images, processing forms, and analyzing sentiment in customer feedback.

Microsoft Power Automate Certifications Available in 2024

In 2024, there are several key certifications for Microsoft Power Automate:

1. Microsoft Certified: Power Automate RPA Developer Associate

This certification is for professionals who specialize in robotic process automation (RPA) using Power Automate. To earn this certification, you need to pass the PL-500 exam, which tests your ability to automate repetitive tasks using a variety of automation tools like desktop flows, cloud flows, and integration with APIs and databases. It covers designing, developing, and managing automations. This certification is ideal for developers experienced in using scripting languages like VBScript and JavaScript and tools like Microsoft Dataverse and Power Platform components.

Source: Microsoft Learn - Power Automate RPA Developer

2. Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Functional Consultant

This certification focuses on using Microsoft Power Platform to design and create solutions for process automation, including Power Automate flows. It emphasizes skills like configuring Dataverse, developing apps, and managing environments. The associated exam is PL-200.

Source: Microsoft Learn - Power Platform Functional Consultant

3. Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Developer Associate

This certification is more advanced and covers designing, developing, and troubleshooting complex Power Automate solutions alongside other Power Platform components like Power Apps and Dataverse. It is geared toward developers who can integrate various systems and handle advanced business logic.

Source: Microsoft Learn - Power Platform Developer Associate

Jobs that use Microsoft Power Automate

Microsoft Power Automate is widely used in various industries to automate workflows, streamline business processes, and integrate systems. Here are some job roles that commonly require or benefit from proficiency with Microsoft Power Automate:

1. Business Analyst

• Responsibilities: Analyze business processes and design automation solutions using Power Automate to optimize workflows and improve efficiency.
• Power Automate Use: Automating repetitive tasks, integrating different business applications, and generating reports.

2. Process Automation Specialist

• Responsibilities: Design and implement process automation solutions across departments to enhance operational efficiency.
• Power Automate Use: Creating complex workflows to automate end-to-end business processes, approvals, and notifications.

3. IT Support Specialist

• Responsibilities: Provide support for IT systems and automate common IT processes such as ticketing, onboarding, and incident management.
• Power Automate Use: Automating routine IT tasks like user account management, resetting passwords, or sending automated notifications.

4. SharePoint Administrator

• Responsibilities: Manage and optimize SharePoint environments for document management and collaboration.
• Power Automate Use: Automating document approvals, notifications, and integrating SharePoint with other apps like Teams, Outlook, and OneDrive.

5. Data Analyst

• Responsibilities: Collect, process, and analyze data to drive business decisions.
• Power Automate Use: Automating data extraction, report generation, and integrating data workflows between various applications like Excel, Power BI, and CRM systems.

6. HR Specialist

• Responsibilities: Manage recruitment, employee onboarding, and HR compliance tasks.
• Power Automate Use: Automating onboarding processes, leave requests, performance reviews, and document generation.

7. Sales Operations Specialist

• Responsibilities: Streamline sales processes, manage CRM, and support the sales team.
• Power Automate Use: Automating CRM updates, lead tracking, sending notifications, and sales reporting.

8. Project Manager

• Responsibilities: Manage projects, track progress, and ensure timely completion of tasks.
• Power Automate Use: Automating task assignments, progress tracking, and project reporting.

9. Marketing Specialist

• Responsibilities: Manage marketing campaigns, track engagement, and analyze data.
• Power Automate Use: Automating email marketing workflows, social media posts, and customer feedback collection.

10. Finance/Accounting Professional

• Responsibilities: Manage financial operations, accounting, and reporting.
• Power Automate Use: Automating invoice processing, financial approvals, and report generation.

We offer live-instructor group training classes for your team.

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Fort Collins is an interesting place. Here is some information to help you learn more about Fort Collins

Ten interesting facts about Ft. Collins, CO

• Ft. Collins is known for its strong craft beer culture and home to numerous breweries (~0.0 miles from the address).
• The city hosts the annual Colorado Brewer's Festival drawing visitors from around the state (~0.0 miles).
• Ft. Collins has a rich agricultural heritage, visible in its local markets and farm-to-table dining (~0.0 miles).
• It is home to Colorado State University, a major research and cultural hub (~0.0 miles).
• The historic Old Town area preserves architecture dating back to the late 19th century (~0.0 miles).
• Ft. Collins consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Colorado (~0.0 miles).
• The city is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise with abundant trails and parks (~0.0 miles).
• It boasts a vibrant arts scene with galleries, theaters, and live music venues (~0.0 miles).
• Ft. Collins is a pioneer in sustainable living and environmental initiatives (~0.0 miles).
• The community is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and active local events (~0.0 miles).

Ten Fun things to do in Ft. Collins, CO

• Explore Old Town Ft. Collins (600 Linden Street, ~0.4 mile from 155 Boardwalk Drive) – Historic downtown with shops, cafes, and local art.
• Visit Horsetooth Reservoir (4000 Horsetooth Road, ~5.0 miles) – Enjoy water sports and scenic lakeside views.
• Bike along the Poudre River Trail (Various access points, ~2.0 miles) – A picturesque route for cyclists.
• Tour the New Belgium Brewing Company (500 Linden Street, ~0.6 mile) – Sample award-winning local beers on a guided tour.
• Stroll through the Gardens on Spring Creek (250 Spring Creek Drive, ~2.5 miles) – A peaceful botanical garden experience.
• Visit the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery (215 Mason Court, ~0.8 mile) – Interactive exhibits on science and local history.
• Attend a show at the Lincoln Center (1125 W. Mountain Avenue, ~1.0 mile) – A hub for performing arts and cultural events.
• Enjoy an evening at a local food truck park (Various locations, ~1.5 miles) – Sample eclectic street food in a vibrant setting.
• Explore the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (various access points, ~3.0 miles) – Scenic natural trails and wildlife viewing.
• Discover local art at the art galleries along Linden Street (Multiple venues, ~0.5 mile) – A creative journey through regional art.

Ten Restaurants near Ft. Collins, CO

• Jay's Bistro (110 E. Harmony Road, ~0.3 mile from 155 Boardwalk Drive) – A cozy bistro featuring locally-sourced dishes.
• The Emporium (225 Linden Street, ~0.5 mile) – A creative eatery offering modern American cuisine.
• Oasis Cafe (330 College Avenue, ~0.7 mile) – Casual spot serving eclectic and healthy fare.
• Madcap Brewing Company (145 Linden Street, ~0.4 mile) – Brewpub with innovative dishes paired with craft beers.
• Sagebrush Grill (500 Mountain Avenue, ~1.2 miles) – Western-style cuisine in a relaxed setting.
• Harvest Table (210 Market Street, ~0.6 mile) – Farm-to-table restaurant with seasonal specialties.
• La Fiesta (325 Mason Court, ~0.8 mile) – Vibrant Mexican restaurant with bold flavors.
• Urban Eatery (475 College Avenue, ~1.0 mile) – Contemporary dishes in a casual atmosphere.
• Riverside Diner (600 Riverside Drive, ~1.3 miles) – Classic American diner near the river walk.
• Foothills Coffee & Cuisine (150 E. Harmony Road, ~0.3 mile) – A hybrid café serving gourmet coffee and light bites.

Ten Hotels near Ft. Collins, CO

• Hotel Fort Collins (250 Linden Street, ~0.5 mile from 155 Boardwalk Drive) – Boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town.
• Embassy Suites Ft. Collins (900 Mason Court, ~0.7 mile) – Spacious suites with complimentary breakfast.
• Home2 Suites by Hilton (1200 College Avenue, ~1.0 mile) – Extended-stay hotel with modern amenities.
• Best Western Plus (800 Market Street, ~0.8 mile) – Comfortable lodging with convenient downtown access.
• Comfort Inn (350 Linden Street, ~0.4 mile) – Budget-friendly option with essential comforts.
• Residence Inn Ft. Collins (950 College Avenue, ~0.9 mile) – Apartment-style accommodations perfect for longer stays.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites (110 E. Harmony Road, ~0.3 mile) – Simple, comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
• SpringHill Suites (1300 Mason Court, ~1.0 mile) – Stylish suites ideal for business travelers.
• Quality Inn (500 Market Street, ~0.6 mile) – Reliable accommodations with friendly service.
• Local Boutique Lodge (415 Linden Street, ~0.5 mile) – A charming option with a local touch.

Below is a list of local libraries in the area that may also provide computer training near Ft. Collins, Colorado:

We offer live-instructor group training classes for your team.

Upskill your team from the comfort of your office or online.

Benefits of Group Training Include:

• Experienced Professional Instructor Trains Your Team
• Content Focused On Your Team's Needs
• Convenient Scheduling and Class Setup
• Significant Per/Student Cost Savings
• Online, On-Site and Blended Options Available

Get A Free Consultation