Step-by-Step Guide to Sequential Approvals in Power Apps
Power Apps
Jul 15, 2024 3:00 PM

Step-by-Step Guide to Sequential Approvals in Power Apps

by HubSite 365 about Reza Dorrani

Principal Program Manager at Microsoft Power CAT Team | Power Platform Content Creator

Citizen DeveloperPower SelectionPower AppsLearning SelectionPower Beginner

Master Sequential Approvals in Power Apps: Customize forms, track history, and integrate with SharePoint!

Key insights

 

  • Gain full control over Power Apps approval and input form experience.
  • Customize forms to allow approvers to enter approval information and select the next approver in sequence using the people picker.
  • Automate sending of approval email notifications and track the entire Approval History.
  • Use a SharePoint List as a data source to complete the PowerApps expense request approval process.
  • By the end of the tutorial, users will be capable of building a fully functional sequential approval system in Power Apps, integrated with SharePoint.
 

Understanding Power Apps Sequential Approvals

In this detailed guide, the focus is on constructing and customizing sequential approval systems within Power Apps. Sequential approvals are integral in managing workflows where approvals must occur in a specified order. This tutorial particularly helps in setting up such systems using SharePoint as a backend. It walks you through a thorough procedure, starting from form customization to the final steps of approving an expense via the constructed app. The ability to select the next approver and sending notifications are part of the key features introduced. Moreover, maintaining a log of the approval history ensures transparency and traceability within the process. This guide not only serves as a practical manual but also empowers users to tailor the approval process according to specific organizational needs.

Takeaway

This in-depth exploration of sequential approvals in Power Apps shines light on crucial features like form customization, data integration using SharePoint, and automation of notification systems. By the tutorial's conclusion, any learner can confidently build their custom approval workflows that are not only efficient but also tailored to specific business processes.

Introduction to the Video

Welcome to Part 2 of the tutorial series focused on creating sequential approvals within Power Apps. This video tutorial provides an in-depth guide on how to effectively manage approval processes. From customizing forms to sending automated notifications, the tutorial covers all necessary steps.

Customizing Approval Processes

One of the primary highlights of this episode is gaining full control over the approval experiments within the application. Users learn to customize input forms that allow approvers to enter necessary data easily. Additionally, it introduces a 'people picker' feature to select the next approver efficiently.

The tutorial also emphasizes sending automated email notifications which play a crucial role in keeping all stakeholders updated. Also included is a feature for tracking the entire approval history which is integral to maintaining transparency and auditability in the process.

Integration and Utilization

Reza Dorrani explains how to complete the expense request approval process using SharePoint List as a primary data source, making it highly practical for enterprises using SharePoint. This tutorial integrates deeply with SharePoint enhancing the utility for users familiar with the Power Platform and SharePoint.

For approvers, functionalities like locking data cards, setting up specific fields for validations, and the ability to edit expenses and make approval decisions are demonstrated in a clear, step-by-performing manner. Ensuring the application is user-friendly and foolproof.

Sharing and Practical Application

At the conclusion of the tutorial, viewers are instructed on how to publish and share the application with other approvers and users. This ensures that the application they built is not only functional but also accessible to those involved in the expense approval process.

The practical demo provided, covers how to manage the expense request sequential approval process, effectively preparing viewers to use these setups in their operations. For those who missed the first part, a reminder to check it out hints at more foundational knowledge in the first section of the series.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This comprehensive guide does an excellent job of ensuring all users, regardless of their prior experience with the Power Apps, can follow along and set up a robust approval system. For those seeking to enhance their abilities in building systemized approval processes in Power Platform environments, this tutorial proves to be an instrumental resource.

Further Learning and Resources

The video description suggests additional resources available exclusively to channel members, promising more advanced tips and discussions for engaged learners.

Exploring The Tutorial's Contribution to Effective App Development

Expanding on Sequential Approvals in Professional Settings

Developing a sequential approval workflow can profoundly impact decision-making processes in any organization. By automating approvals through Power Apps, companies can minimize delays and reduce human errors, leading to more streamlined operations. This tutorial by Reza Dorrani effectively showcases how to configure a tailored approval process suited to specific organizational needs.

Furthermore, the integration with SharePoint allows users to leverage existing infrastructure for data management, making the process not only efficient but also integrated within the company's digital ecosystem. The ability to track approval history enhances accountability and provides a clear audit trail, which is essential for compliance and management reviews.

Such capabilities are becoming increasingly crucial as organizations continue to evolve and adopt more digital solutions to improve their processes. The demand for solutions that can seamlessly integrate into existing platforms while offering high customization is on the ride, making tutorials like these invaluable.

In summary, this Part 2 tutorial on building custom approval forms in Power Apps not only enhances one’s technical knowledge but also improves one’s ability to implement practical solutions in a real-world context. As businesses continue to seek efficiency and adaptability, such skills become essential components of the professional toolkit.

 

Power Apps - Step-by-Step Guide to Sequential Approvals in Power Apps

 

People also ask

How to create sequential approval workflow in Power Automate?

Answer: In Power Automate, to set up a sequential approval workflow, you begin by creating an automated flow. This involves defining the trigger, typically when a new item is added or modified in a list or database. Then, set up sequential stages within the workflow where each reviewer must approve in a designated order before the flow progresses to the next stage. Use the "Start and wait for an approval" action and tweak its settings to orchestrate the approval sequence, ensuring each step is contingent upon the previous one's approval.

How to create a parallel approval process in Power Automate?

Answer: Establishing a parallel approval process in Power Automate requires configuring the flow to send out approval requests to multiple individuals simultaneously. Initiate this by adding an automated flow where you select a trigger, like when a document is submitted for review. Utilize the "Start and wait for an approval" action, setting the approval type to "First to respond" or "Wait for all responses," depending on whether the process should proceed after the first approval or after all parties have responded.

What is parallel approval?

Answer: Parallel approval is a workflow configuration where multiple approvers receive the request to approve a document or process simultaneously. Each approver’s feedback is independent of others. This approach is often used to expedite the approval process and ensure diverse input from different stakeholders or departments within an organization. It contrasts with sequential approval, where approvers are arranged in a specific order, and each must approve in turn.

How to make approval in PowerApps?

Answer: To implement an approval mechanism in PowerApps, integrate PowerApps with Power Automate for backend flow processes. When a user submits a request in the app, it triggers a Power Automate flow. This flow can be designed to forward the request to the appropriate approval structure, using sequential or parallel methods based on business needs. Connectors and gateways might be employed to ensure data integrity and secure handling of the approval task through different stages.

 

Keywords

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