Good morning, Afternoon, evening all.
I'm Dan, from the UK, and (This sounds like a self help sessions!) have been tasked with looking at using Power Automate predominantly to try and remove a load of manual tasks from their day to day life.
Firstly to save them loads of time, and make sure things are done in a timely manner, and also vastly reduces the chances of human error.
I spent some time with one of the highly skilled developers last autumn, or fall if you prefer, but due to work commitments since then have not been able to put much into practice.
I did start it just before Christmas, but I have to be honest I've been feeling pretty under pressure, and like I was getting nowehre fast - inflaming the situation is that we are all working from home remotely currently, where as in the old world I would and could have sat down with my manager/colleagues and friends and tried to bounce some ideas around to make some progress.
Instead I have been trying my best at home (Which is my own fault) and not getting anywhere as far along as I would like - I'm still on my first flow!
I spent 2.5 hours this afternoon with my manager this afternoon which was REALLY useful, so good to have a 2nd pair of eyes, plus he has a lot of dynamics experience, as well as the workflows in Dynamics, and these seem to be along the same lines construction wise.
I guess I'm asking if there are any failsafe, or goto methods you guys and gals use, that help you in the day to day creation of flows.
I have over 100 to create, but suspect a lot of them will be fairly similar format wise, so many can be created from a template, with a few alterations, but at the moment I am starting from nothing.
My biggest challenge currently is probably fairly basic, trying to figure out what Actions to use in the flow - is there a reliable one for 'getting data' out of the dynamics system?
The developer I spoke with said you had to perform a get data action or actions, and then you could refer to these in subsequent steps when you wanted to pull certain values back, such as contact e-mail details for example.
To give some idea of what my first task is:
We have a property sales form - when 3 of these fields (Adverturllink = notnull, advertdate = notnull, advertlisted = yes) have the value updated/populated, we want the system to pick this up, generate an e-mail to come from a generic inbox, and then e-mail the current property owner from a template to say that the listing is live, and here is the URL etc.
Has anyone created e-mail templates within Dynamics, and then know how to reference them within the Flow, presumably there is some kind of template identifier by which you can call the template, but perhaps I need to perform a get data beforehand to give me access.
Sorry if this is all a bit of a jumble and a brain dump, and this may all be too much all at once, but feeling a bit more optimistic after todays session, and wanted to see if I could further my good mood!
Thank you in advance,
Dan
Hi @Dan_B
I will try to answer briefly your questions:
My biggest challenge currently is probably fairly basic, trying to figure out what Actions to use in the flow - is there a reliable one for 'getting data' out of the dynamics system?
To work with Dynamics system you need to use the CDS(Current Environment Connector)
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/commondataserviceforapps/
We have a property sales form - when 3 of these fields (Adverturllink = notnull, advertdate = notnull, advertlisted = yes) have the value updated/populated, we want the system to pick this up, generate an e-mail to come from a generic inbox, and then e-mail the current property owner from a template to say that the listing is live, and here is the URL etc.
You need to setup your flow to work on the trigger when a row is created updated or deleted
You need to set the filtering attributes to the above fields so it only triggers it when any of these fields are changed; of course you need to Supply Schema Names of these attributes and also you need to add Filter Expression so it applies your condition above , to Generate the filter expression it needs to be an ODATA Filter Expression.
Please check below about using Data Filters
Has anyone created e-mail templates within Dynamics, and then know how to reference them within the Flow, presumably there is some kind of template identifier by which you can call the template, but perhaps I need to perform a get data beforehand to give me access.
You can check the below Nice Video that describes how to generate a template and use it in Power Automate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZk1shxuYIM
And Also this Blog Post
https://www.inogic.com/blog/2020/09/power-automate-send-an-email-using-the-email-template-part-1/
Hope this gives a Kick Start and Good Luck in your Journey!
Hello @Mira_Ghaly thankyou so much for taking the time to make such a detailed reply, to what I fully appreciate was a pretty vague set of questions.
I've already had a look at some of the links you kindly posted, and I think there is a lot of information in there that will be VERY useful to me, thank you so much.
One thing I forgot to mention is that I was told I could use code from fetchxml within the Query section, but that currently that has been erroring for me, saying it can't find the entity.
I know the code must be right, as I created an advanced find in dynamics, saved it, and then opened it up within fetchxml - I also tried just downloading it direct from the browser, and this also seemed to work, so not sure if one method is favourable over the other or not?
I suspect my issue was caused by the lack of the Current Environment Connector, so that will be my next port of call.
I've set up a solution, and if I understand it correctly, I need to create the flow from within that solution.
Thanks again & I will likely come back to bore you with the outcome 🙂
Dan
YEs it is always recommended to create any component from within a solution so that you can easily later move across environments.
To use the FetchXML in your List rows action is only supported in CDS current environment connector.
This is the TENTH post in our ongoing series dedicated to helping the amazing members of our community--both new members and seasoned veterans--learn and grow in how to best engage in the community! Each Tuesday, we feature new content that will help you best understand the community--from ranking and badges to profile avatars, from Super Users to blogging in the community. Our hope is that this information will help each of our community members grow in their experience with Power Platform, with the community, and with each other! This Week: All About Community Support Whether you're a seasoned community veteran or just getting started, you may need a bit of help from time to time! If you need to share feedback with the Community Engagement team about the community or are looking for ways we can assist you with user groups, events, or something else, Community Support is the place to start. Community Support is part of every one of our communities, accessible to all our community members. Power Apps: https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Community-Support/ct-p/pa_community_support Power Automate: https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Community-Support/ct-p/mpa_community_support Power Pages: https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Community-Support/ct-p/mpp_community_support Copilot Studio: https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Community-Support/ct-p/pva_community-support Within each community's Community Support page, you'll find three distinct areas, each with a different focus to help you when you need support from us most. Community Accounts & Registration is the go-to source for any and all information related to your account here in the community. It's full of great knowledge base articles that will help you manage your community account and know what steps to take if you wish to close your account. ● Power Apps ● Power Automate ● Power Pages, ● Copilot Studio Using the Community is your source for assistance with everything from Community User Groups to FAQ's and more. If you want to know what kudos are, how badges work, how to level up your User Group or something else, you will probably find the answers here. ● Power Apps ● Power Automate ● Power Pages ● Copilot Studio Community Feedback is where you can share opportunities, concerns, or get information from the Community Engagement team. It's your best place to post a question about an issue you're having in the community, a general question you need answered. Whatever it is, visit Community Feedback to get the answers you need right away. Our team is honored to partner with you and can't wait to help you! ● Power Apps ● Power Automate ● Power Pages ● Copilot Studio
What an amazing event we had this year, as Microsoft showcased the latest advancements in how AI has the potential to reshape how customers, partners and developers strategize the future of work. Check out below some of our handpicked videos and Ignite announcements to see how Microsoft is driving real change for users and businesses across the globe. Video Highlights Click the image below to check out a selection of Ignite 2023 videos, including the "Microsoft Cloud in the era of AI" keynote from Scott Guthrie, Charles Lamanna, Arun Ulag, Sarah Bird, Rani Borkar, Eric Boyd, Erin Chapple, Ali Ghodsi, and Seth Juarez. There's also a great breakdown of the amazing Microsoft Copilot Studio with Omar Aftab, Gary Pretty, and Kendra Springer, plus exciting sessions from Rajesh Jha, Jared Spataro, Ryan Jones, Zohar Raz, and many more. Blog Announcements Microsoft Copilot presents an opportunity to reimagine the way we work—turning natural language into the most powerful productivity tool on the planet. With AI, organizations can unearth value in data across productivity tools like business applications and Microsoft 365. Click the link below to find out more. Check out the latest features in Microsoft Power Apps that will help developers create AI-infused apps faster, give administrators more control over managing thousands of Microsoft Power Platform makers at scale, and deliver better experiences to users around the world. Click the image below to find out more. Click below to discover new ways to orchestrate business processes across your organization with Copilot in Power Automate. With its user-friendly interface that offers hundreds of prebuilt drag-and-drop actions, more customers have been able to benefit from the power of automation. Discover how Microsoft Power Platform and Microsoft Dataverse are activating the strength of your enterprise data using AI, the announcement of “plugins for Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365”, plus two new Power Apps creator experiences using Excel and natural language. Click below to find out more about the general availability of Microsoft Fabric and the public preview of Copilot in Microsoft Fabric. With the launch of these next-generation analytics tools, you can empower your data teams to easily scale the demand on your growing business. And for the rest of all the good stuff, click the link below to visit the Microsoft Ignite 2023 "Book of News", with over ONE HUNDRED announcements across infrastructure, data, security, new tools, AI, and everything else in-between!
This is the ninth post in our series dedicated to helping the amazing members of our community--both new members and seasoned veterans--learn and grow in how to best engage in the community! Each Tuesday, we feature new content that will help you best understand the community--from ranking and badges to profile avatars, from Super Users to blogging in the community. Our hope is that this information will help each of our community members grow in their experience with Power Platform, with the community, and with each other! Today's Tip: All About the Galleries Have you checked out the library of content in our galleries? Whether you're looking for the latest info on an upcoming event, a helpful webinar, or tips and tricks from some of our most experienced community members, our galleries are full of the latest and greatest video content for the Power Platform communities. There are several different galleries in each community, but we recommend checking these out first: Community Connections & How-To Videos Hosted by members of the Power Platform Community Engagement Team and featuring community members from around the world, these helpful videos are a great way to "kick the tires" of Power Platform and find out more about your fellow community members! Check them out in Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Pages, and Copilot Studio! Webinars & Video Gallery Each community has its own unique webinars and videos highlighting some of the great work being done across the Power Platform. Watch tutorials and demos by Microsoft staff, partners, and community gurus! Check them out: Power Apps Webinars & Video Gallery Power Automate Webinars & Video Gallery Power Pages Webinars & Video Gallery Copilot Studio Webinars & Video Gallery Events Whether it's the excitement of the Microsoft Power Platform Conference, a local event near you, or one of the many other in-person and virtual connection opportunities around the world, this is the place to find out more about all the Power Platform-centered events. Power Apps Events Power Automate Events Power Pages Events Copilot Studio Events Unique Galleries to Each Community Because each area of Power Platform has its own unique features and benefits, there are areas of the galleries dedicated specifically to videos about that product. Whether it's Power Apps samples from the community or the Power Automate Cookbook highlighting unique flows, the Bot Sharing Gallery in Copilot Studio or Front-End Code Samples in Power Pages, there's a gallery for you! Check out each community's gallery today! Power Apps Gallery Power Automate Gallery Power Pages Gallery Copilot Studio Gallery
In the bustling world of technology, two dynamic leaders, Geetha Sivasailam and Ben McMann, have been at the forefront, steering the ship of the Dallas Fort Worth Power Platform User Group since its inception in February 2019. As Practice Lead (Power Platform | Fusion Dev) at Lantern, Geetha brings a wealth of consulting experience, while Ben, a key member of the Studio Leadership team at Lantern, specializes in crafting strategies that leverage Microsoft digital technologies to transform business models. Empowering Through Community Leadership Geetha and Ben's journey as user group leaders began with a simple yet powerful goal: to create a space where individuals across the DFW area could connect, grow their skills, and add value to their businesses through the Power Platform. The platform, known for its versatility, allows users to achieve more with less code and foster creativity. The Power of Community Impact Reflecting on their experiences, Geetha and Ben emphasize the profound impact that community engagement has had on both their professional and personal lives. The Power Platform community, they note, is a wellspring of resources and opportunities, fostering continuous learning, skill enhancement, and networking with industry experts and peers. Favorite Moments and Words of Wisdom The duo's favorite aspect of leading the user group lies in witnessing the transformative projects and innovations community members create with the Power Platform. Their advice to aspiring user group leaders? "Encourage diverse perspectives, maintain an open space for idea-sharing, stay curious, and, most importantly, have fun building a vibrant community." Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers Geetha and Ben encourage others to step into the realm of user group leadership, citing the rewarding experience of creating and nurturing a community of like-minded individuals. They highlight the chance to influence, impact, and positively guide others, fostering connections that extend beyond mere technology discussions. Joining a User Group: A Gateway to Growth The leaders stress the importance of joining a user group, emphasizing exposure to diverse perspectives, solutions, and career growth opportunities within the Power Platform community. "Being part of such a group provides a supportive environment for seeking advice, sharing experiences, and navigating challenges." A Year of Milestones Looking back at the past year, Geetha and Ben express pride in the group's growth and global participation. They recount the enriching experience of meeting members in person at the Microsoft Power Platform conference, showcasing the diverse range of perspectives and guest speakers that enriched the community's overall experience. Continuous Learning on the Leadership Journey As user group leaders, Geetha and Ben recognize the continuous learning curve, blending interpersonal skills, adaptability, and dedication to foster a vibrant community. They highlight the importance of patience, persistence, and flexibility in achieving group goals, noting the significance of listening to the needs and suggestions of group members.They invite all tech enthusiasts to join the Dallas Fort Worth Power Platform User Group, a thriving hub where the power of community propels individuals to new heights in the dynamic realm of technology.
Are you attending Microsoft Ignite in Seattle this week? If so, we'd love to see you at the Community Lounge! Hosted by members of our Community team, it's a great place to connect, meet some Microsoft executives, and get a sticker or two. And if you're an MVP there are some special opportunities to meet up! The Community Lounge is more than just a space—it's a hub of activity, collaboration, and camaraderie. So, dive in, explore, and make the most of your Microsoft Ignite experience by immersing yourself in the vibrant and dynamic community that awaits you.Find out the schedule and all the details here: Community Lounge at Ignite! See you at #MSIgnite!
This is the eighth post in our series dedicated to helping the amazing members of our community--both new members and seasoned veterans--learn and grow in how to best engage in the community! Each Tuesday, we feature new content that will help you best understand the community--from ranking and badges to profile avatars, from Super Users to blogging in the community. Our hope is that this information will help each of our community members grow in their experience with Power Platform, with the community, and with each other! This Week: All About Subscriptions & Notifications Subscribing to a CategorySubscribing to a TopicSubscribing to a LabelBookmarksManaging & Viewing your Subscriptions & BookmarksA Note on Following Friends on Mobile Subscriptions ensure that you receive automated messages about the most recent posts and replies. There are multiple ways you can subscribe to content and boards in the community! (Please note: if you have created an AAD (Azure Active Directory) account you won't be able to receive e-mail notifications.) Subscribing to a Category When you're looking at the entire category, select from the Options drop down and choose Subscribe. You can then choose to Subscribe to all of the boards or select only the boards you want to receive notifications. When you're satisfied with your choices, click Save. Subscribing to a Topic You can also subscribe to a single topic by clicking Subscribe from the Options drop down menu, while you are viewing the topic or in the General board overview, respectively. Subscribing to a Label You can find the labels at the bottom left of a post.From a particular post with a label, click on the label to filter by that label. This opens a window containing a list of posts with the label you have selected. Click Subscribe. Note: You can only subscribe to a label at the board level. If you subscribe to a label named 'Copilot' at board #1, it will not automatically subscribe you to an identically named label at board #2. You will have to subscribe twice, once at each board. Bookmarks Just like you can subscribe to topics and categories, you can also bookmark topics and boards from the same menus! Simply go to the Topic Options drop down menu to bookmark a topic or the Options drop down to bookmark a board. The difference between subscribing and bookmarking is that subscriptions provide you with notifications, whereas bookmarks provide you a static way of easily accessing your favorite boards from the My subscriptions area. Managing & Viewing Your Subscriptions & Bookmarks To manage your subscriptions, click on your avatar and select My subscriptions from the drop-down menu. From the Subscriptions & Notifications tab, you can manage your subscriptions, including your e-mail subscription options, your bookmarks, your notification settings, and your email notification format. You can see a list of all your subscriptions and bookmarks and choose which ones to delete, either individually or in bulk, by checking multiple boxes. A Note on Following Friends on Mobile Adding someone as a friend or selecting Follow in the mobile view does not allow you to subscribe to their activity feed. You will merely be able to see your friends’ biography, other personal information, or online status, and send messages more quickly by choosing who to send the message to from a list, as opposed to having to search by username.
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