Easily Build Web-based Construction Forms with Microsoft 365 Power Apps
The day has arrived where you no longer need to be an IT developer to create easy-to-use web-based construction forms. If your company is already on Microsoft 365 and supports the Microsoft Power Platform, you can leverage Power Apps to build robust, feature-rich construction forms quickly.
Microsoft Power Apps is a “low-code” or “citizen developer” platform for building web-based applications in Microsoft 365. It provides power users with an intuitive interface to drag and drop form controls onto a canvas and then easily connect to different data sources. Power Apps has a similar feel as Excel, in that logic expressions are entered into a formula bar. In addition to an intuitive developer UI, users can choose which back-end database will store their data, such as Excel, SQL, or SharePoint.
One of the most impressive features of Power Apps is its ability to integrate data. There are hundreds of pre-built data connectors available out of the box to get you on your way. You can connect to SharePoint Online and on-premise (using a gateway), SQL, NoSql, SAP, and even Excel. Power Apps puts data integration in the hands of a power user without having to build custom APIs.
Power Apps is a powerful tool for realizing greater workforce efficiencies. Its low-code nature makes it perfect for developing solutions specific to how your construction projects and programs work. Power Apps is one leg of the Microsoft 365 Power Platform, which also includes Power Automate (workflow management) and Power BI (reporting).
Get started with our free RFI Power App
To get you started in your journey with Microsoft Power Apps, we are giving away a custom Request for Information (RFI) application. The solution, created entirely in Power Apps, includes a Microsoft Excel back-end, providing easy installation into your Microsoft 365 tenant and the ability to share with project team members.
Our custom RFI Power App has a navigation menu for a contractor and a manager with the following workflow:
- The contractor completes a simple data entry screen, selects the project and a manager, and clicks submit to save the form to the RFI log.
- The app notifies the manager through an automated email that an RFI is in their queue and is available for review.
- The manager can then open the RFI to review and respond and have visibility to all of the RFIs assigned to them.
- Once the manager responds to the RFI, the app generates an automated email to the contractor alerting them of the update.
The RFI App is configurable, so power users can customize the tool to extend the functionality to their needs, including:
- Creating additional custom fields and navigation to the app
- Adding automated emails on form save
- Connecting to a SharePoint list
- Integrating with your company databases via a gateway
If you would like a copy of our free RFI Power App, submit your request via our Contact Form. Make sure to add a note in the comments that you would like the free RFI App, and we will email it to you with instructions on how to set it up in your own Microsoft 365 tenant.
Lydon Solutions is here to help
Lydon Solutions has been providing construction owners, construction management firms, and contractors with Microsoft 365 and SharePoint based solutions and services centered around how you work and delivered on the software you use every day. Contact us today for a free consultation on how we can help you better manage your projects and information. And if you are looking for a turnkey Project Management Information (PMIS) system for Microsoft 365, visit ConstructionViz.com.
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