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RPA in a day (Day1)

In the RPA in a Day Workshop, I learned step by step how to process incoming invoices via a modern end-to-end solution with the aid of RPA. The workshop will introduce you to Power Automate functionalities that facilitate this (The future of work: no-code automation), such as User Interface (UI) flows and APIs. In addition, I benefited from the models for processing forms, created with AI Builder. 

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) refers to process automation technology (think “software robot”) that aims to replicate the actions of a human interacting with a software application or system. An example of a software robot performing the task of a human, would be the entering of data into an ERP system.

The workshop is structured as follows: 

 Lab 1: The basis of UI flows 

  • Create your first UI flow
  • Use input and output parameters
  • Use UI flows in Power Automate via connectors (cloud) and gateways (on premises)

Lab 2: Hyper Automation Integration 

  • Connect with Outlook (integrate with the Outlook connector)
  • Integrate with AI Builder (simple use of AI for invoice processing)
  • Integrate with Teams (use the Teams connector and Adaptive Cards)

Lab 3: Use of WinAutomation in Power Automate 

  • Use Win Automation in Power Automate (automation via desktop and the web) 
  • At the end of the RPA in a Day Workshop, I was able to set work with RPA and the creation of UI flows by means of Power Automate. 
  • Use Power Automate capabilities such as UI flows and API connectors to automate a business process
  • Take advantage of form processing models developed in AI Builder

RPA in a day overview (Day3)

Top 5 reasons why Microsoft’s RPA Toolset inside Power Automate is amazing:

One: “Automation for All”

The goal of Microsoft’s Power Automate tool is to allow developers and non-developer users to leverage RPA by creating automated workflows across apps that do not have APIs or other connectors. They are using a record and play-back experience that captures a user’s actual steps, via interface actions like clicks, keyboard input, etc., making it easy to capture workflow and activity.

Looking ahead into 2020, Microsoft will be able to provide RPA capabilities for unattended UI automation as well.

Two: Lots of Pre-built Connectors

Microsoft’s UI flow offers over 275 pre-built connectors to the most popular user and enterprise applications like Salesforce and Workday. Plus, it’s easy to connect to cloud and on-prem data via a data gateway and over 10 gateway connection types. This allows on-prem data sources to be used as part of automation that’s conducted in the cloud.

Microsoft’s Power Automate enables RPA features for both modern applications with APIs or legacy applications with incomplete or missing APIs; even combining legacy apps, modern apps, and manual processes in single automation.

Three: Process Discovery Agent

One of the most challenging aspects of automation that we see is helping clients discover and focus on the processes that could be automated. Microsoft has partnered with FortressIQ to create a process discovery agent that can identify which processes could benefit from RPA and highlight where an organization is spending the most time and energy. This could be invaluable in corralling all the potential automation use cases that we can, then, help a client assess their value and impact for prioritization in their automation roadmap.

Four: 100% Cloud-Based

UI flows is 100 percent cloud-based and uses the same low/no-code experience that millions of people are familiar with in Microsoft’s Power Automate. Clients can automate repetitive tasks performed through a browser or the user interface of their Windows applications.

Five: Security via Azure

Power Automate is built on and powered by Azure, using the same services and infrastructure, as well as the same Azure directory integration, which enhances cybersecurity for RPA-driven automation.

Our RPA team is enthusiastic about Microsoft’s foray into RPA and the potential these new capabilities bring for our clients who wish to capitalize on the features of Power Automate:

  • Automate in a single platform across apps and services that don’t have APIs
  • Customize, build, and manage UI flows scripts in a secure cloud environment
  • Leverage a low-code experience with a step-by-step record and play back experience
  • Seamlessly integrate UI automation with API-based automation by combining UI flows with regular flows
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What is Dynamics 365?

What is Dynamics 365? It is a set of connected modular SaSS applications and services designed to transform and enable core customer, employee and business activities.

Overview:

  • Combination of CRM and ERP solutions in a cloud service, which allows a more modular approach to purchasing and using business applications.
  • Each area of Dynamics 365 is a module, i.e. Sales or Operations and can be mixed and matched
  • Allows a more unified and integrated experience with fluid UX at its core
  • Bringing your business together as a cohesive unit by connecting people, processes, and data across many applications, including Microsoft Dynamics 365, Office 365, LinkedIn, and Azure.
  • Adapting the application to your needs rather than changing your business methodology. You can integrate most applications with existing systems or even customise them with Microsoft Power Platform.
  • Modernise your approach by incorporating AI, mixed reality, social, and mobile capabilities for progressive business innovation.

Modules (Organisations can choose from the following Microsoft Dynamics 365 applications and features):

  1. Sales: Provides insight into prospective customer sources, personalisation of service and customer engagement data, sales productivity and performance metrics on many platforms.
  2. Marketing: Links up Dynamics CRM with Adobe Marketing Cloud to provide campaign management and targeted, personalised marketing tools that cater to the businesses unique needs.
  3. Customer Service: Offers multi-channel tools for engaging customers, tools for self-service / self-care portals as well as tools for community engagement and support agents.
  4. Field Service: Primarily used for planning and scheduling resources, managing contracts, inventory, insights into the internet of things-connected products and customer communications tools.
  5. Finance and Operations: Financial management with all the reporting and analytics tools. It also includes manufacturing tools for project management, production planning, scheduling, cost management; and warehouse and inventory control tools for supply chain management.
  6. Project Service Automation: Automate project planning, resources scheduling, time and cost management, and service analytics in an all-in-one package. Gets you what you need while making management seamless.
  7. Retail: Combined business tools, store and employee management, merchandise management and operational insights.
  8. Talent: Human resource cloud services connected with LinkedIn to manage all aspects of HR. This includes attracting, hiring, and onboarding new employees in managing HR programs.

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Office 365 by One (TopOne) Infographic

Recently we were challenged by one our client to explain Office 365 in one picture – beautiful simple infographic.

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You are welcome, here you go…. We believe it is the best possible way to tell story about Office 365.

By the way we have delivered above “explanation” as delicious cheesecake as well. Our clients really loved it and now they are asking for more ….