Authored by: Tom Smith
Dynamics 365 Consultant
The October Wave Release for Microsoft Power Platform is packed with new features and enhancements aimed at improving productivity, collaboration, security, and automation. Whether you’re looking to streamline processes or enhance your security posture, this release brings a variety of tools that cater to organisations across industries. Let’s dive into what’s new!
New Grid Controls
Overview
The new grid controls bring a more dynamic, user-friendly, and interactive experience to model-driven applications like Sales Hub and Fundraising. These controls provide enhanced data handling and improved customisation options.
Highlights
- Quick Calculations: Easily sum, average, or find the max/min values of your data right within the grid.
- Group Data: Organise data by different categories to get insights faster.
- Custom Layouts: Move things around with a simple drag-and-drop feature.
- Easy Navigation: Browse up to 1,000 records without lag thanks to infinite scrolling.
Environment Settings App
Overview
Managing system settings just got easier. The new Environment Settings App puts all your environment management tools in one place, so you can handle things like security and data loss prevention with ease.
Highlights:
- One-Stop Management: Access all settings from one modern interface.
- Better Security: Control who can access or change settings with built-in roles.
Canvas App Co-authoring
Overview
One of the standout features of this release is Canvas App Co-authoring, which enables multiple makers to collaborate on apps in real time. This update streamlines app development, allowing team members to view and make changes simultaneously.
Highlights:
- Work Together: Multiple people can make changes at the same time.
- Speed Up Development: Real-time feedback makes app building quicker and more innovative.
Monitor Performance in Automation Centre
Overview
The new Automation Centre makes it easier to track and improve your automated workflows in Power Automate. This tool provides deep insights into how automations are functioning and helps users identify and resolve potential issues.
Highlights
- All in One Place: Monitor both cloud and desktop automations from a central hub.
- Track Performance: Access run history to spot trends and fix issues faster.
Relevance to Sectors
- Nonprofit Sector: Streamline donor management, volunteer tracking, and resource allocation.
Smarter Automation with AI
Overview
Power Automate AI Flows leverage AI to build smarter, more dynamic automation processes. These AI-powered flows use natural language and machine learning to automate tasks and predict outcomes, simplifying complex workflows for users.
Highlights:
- Simple Automation: Create workflows using natural language, making it easier for everyone to use.
- Smarter Workflows: AI adapts automations based on the situation, so you don’t have to keep updating them manually.
Relevance to Sectors
- Nonprofit Sector: Streamline volunteer coordination and automate approval processes using AI-driven workflows.
Easy Setup for External Users
Overview
Microsoft Entra External ID makes it simple and secure to manage external users who need access to your system.
Highlights:
- Quick Setup: Low-code tools make it easy to set up login pages for external users.
- Enhanced Security: Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security.
More Power with Power Fx and Copilot
Power Fx, Microsoft’s easy-to-use coding language, now works even better with Copilot, an AI assistant that speeds up app development.
Highlights:
- Natural Language Coding: Use Copilot to write and understand Power Fx code in plain English.
- Reusable Components: Build parts of your site that you can easily reuse later, saving time and effort.
Manage Security Posture
Overview
A new feature in the Power Platform Admin Centre helps you monitor and manage your organisation’s security. You can see a security score, similar to what’s available in Azure, to keep your data safe.
Highlights:
- Security Dashboard: Manage all security settings in one place.
- Real-Time Alerts: Get instant alerts for security issues and vulnerabilities.
Relevance to Sectors
- Nonprofit Sector: Ensure donor and beneficiary data is secure, reducing the risk of breaches.
Masking Sensitive Data
Overview
Column-Level Security enables organisations to mask sensitive information at the column level, ensuring that only authorised users can view sensitive data fields. This feature is vital for protecting personal and financial information.
Highlights:
- Controlled Access: Limit who can see sensitive information.
- Track Access: Keep an eye on who views sensitive data to catch any issues.
Relevance to Sectors
- Nonprofit Sector: Protect donor information by masking sensitive data fields like contact details and donation amounts.
Custom Data Views for Different Roles
Overview
Admins can now share system views based on security roles, ensuring that users only see the information relevant to their roles. This feature provides greater control over data visibility, helping organisations protect sensitive information.
Highlights:
- Better User Experience: Users only see what they need, reducing clutter and confusion.
- Improved Security: Sensitive information is only visible to those who need it.
Relevance to Sectors
- Nonprofit Sector: Tailor system views for different user roles, such as volunteers, managers, and donor relations officers.
Conclusion
The October 2024 Power Platform update is full of features designed to make your work easier, faster, and more secure. Whether you’re looking to streamline processes or boost collaboration, these tools can help you and your team innovate more efficiently. Take advantage of these new features to drive success in your organisation! Contact us for further information.
