Power Automate is Making Life Easier
Microsoft does it again with another advancement in technology with the release of Power Automate desktop. As a Power platform and analytics subject matter expert these recent new releases have got me going crazy to check out new functionality. Hey Microsoft you’re doing real big things in the advanced analytics space. However, when clicking to get started with Power Automate Desktop and attempting to download the GUI to my surprise you may need some directions. So here I am with that first step tutorial to get you started. Let’s walk through the steps to get you up and running!
Where and how do you get the executables. When you click to get started with the new preview Power Automate logs you into the web portal and navigates you to view your previously created UI flows. Power Automate Desktop is a part of the UI Flows section so if you’re not already there make sure you navigate to UI flows.
Start under UI flows and click the plus Icon for a new flow.
Next your prompted to select the type of UI Flow that you want. Here is where you see the new feature release.
The load screen will ask if you want to get the Desktop App. Select get the app to start the download.
Once you select get the app and start the downloaded executable you will be prompted with the packages that come with UI flows. I would suggest getting both UI flows and Power Automate desktop.
Accept the terms.
The install will take just under a minute depending on your internet connection download speeds.
Enable the extensions and restart your computer.
Now that you have truly got everything installed and ready to go. Take a look at the interface below.
Here are some quick tips for designing your RPA processes.
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Use your main flow like a control flow
- Let it control the top level of your RPA process
- Your main flow should contain a series of start and stop subflow components
- Loops with containers of subflows
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Configure error handling for trouble shooting
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Integrate subflows like data flows
- Subflows should be small containers of repeatable processes
- Design for resilience
- Provide error handling for common errors
Once again Microsoft adds user friendly functionality. Happy coding!