Microsoft Power Automate
| Microsoft Power Automate | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | Microsoft | ||||||||
| Initial release | November 2016 (as Microsoft Flow) | ||||||||
| Stable release(s) [±] | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Operating system | Windows, Android, iOS | ||||||||
| Type | Task automation | ||||||||
| License | Proprietary software | ||||||||
| Website | www | ||||||||
Microsoft Power Automate, previously known as Microsoft Flow until November 2019,[7] is a SaaS platform by Microsoft for optimizing and automating workflows and business processes. It is part of the Microsoft Power Platform line of products, which include Power Apps and Power BI.[8]
History
On November 1, 2016, Microsoft Flow (now Microsoft Power Automate) became generally available.[9] Similar to services like IFTTT and Zapier, users could connect between cloud apps and services with automated workflows known as flows.
On November 4, 2019, Microsoft announced a rebranding of Microsoft Flow to Microsoft Power Automate and its inclusion in Microsoft Power Platform with a shift from solely workflows to also include business processes. At the same time, a number of new functions were announced, including robotic process automation (RPA) capabilities.[10]
In 2020, Microsoft acquired Softomotive,[11] the makers of ProcessRobot and WinAutomation, to further expand the capabilities in Power Automate.
In 2022, Microsoft acquired Minit[12] to further expand its process mining capabilities in Power Automate.
Flows
Power Automate allows users to create automated workflows, called "flows", that connect multiple applications and services. Flows can be triggered via events, they can run on a schedule or can be manually started, enabling tasks such as data collection, notifications, emailing and synchronization between services. It is possible to create flows using a graphical interface without coding or customize them using advanced expressions and logic for complex automation.[13]
Types of flows
- Automated flows: Triggered by events in connected applications, such as receiving an email or updating a record.
- Instant flows: Manually triggered by a user, often via a button in the Power Automate interface or mobile app.
- Scheduled flows: Run at predefined times or intervals to automate repetitive tasks.
- Business process flows: Guide users through a series of steps to ensure consistency in business processes.
- Desktop flows: Use robotic process automation (RPA) to automate tasks on local machines or virtual environments.
Integrations
Microsoft Power Automate supports a wide range of integrations with cloud and on-premises applications. It connects to services such as Microsoft 365, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft SQL Server, SharePoint and third-party apps, enabling users to automate workflows across multiple platforms.[14]
See also
References
- ^ "Power Automate for desktop - Build 2601-update3". Microsoft Learn. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
- ^ "Power Automate". Microsoft Apps. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
- ^ "Power Automate". Google Play. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
- ^ "Power Automate 3.0.973". APKMirror. 2025-09-12. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
- ^ "Power Automate". App Store. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
- ^ "Microsoft Power Automate". Microsoft Edge. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
- ^ Microsoft Flow becomes Power Automate and other Cool Features from Microsoft Ignite 2019 - Carl de Souza
- ^ "What Are Microsoft Power Pages and Express Design?". PCMAG. Retrieved 2025-01-06.
- ^ Microsoft PowerApps and Flow are generally available starting tomorrow - The Official Microsoft Blog
- ^ James Phillips (2019-11-04). "Announcing RPA, enhanced security, no-code virtual agents, and more for Microsoft Power Platform". Microsoft Cloud Blog. Microsoft. Retrieved 2020-03-26.
- ^ "Microsoft acquires Softomotive to expand low-code robotic process automation capabilities in Microsoft Power Automate". powerautomate.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
- ^ Graham, Justin (2022-03-31). "Microsoft acquires Minit to strengthen process mining capabilities". The Official Microsoft Blog. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
- ^ "Introduction to desktop flows". Microsoft Learn. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
- ^ "Microsoft Power Automate Integrations". GlobalData365. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
Further reading
- Guilmette, Aaron (2020). Workflow Automation with Microsoft Power Automate: Achieve digital transformation through business automation with minimal coding. Packt Publishing. ISBN 978-1839213793.
- Rhodes, Jeffrey (2022). Creating Business Applications with Microsoft 365: Techniques in Power Apps, Power BI, SharePoint, and Power Automate. Apress. ISBN 978-1484288221.