“How do I accelerate Power Platform usage but stay cost conscious “

-Almost Everyone

Digital transformation can be a daunting and costly process for any entity, especially if you’re starting from scratch. You might be tempted to focus on everything else but the solution e.g., licensing, cost, and resources. Those need to be considered, but it’s important to remember that the cost of doing nothing can be greater than the cost of investing in digital transformation initiatives. Understanding the true impact and value of your transformation project and the intent on using the Power Platform will be your magnum opus.

The “why” and the cost of doing nothing

I learned this firsthand while building my basement from the ground up over the past 2 years. I needed some expensive tools that would require a lot of investment. At first, I was hesitant to spend the money. But I knew that investing in the right tools would save me time, effort, and money in the long run. It was very easy to focus on everything else but the solution when planning this work. However, if we don’t understand the “why” behind our initiatives and the cost of doing nothing, we risk falling into the trap of inaction. Just like the cost of not buying the right tools for my basement project would have resulted in a loss of time, injury, and an impasse, the cost of not investing in digital transformation can lead to missed opportunities, reduced efficiency, and loss of competitiveness.

It’s not licensing

Licensing is necessary, but it can be a distraction at least when it comes to digital transformation. I get it daily, “Tell me about licensing with the Power Platform”. I’ve seen the carriage so far in front of the horse here, and in some cases purchases are made without any informal planning. It is always good to know of licensing, but don’t make it about licensing. Buying the right licensing for the solution is important, but we should not plan the solution around licensing. We must understand the “why” and the value that digital transformation will bring to our organization. When evaluating all digital transformations, it is important to place licensing in the back seat and focus on the solution. This requires a good evaluation of the existing processes and identifying areas that can benefit from digital transformation. Just like with my tool purchase, understanding the why and the value that it will bring to an organization can help justify the cost of implementing digital transformation initiatives.

Microsoft has developed a pretty slick solution called the Automation Kit, which was developed around Power Automate, but it can be used for just about any digital transformation project. More on that in another blog, but I cannot say enough about that tool or the project backlog (Part of Power Platform CoE) as a means to help. If anything use the PICK process outlined here. A systematic place to identify areas of benefit is crucial. It does not have to be complex.

Put the hammer down

One of the most important decisions I made was at the beginning of basement-finishing endeavors, or rather basement-starting, was working with an architect to understand what was important to our family. From these planning sessions we worked together to develop a blueprint that met our needs. The same goes for digital transformation. Well sure, you will have to invest a bit up front, but investing in experts to help with the digital transformation process can pay off in the long run. Be willing to invest and admit that sometimes it’s OK not to be an expert in everything. Let’s be real, you don’t call your mom to help you with electrical work, you call an expert. They can guide you in evaluating needs, identifying big wins, and implementing the right solutions. Plus, they won’t accidentally shock themselves like your mom.

Real Value and Big Wins

Understanding the real value and generating big wins are crucial steps to take when getting started in the Power Platform or any digital transformation journey. This is because the Power Platform is a suite of tools that empowers end-users. Period. It’s taking all the things that make up an entity or business and giving them back to the people. All governed of course! However, to be successful with the Power Platform, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the specific problems or pain points that need to be addressed. By focusing on real value and identifying areas where the Power Platform can make a significant impact, users can generate big wins early on, which can lead to increased adoption and enthusiasm for the platform. Additionally, generating big wins can help build credibility with stakeholders and make a compelling case for further investment in the Power Platform.

Not prioritizing big wins in the Power Platform journey can be as dangerous as walking through a minefield blindfolded. You might end up building something that’s useless or irrelevant, like a toaster that also plays music. It’s also risky to ignore big wins because you might step on a mine and blow up your project budget or reputation. Imagine building an app that no one wants to use, or automating a process that nobody cares about. It’s like baking a cake that looks great but tastes terrible – no one will want a second slice. Happens all the time. Evaluate early and often. Forget licensing for now. Don’t be afraid to ask for help… it will pay off in MAJOR dividends.

Digital transformation can be costly and intimidating, but the cost of doing nothing can be even greater. Prioritizing real value and generating big wins are crucial steps in starting the Power Platform journey or any digital transformation initiative. It’s important to focus on the specific problems or pain points that need to be addressed and not get distracted by licensing or other peripheral concerns. Investing in experts to guide the transformation process can pay off in the long run. Failure to prioritize big wins can result in building useless or irrelevant solutions and risking blowing up the project budget or reputation. By evaluating early and often, understanding the “why” behind our initiatives, and focusing on generating big wins, organizations can reap the benefits of digital transformation and stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.