In the Microsoft Power Platform ecosystem, true efficiency is found in the "Triple Play": using Power Apps for the interface, SharePoint for the data storage, and Power Automate as the engine that connects them. This integration allows you to build custom business applications that trigger complex workflows from a simple user input.
1. The Trigger: Power Apps to Power Automate
The integration typically starts in Power Apps. Instead of just saving data, a button in the app can trigger a flow. When you use the Power Apps trigger, the app sends specific variables (like a user’s name or a request ID) directly to the flow.
Business Example: Digital Purchase Requisition
An employee uses a mobile app to submit a request for a new laptop. When they click "Submit", the app triggers a Power Automate flow and passes the item name and cost.
2. The Storage: Connecting to SharePoint
SharePoint acts as the "Record of Truth". In this integration, Power Automate uses the Create item or Update item actions to record the data received from Power Apps into a SharePoint list. This ensures that even if the app is closed, the data is safely stored and auditable.
Business Example: Logging the Request
Once the flow receives the "Laptop Request" from the app, it immediately creates a new row in a SharePoint list called "Equipment Requests" and sets the status to "Pending".
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3. The Logic: Handling Approvals and Feedback
A key part of the integration is providing feedback back to the user or an approver. Power Automate acts as the mediator, taking the SharePoint data and starting an Approval process, then updating the SharePoint list with the final decision.
Business Example: Manager Approval Cycle
The flow sends an approval card to the manager’s email. Depending on their choice, the flow updates the SharePoint list and sends a notification back to the employee.
4. Returning Values to Power Apps (Closing the Loop)
One advanced feature of this integration is the Respond to a PowerApp or flow action. This allows the flow to send information back to the app while the user is still using it —for example, a confirmation number generated by SharePoint.
Business Example: Real-time Confirmation
After the SharePoint item is created, the flow retrieves the "ID Number" assigned by SharePoint and sends it back to Power Apps so the employee sees:
"Your Request #102 has been submitted" instantly.
By integrating these three tools, you eliminate the need for paper forms and manual data entry, creating a seamless experience from the user's screen to the company's database.
