Lifecycle Management of Microsoft Power Platform Projects
Florian Euper
Efficient Backlog Management with the Almato Backlog App: A useful tool for faster and better execution of Power Platform projects.
The Almato Backlog App is a component of the Almato Microsoft Power Platform introduction kit. It was developed to meet the specific requirements of Power Platform administrators. The app facilitates lifecycle management of innovation initiatives by enabling efficient control and optimization. It simplifies dynamic backlog management, can improve communication with business units and offers cross-platform solutions. This optimizes workflows within teams, enhances the efficiency of IT projects and allows administrators to work in a more agile manner. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on the achievement of business goals.
- Dynamic backlog management
Power Platform administrators face the task of managing a continuously changing backlog. This includes the identification and prioritization of new requests and the ongoing adjustment of project plans.
- Communication among business units
The app facilitates coordination between different business units and helps maintain an overview of various requirements.
- Cross-platform solutions
The app can show all use cases for low-code/no-code automations (besides Power Platform also Automation Anywhere or UiPath, for instance), providing the administrator with an overview of all automation solutions regardless of the deployed product.
In developing the app we made sure to combine user-friendly functions with customized solutions. As an integral component of our Center of Excellence Starter Kit, this app is characterized by four key features:
1. Overview & transparency
The App provides a detailed overview of all use cases and their current status on the Power Platform. All solutions are listed on the home screen, giving users the option to directly access existing solutions or create new solution approaches. The solutions can be individually sorted and searched using various filter and search functions. Additionally, the home screen facilitates quickly accessing important elements such as comments and checklists.
Overview Almato Backlog App
2. Solution lifecycle management
When it comes to the solution lifecycle the app offers a structured and transparent process for administration from concept phase through to implementation. Each use case provides a detailed overview of the different phases: pitch, design, decision, planning, development, test and go live. In the decision phase the app allows for a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects of a use case. Administrators can perform a detailed score evaluation for each use case which includes important factors such as Return on Investment (ROI), complexity, priority and digital enablement. Additionally, the app offers the option to incorporate strategic business objectives as a separate criterion in the evaluation, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of the use cases.
Solution lifecycle management in the Backlog App
3. Working in the app
By integrating a checklist and comment function, the app facilitates the direct processing of use cases. Each use case features these two interactive tools. This allows for structured recording and management, and gives administrators the ability to add annotations.
4. Reporting
The app has a dedicated dashboard and integrated charts for clear and simple reporting. These functions provide a comprehensive overview of the use cases and their respective phases. A distinctive feature is the ability to segment reporting by business units, offering detailed insights into the progress of individual areas.
In upcoming updates of the Almato Backlog App extended features are planned, such as automatic initiation of environment setups and role assignments as well as the display of version statuses of solutions. Moreover, the configurability of the Power App will be expanded, including a settings menu for hiding and showing individual fields and a release planning feature. These advancements will further facilitate the integration of the app into the Power Platform environment, allowing it to be already implemented during the setup of the platform.