Category: Microsoft

2024, A Year in Numbers

Ian Grieve2 minute read0 comment

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralI’m always interested in the breakdown of areas I write about and regard some areas as my main ones; I am a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central functional consultant, so that is naturally my main area of writing; I have started working with Power Automate, mainly in relation to Business Central, and am regarding it as one of my new main areas and have published an increased umber of articles on it this year; I develop plugins for ClassicPress to support what I do on this site, so do often write a fair bit about doing that, although I seem to have got through 2024 without writing a single one; I was, before starting to work with Business Central, a Microsoft Dynamics GP specialist, but have only five articles on GP this year and likely not many to come as I no longer work with it and its end of life has been announced.

The articles I published in 2024 break down into my main four areas like this:

Continue reading “2024, A Year in Numbers”

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Stop Autoplay of Gifs in Microsoft Teams

Ian Grieve3 minute read0 comment

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralMost companies using Microsoft products in anything other than a minor way will also be using Microsoft Teams, which allows for communication and collaboration. The last few companies I’ve worked at have all used it, so I’m fairly used to it now.

Usually the chat feature is good, allowing you to communicate with others, but we have a developer who makes use of gifs in response to messages. All well and good I suppose as they do carry their own message, but I hate gifs (or other animations) which are moving on the page when I’m trying to read.

I looked for and failed to find a setting to allow me to switch off autoplay of gifs without success and did an online search for it. I did find references to a setting, Turn off animations (I’d missed it as I was looking for something referring to autoplay and/or gif), but it was not where the search results were saying.

A bit of exploration and I found it in the settings under Appearence and accessibility:

Appearence and accessibility » Turn off animations

Toggle the setting and gifs will no longer play (and other animations won’t play either, so a double win).

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The New Subscription Billing Module is Installed by Default Upgrading to Business Central 2024 Wave 2

Ian Grieve3 minute read0 comment

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralIn Business Central 2024 Wave 2, Microsoft has introduced a new Subscription Billing module which allows for the management of subscription contracts in Business Central for recurring revenue streams.

All good so far. However, the module is installed by default and introduces a number of new pieces of data, including number series, source codes, job queues and more (including even a dimension!).

It seems odd that Microsoft is splitting some functionality into separate apps that need to be installed, while at the same time installing a brand new app by default.

The issue here is that beyond the module and data being introduced, it is introduced into every single company. Even when the app is uninstalled, the data remains behind, meaning the data needs to be removed from every company.

Eric Wauters has a full write-up and steps to remove all of the different pieces of data which the module introduces.

One point he makes is that while Microsoft say they are working on a fix, it does seem impossible for them to fully tidy up what has been installed by the module, as there is a risk that some of the data they introduce is already present for another purpose (the introduced dimension is called CUSTOMERCONTRACT for example, or at least it is in English language environments; in others it will be translated into the relevant language).

Following Eric’s steps will allow you to tidy up the system now to ensure none of it is inadvertently used, but need to do so in every company in the upgraded environment.

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New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2: Process Mining Process Simulations

Ian Grieve3 minute read0 comment

Power AutomateThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2.

The 2nd of the new functionality in the Process mining section is process mining process simulations.

Process simulations enable you to simulate the impact of proposed changes in your business processes. Modeled changes include resource management and updates in a process flow. A process simulation compares performance and financial key performance indicators (KPIs) between original and simulated processes.

Enabled for: Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically
Public Preview:  Sep 22, 2024
General Availability: Dec 2024

Feature Details

Process simulations enable you to model various scenarios, run the simulation based on an existing process, and compare the simulation results with the original process (for example, duration of cases, and cost of cases).

You can model the following proposals:

  • Resource management: Add and remove users, and change the performance and cost per resource.
  • Manage durations and wait times for activities in business processes.
  • Manage process flow: Define follow-up activities and their distribution.
  • Manage working hours and timetables.

Simulation results offer a summary of global KPIs per process and detailed insights to analyze the impact of each activity.

Continue reading “New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2: Process Mining Process Simulations”

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New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2: Secure Credential Retrieval In Power Automate For Desktop

Ian Grieve2 minute read0 comment

Power AutomateThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2.

The 17th of the new functionality in the section is secure credential retrieval in Power Automate for Desktop.

This feature enhances security and ease of use by allowing makers to securely retrieve and manage credentials directly within their desktop flows. It eliminates the need to pass credentials manually, reducing the risk of exposure and streamlining workflow processes.

Enabled for: Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically
Public Preview: Nov 2024
General Availability: –

Feature Details

A new action named “Get Credential” in Power Automate for the desktop will allow makers to securely retrieve and utilize credentials directly within their desktop flows. During the preview phase, this action will support credentials created via CyberArk, accessible within the specified section of the Power Automate portal. This feature ensures that credentials are handled securely, aligning with best practices for data protection.

Click to show/hide the New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2 Series Index

New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2
Use Generative AI To Achieve A Process In AI Flows
Create Power Automate Flows In Excel
Run A Cloud Flow For More Than 30 Days Per Invocation
Be More Productive With Power Automate And Excel Desktop
Use Workflows On Calendar Events In Teams and Outlook
Monitor Performance For Cloud and Desktop Flow Activities In Automation Center
Connect To Other Environments From The Microsoft Dataverse Connector
Create A Flow On a File In Teams
Create And Edit Expressions With Copilot
Use Undo And Redo While You Build Cloud Flows In The Designer
Receive Intelligent License Recommendations For Admins
Recommendations To Reassign Orphaned Cloud Flows
Use Your Own Key To Encrypt Data At-Rest For Environments
Create Generative Actions In Cloud Flows
Cloud Flows Are Automatically Defined In Dataverse Solutions
Updated Browse Connectors Pane In Cloud Flows
Use Copilot To Analyze Automation Activity
Generate Flow Description Using AI
Automate With Ease Using The AI Recorder
Transform Scripting Using AI-Driven Natural Language
Maximize Your Productivity With Generative Answers
Use Natural Language To Create A Flow In Teams
Regenerate a Variation of a Flow in Copilot
Get Increased Accuracy In Responses From Copilot
Copilot Provides More Accurate Answers To Questions
Use Cyberark Credentials In Desktop Flow Connections
Monitor, Manage Your Automations And Related Assets
Use Copilot To Analyze Cloud Flow Runs
Use Copilot To Analyze Desktop Flow Runs
Use Copilot To Analyze Work Queue Data
Use Copilot To Ask Power Automate Product Questions
Self-Heal UI And Browser Automation Actions at Execution With AI
Power Fx Integration With Power Automate For Desktop
Use Machine To Credential Mapping In Desktop Flow Connections
Connect Your Own Virtual Network With Hosted Machine Group
View Progressive Logging For Desktop Flows
Integrate Cloud Connectors Into Desktop Flows Via The Assets Library
Enable Dark Mode In Power Automate For Desktop
Describe Flow Actions With Copilot
Use Your Voice To Interact With Copilot
Use Certificate-Based Authentication in Desktop Flow Connections
Secure Credential Retrieval In Power Automate For Desktop
Scale Faster With Process Mining Thin Client App
Process Mining Process Simulations
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New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2: Use Certificate-Based Authentication in Desktop Flow Connections

Ian Grieve2 minute read0 comment

Power AutomateThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2.

The 16th of the new functionality in the Desktop flows section is use certificate-based authentication in desktop flow connections.

This feature enhances security by allowing the use of certificates stored in Azure Key Vault for connecting to Windows sessions on desktop flow machines. Certificate-based authentication credentials can meet Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) requirements.

Enabled for: Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically
Public Preview:  Oct 27, 2024
General Availability: Feb 2025

Feature Details

  1. Create a credential:
    • Credentials in Power Automate now support certificate-based authentication (CBA).
    • The experience mirrors that of using passwords stored in Azure Key Vault.
    • No certificate value is stored within the credential itself.
  2. Use credentials with CBA:
    • CBA is supported for Windows session credentials (desktop flow connection).

Click to show/hide the New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2 Series Index

New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2
Use Generative AI To Achieve A Process In AI Flows
Create Power Automate Flows In Excel
Run A Cloud Flow For More Than 30 Days Per Invocation
Be More Productive With Power Automate And Excel Desktop
Use Workflows On Calendar Events In Teams and Outlook
Monitor Performance For Cloud and Desktop Flow Activities In Automation Center
Connect To Other Environments From The Microsoft Dataverse Connector
Create A Flow On a File In Teams
Create And Edit Expressions With Copilot
Use Undo And Redo While You Build Cloud Flows In The Designer
Receive Intelligent License Recommendations For Admins
Recommendations To Reassign Orphaned Cloud Flows
Use Your Own Key To Encrypt Data At-Rest For Environments
Create Generative Actions In Cloud Flows
Cloud Flows Are Automatically Defined In Dataverse Solutions
Updated Browse Connectors Pane In Cloud Flows
Use Copilot To Analyze Automation Activity
Generate Flow Description Using AI
Automate With Ease Using The AI Recorder
Transform Scripting Using AI-Driven Natural Language
Maximize Your Productivity With Generative Answers
Use Natural Language To Create A Flow In Teams
Regenerate a Variation of a Flow in Copilot
Get Increased Accuracy In Responses From Copilot
Copilot Provides More Accurate Answers To Questions
Use Cyberark Credentials In Desktop Flow Connections
Monitor, Manage Your Automations And Related Assets
Use Copilot To Analyze Cloud Flow Runs
Use Copilot To Analyze Desktop Flow Runs
Use Copilot To Analyze Work Queue Data
Use Copilot To Ask Power Automate Product Questions
Self-Heal UI And Browser Automation Actions at Execution With AI
Power Fx Integration With Power Automate For Desktop
Use Machine To Credential Mapping In Desktop Flow Connections
Connect Your Own Virtual Network With Hosted Machine Group
View Progressive Logging For Desktop Flows
Integrate Cloud Connectors Into Desktop Flows Via The Assets Library
Enable Dark Mode In Power Automate For Desktop
Describe Flow Actions With Copilot
Use Your Voice To Interact With Copilot
Use Certificate-Based Authentication in Desktop Flow Connections
Secure Credential Retrieval In Power Automate For Desktop
Scale Faster With Process Mining Thin Client App
Process Mining Process Simulations
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New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2: Use Your Voice To Interact With Copilot

Ian Grieve3 minute read0 comment

Power AutomateThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2.

The 15th of the new functionality in the Desktop flows section is use your voice to interact with Copilot.

The voice command functionality for Power Automate’s Copilot enhances productivity by enabling hands-free interaction for creating desktop flows. Users can dictate automation steps in natural language, streamlining the setup of complex workflows. This intuitive interface helps businesses automate repetitive tasks more efficiently, improving operational efficiency.

Enabled for: Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically
Public Preview: Nov 2024
General Availability: –

Feature Details

The voice command functionality for Power Automate’s Copilot allows users to create and manage desktop flows using natural language spoken through a microphone. Users can enable voice commands by pressing the microphone icon in the bottom right of the Copilot side cart and start dictating automation steps hands-free. To finish, users press the stop icon, and their prompt is automatically submitted to Copilot. This feature reduces manual input, saving time and effort, and enhances Copilot’s versatility and user-friendliness, contributing to improved productivity and streamlined operations.

My Opinion

Like AI tools, my experiences with voice recognition have never been very good. I have somewhat of a regional UK accent and voice recognition tools are never good at understanding me, even after substantial training. Combining two things which don’t work very well, doesn’t seem a recipe for success.

Click to show/hide the New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2 Series Index

New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2
Use Generative AI To Achieve A Process In AI Flows
Create Power Automate Flows In Excel
Run A Cloud Flow For More Than 30 Days Per Invocation
Be More Productive With Power Automate And Excel Desktop
Use Workflows On Calendar Events In Teams and Outlook
Monitor Performance For Cloud and Desktop Flow Activities In Automation Center
Connect To Other Environments From The Microsoft Dataverse Connector
Create A Flow On a File In Teams
Create And Edit Expressions With Copilot
Use Undo And Redo While You Build Cloud Flows In The Designer
Receive Intelligent License Recommendations For Admins
Recommendations To Reassign Orphaned Cloud Flows
Use Your Own Key To Encrypt Data At-Rest For Environments
Create Generative Actions In Cloud Flows
Cloud Flows Are Automatically Defined In Dataverse Solutions
Updated Browse Connectors Pane In Cloud Flows
Use Copilot To Analyze Automation Activity
Generate Flow Description Using AI
Automate With Ease Using The AI Recorder
Transform Scripting Using AI-Driven Natural Language
Maximize Your Productivity With Generative Answers
Use Natural Language To Create A Flow In Teams
Regenerate a Variation of a Flow in Copilot
Get Increased Accuracy In Responses From Copilot
Copilot Provides More Accurate Answers To Questions
Use Cyberark Credentials In Desktop Flow Connections
Monitor, Manage Your Automations And Related Assets
Use Copilot To Analyze Cloud Flow Runs
Use Copilot To Analyze Desktop Flow Runs
Use Copilot To Analyze Work Queue Data
Use Copilot To Ask Power Automate Product Questions
Self-Heal UI And Browser Automation Actions at Execution With AI
Power Fx Integration With Power Automate For Desktop
Use Machine To Credential Mapping In Desktop Flow Connections
Connect Your Own Virtual Network With Hosted Machine Group
View Progressive Logging For Desktop Flows
Integrate Cloud Connectors Into Desktop Flows Via The Assets Library
Enable Dark Mode In Power Automate For Desktop
Describe Flow Actions With Copilot
Use Your Voice To Interact With Copilot
Use Certificate-Based Authentication in Desktop Flow Connections
Secure Credential Retrieval In Power Automate For Desktop
Scale Faster With Process Mining Thin Client App
Process Mining Process Simulations
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New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2: Describe Flow Actions With Copilot

Ian Grieve3 minute read0 comment

Power AutomateThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2.

The 14th of the new functionality in the Desktop flows section is describe flow actions with Copilot.

Enhancing Copilot to describe automation steps in Power Automate for desktops significantly reduces the time required for understanding complex automation processes during maintenance and troubleshooting. Organizations relying on intricate flows can quickly comprehend specific parts of a flow, facilitating rapid error detection and resolution. This capability ensures SLA adherence, minimizes downtime, boosts operational efficiency, and reduces the risk of extended disruptions, thus enabling users to manage and enhance their automation systems with greater confidence and agility.

Enabled for: Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically
Public Preview: Nov 2024
General Availability: –

Feature Details

The new Copilot side panel feature in Power Automate for desktop enhances user experience by providing detailed explanations of automation flows and subflows. Users can easily navigate to the Copilot side panel, select the appropriate skill from the skill picker, and ask questions like “What does the subflow do?” or “What do actions from 3-12 do?”. This feature delivers clear insights into automation processes, streamlining troubleshooting and maintenance of complex automation. This empowers teams to quickly identify and resolve issues, ensuring consistent operational efficiency and SLA compliance.

My Opinion

It will be interesting to see how good Copilot actually is at this.

Click to show/hide the New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2 Series Index

New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2
Use Generative AI To Achieve A Process In AI Flows
Create Power Automate Flows In Excel
Run A Cloud Flow For More Than 30 Days Per Invocation
Be More Productive With Power Automate And Excel Desktop
Use Workflows On Calendar Events In Teams and Outlook
Monitor Performance For Cloud and Desktop Flow Activities In Automation Center
Connect To Other Environments From The Microsoft Dataverse Connector
Create A Flow On a File In Teams
Create And Edit Expressions With Copilot
Use Undo And Redo While You Build Cloud Flows In The Designer
Receive Intelligent License Recommendations For Admins
Recommendations To Reassign Orphaned Cloud Flows
Use Your Own Key To Encrypt Data At-Rest For Environments
Create Generative Actions In Cloud Flows
Cloud Flows Are Automatically Defined In Dataverse Solutions
Updated Browse Connectors Pane In Cloud Flows
Use Copilot To Analyze Automation Activity
Generate Flow Description Using AI
Automate With Ease Using The AI Recorder
Transform Scripting Using AI-Driven Natural Language
Maximize Your Productivity With Generative Answers
Use Natural Language To Create A Flow In Teams
Regenerate a Variation of a Flow in Copilot
Get Increased Accuracy In Responses From Copilot
Copilot Provides More Accurate Answers To Questions
Use Cyberark Credentials In Desktop Flow Connections
Monitor, Manage Your Automations And Related Assets
Use Copilot To Analyze Cloud Flow Runs
Use Copilot To Analyze Desktop Flow Runs
Use Copilot To Analyze Work Queue Data
Use Copilot To Ask Power Automate Product Questions
Self-Heal UI And Browser Automation Actions at Execution With AI
Power Fx Integration With Power Automate For Desktop
Use Machine To Credential Mapping In Desktop Flow Connections
Connect Your Own Virtual Network With Hosted Machine Group
View Progressive Logging For Desktop Flows
Integrate Cloud Connectors Into Desktop Flows Via The Assets Library
Enable Dark Mode In Power Automate For Desktop
Describe Flow Actions With Copilot
Use Your Voice To Interact With Copilot
Use Certificate-Based Authentication in Desktop Flow Connections
Secure Credential Retrieval In Power Automate For Desktop
Scale Faster With Process Mining Thin Client App
Process Mining Process Simulations
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New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2: Enable Dark Mode In Power Automate For Desktop

Ian Grieve2 minute read0 comment

Power AutomateThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2.

The 13th of the new functionality in the Desktop flows section is enable dark mode in Power Automate for desktop.

You can now build desktop flows in your preferred color mode. Choose between the default mode and dark mode to reduce eye strain and improve focus.

Enabled for: Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically
Public Preview: Dec 2024
General Availability: –

Feature Details

In the Power Automate for desktop console, you can switch between the default color mode and dark mode. This setting allows the console and flow designer to use a dark theme based on your preference.

My Opinion

I do like dark mode and find a lot of sites without it now very jarring (there is a dark mode available on this site, via the drop down to the top right).

Click to show/hide the New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2 Series Index

New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2
Use Generative AI To Achieve A Process In AI Flows
Create Power Automate Flows In Excel
Run A Cloud Flow For More Than 30 Days Per Invocation
Be More Productive With Power Automate And Excel Desktop
Use Workflows On Calendar Events In Teams and Outlook
Monitor Performance For Cloud and Desktop Flow Activities In Automation Center
Connect To Other Environments From The Microsoft Dataverse Connector
Create A Flow On a File In Teams
Create And Edit Expressions With Copilot
Use Undo And Redo While You Build Cloud Flows In The Designer
Receive Intelligent License Recommendations For Admins
Recommendations To Reassign Orphaned Cloud Flows
Use Your Own Key To Encrypt Data At-Rest For Environments
Create Generative Actions In Cloud Flows
Cloud Flows Are Automatically Defined In Dataverse Solutions
Updated Browse Connectors Pane In Cloud Flows
Use Copilot To Analyze Automation Activity
Generate Flow Description Using AI
Automate With Ease Using The AI Recorder
Transform Scripting Using AI-Driven Natural Language
Maximize Your Productivity With Generative Answers
Use Natural Language To Create A Flow In Teams
Regenerate a Variation of a Flow in Copilot
Get Increased Accuracy In Responses From Copilot
Copilot Provides More Accurate Answers To Questions
Use Cyberark Credentials In Desktop Flow Connections
Monitor, Manage Your Automations And Related Assets
Use Copilot To Analyze Cloud Flow Runs
Use Copilot To Analyze Desktop Flow Runs
Use Copilot To Analyze Work Queue Data
Use Copilot To Ask Power Automate Product Questions
Self-Heal UI And Browser Automation Actions at Execution With AI
Power Fx Integration With Power Automate For Desktop
Use Machine To Credential Mapping In Desktop Flow Connections
Connect Your Own Virtual Network With Hosted Machine Group
View Progressive Logging For Desktop Flows
Integrate Cloud Connectors Into Desktop Flows Via The Assets Library
Enable Dark Mode In Power Automate For Desktop
Describe Flow Actions With Copilot
Use Your Voice To Interact With Copilot
Use Certificate-Based Authentication in Desktop Flow Connections
Secure Credential Retrieval In Power Automate For Desktop
Scale Faster With Process Mining Thin Client App
Process Mining Process Simulations
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New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2: Integrate Cloud Connectors Into Desktop Flows Via The Assets Library

Ian Grieve2 minute read0 comment

Power AutomateThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2.

The 12th of the new functionality in the Desktop flows section is integrate cloud connectors into desktop flows via the Assets library.

Direct integration of Power Platform connectors into desktop actions will streamline the flow creation process, reduce logical loops, and enhance efficiency.

Enabled for: Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically
Public Preview:  Oct 22, 2024
General Availability: Nov 2024

Feature Details

The following connectors are now directly available in Power Automate for desktop flows, in addition to those previously available: Continue reading “New Functionality In Microsoft Power Automate 2024 Wave 2: Integrate Cloud Connectors Into Desktop Flows Via The Assets Library”

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