Today I am taking you through the features and functionality we can expect to see released between October 2024 and March 2025 for Power Automate.
The PDF file also includes information about Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Power Pages, Power Virtual Agents, Microsoft Dataverse, Microsoft Power Platform governance and administration, and data integration.
The Microsoft Power Platform features coming in the 2024 release wave 2 have been summarized in a separate release plan as well as a downloadable PDF
AI Flows
In the latest Power Automate release, we will be able to streamline automation by using natural language and AI to create automation plans instead of constructing complex processes. The generative AI analyses the content we provide and determines the necessary steps and sequences to achieve desired outcomes based on natural language.
Creating an AI flow provides a new user experience, as users will now describe their objective, before refining what Power Automate produces and then validating the overall outcome. This allows for the seamless integration of structured and unstructured data, making AI flows particularly beneficial for managing really complex processes and exceptions.
Cloud Flows - Power Automate and Excel desktop
With Excel still being one of the most widely used tools in the world this latest update in terms of Excel Online provides a new "Automate Work" button, which links directly to Power Automate, making it easier to incorporate your work and boost productivity.
The feature allows you to access ready-made templates and create workflows directly within Excel Online. It replaces the old "Automate a Task" button, which requires you to navigate to the Power Automate portal.
Copilot for Power Automate
Copilot is now a staple of every article I write and within the Power Automate updates, there are ever-increasing enhancements with Copilot. Automation is now more intuitive and efficient with Copilot now using more detailed AI components to help users create workflows by simply describing tasks in natural language, eliminating the need for technical knowledge. It also analyses existing workflows, offering suggestions to optimise and modernise processes. Personalized template recommendations further streamline the automation process by offering relevant solutions based on user behaviour.
These updates simplify workflow automation for all users, boosting productivity by reducing manual tasks and improving efficiency.
AI Recorder
The AI Recorder is an advanced Generative AI technology that allows voice commands, mouse movements, and screen-sharing activities to not only understand your workflow but also build it for you. This feature makes it easier than ever for users to create automated processes tailored to their specific needs.
By recording tasks in a natural, conversational manner, the AI Recorder removes the need for manual configuration and is an excellent way to get started in building your flow. This approach especially allows users minimal technical expertise to build flows
Desktop Flows
Desktop Flows within Microsoft Power Automate received one major improvement in relation to enhanced error handling and debugging. This offers better tools to quickly identify and fix issues, reducing workflow errors.
The deeper integration with AI Builder also allows users to automate document processing, data extraction making workflows more intelligent and efficient. Additionally, the redesigned Desktop Flow Designer provides a more intuitive interface, with drag-and-drop functionality and improved templates, making it easier for non-developers to create flows.
Cross-platform automation is now easier with users able to automate tasks across both desktop and cloud applications, improving efficiency in hybrid environments. Performance enhancements ensure faster execution times and support larger, more complex workflows, making Desktop Flows more scalable.
The update also expands support for additional applications and APIs, offering broader automation possibilities. Advanced security features, including improved credential management and stricter access controls, enhance security and compliance, crucial for enterprise-grade automation.
Process Mining
The Power Automate Process Mining app has also received some key updates to improve user experience by utilising the Azure Process Intelligence Analytic Service. This move eliminates the need to download process models to client computers, which previously had specific hardware requirements.
Users can now use a small desktop application that connects directly to the Azure service, offering the same functionality as the full desktop app.
Hope you all enjoyed this post on the Power Automate Release Wave 2 for 2024 updates I will continue this series with some additional content specifically related to the remainder of the Power Platform in coming weeks. Take Care, Speak Soon!
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