Development of a Digitized Approval System with Microsoft Power Platform

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Emerline developed and implemented a digital approval system based on the Microsoft Power Platform, which transformed manual workflows, significantly reduced delays, increased transparency, and ensured compliance with corporate standards.

Background

Our client, a large transportation company, still managed internal approvals for vacation requests, expense reimbursements, and fleet procurement manually. This approach created serious business problems:

  • Slow decision-making: Requests passed through numerous emails and spreadsheets. A vacation request could take a week to approve, while the procurement of critical spare parts could take even longer, directly impacting vehicle downtime.
  • Lack of transparency: It was nearly impossible for employees and managers to track the status of a request. This led to constant calls and emails asking for updates.
  • Compliance issues: Data on expenses and approvals was fragmented. The lack of a centralized tracking system complicated audits and made it impossible to quickly and accurately monitor compliance with corporate policies.

The company's management realized that these inefficient manual processes were hindering growth and turned to Emerline for a solution.

Conclusion

The implementation of a digital approval system on the Microsoft Power Platform allowed the client to fundamentally transform its internal processes. The shift from manual management to an automated platform not only solved existing problems with delays and transparency but also created a solid foundation for future growth and increased operational efficiency.

Methodology

We used an agile development approach to ensure maximum adaptability and rapid results. Our methodology included the following stages:

Research and analysis

We started with a deep dive into the client's current manual processes. We conducted interviews with key employees from various departments (HR, finance, logistics) to identify bottlenecks, define key stakeholders, and create a comprehensive map of existing workflows.

Solution design

Based on the gathered data, we designed the system architecture, defined the necessary Power Apps forms, the routing logic in Power Automate, and the data storage structure in SharePoint / Dataverse.

Iterative development and prototyping

Instead of building the entire system at once, we developed iterative prototypes for each type of approval (vacation, procurement), demonstrating them to the client for feedback. This allowed us to make adjustments early and ensure the solution fully met their needs.

Implementation and training

After the final approval of the prototypes, we implemented the system, integrated it with the client's existing tools, and conducted training sessions for end-users and administrators.

Support and optimization

Even after launch, we continued our collaboration, providing technical support and gathering feedback for further improvements and system scaling.

Solution

We created a fully digitized approval system built on the Microsoft Power Platform. This solution replaced fragmented and manual workflows with a centralized, intuitive platform.

Key aspects of the solution:

Request submission

Employees submit all requests through user-friendly Power Apps forms, which replace paper documents and scattered emails.

Request submission

Automated routing

Each request is automatically routed through the appropriate approval chain based on its type, department, or amount.

Automated routing

Real-time notifications

Approvers receive notifications in Microsoft Teams or Outlook and can approve or deny a request directly from these channels, including from mobile devices.

Real-time notifications

Centralized data storage

All request data and statuses are logged in SharePoint or Dataverse, ensuring complete transparency and traceability.

Centralized data storage

Seamless integration

The system is integrated with other tools like Microsoft Planner, Outlook (for calendars), and the client's existing procurement systems.

Technology Stack

The solution is built on the Microsoft Power Platform, providing a reliable, scalable, and easily integrable environment for workflow automation:

Platform

Microsoft Power Platform

Core components

Power Apps

Power Automate

SharePoint / Dataverse

Integrations

Microsoft Teams

Outlook

Planner

The client's existing systems

Results

This approach not only increased the speed and reliability of internal approvals but also made the process more transparent and consistent, which is a major advantage for HR, finance, and compliance departments.

"Before" and "After" scenario:

  • Before: Manual workflows, fragmented approvals, slow decision-making, lack of transparency, and compliance issues.
  • After: A fully digitized and centralized platform. Automated routing, real-time notifications, increased transparency, and improved operational efficiency.

Key benefits achieved by the client:

  • Increased speed and reliability: The system accelerated the approval process, making it more reliable and predictable.
  • Improved transparency: Centralized logging of data and statuses ensures full visibility for all teams.
  • Increased efficiency: The solution optimized operational processes, reducing errors and delays.
  • Better employee and management experience: Employees get faster responses, and managers gain clear control over all requests.
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