Technology Record - Issue 22: Autumn 2021

193 Here are some simple pointers that can make your initial foray into app building much more successful: • Take the time to document the design of your app. Describe the purpose and functions of your app. This can be as simple as a paragraph followed by a set of bullet points for each capability. • Start with the minimum functionality to accomplish your stated purpose. This will help you manage the scope of your project. • Use online resources to help you understand the platform and best practices for working with it. You will find an abundance of information on Microsoft Power Platform online. • Look at examples of other solutions. • Collaborate with other people in your organisation that may also be interested in building apps. If you have a lot of interest, have a competition! After you have successfully built your first app, you will begin to appreciate the capabilities of the platform and it will likely open your mind to many possibilities for addressing technology gaps in your business. The good thing is that help is widely available. Aside from online resources there are consulting organisations with the expertise to assist you in realising your vision. This can be through training on the platform, design and development best practices, agile methodologies or how to leverage tools such as Azure DevOps to track and control the process. A great thing about this technology is that you are not going to get stuck depending on a single developer or vendor to help you. You can make your investment with confidence and start realising value quickly. Good luck on your low code journey! Derrick Villeneuve is chairman and director of strategy at Davyn R E TA I L & C PG