Welcome to Part One of our ‘Interview with an HG Expert’ series, where each article explores a different feature of Microsoft’s Power Platform. Through personal experiences, we’ll uncover valuable insights into this suite of low-code tools.
First up is William Young, sharing his take on Power Automate – a workflow automation tool with rapidly improving AI capability that, in his words, can deliver significant business impact when it’s “in the right hands” and used effectively.
What do you mean by “the right hands”?
Pretty much anyone can experiment with Power Automate, especially with Microsoft’s excellent learning support and free templates for beginners.
However, when placed in the hands of someone who is process-driven and naturally analytical, it can be transformational – fast.
I know this from personal experience. When I worked in HR in a non-technical role, I was the one walking around the office spotting inefficiencies – like excessive form-filling or sending out standardised letters with minimal changes.
I found solutions, using tools like Word for mail merges and spreadsheets to collate and calculate multiple payments more efficiently.
AI wasn’t around then, but the principle remains the same today: Identify what can be improved and use technology to make it happen.
Can all processes be automated?
Most processes can be automated, but that doesn’t mean they should be. It’s important to focus on where automation brings the most value. This is where senior management plays a role, and where HG Technology can help.
While internal teams understand their company’s processes, they’re often too close to them to see where efficiencies can be gained. HG Technology brings clarity – we analyse operations, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend where automation makes the most sense.
For example, making forms electronic makes them instantly trackable, translatable, and more accessible. No manual collation is needed, translation costs are reduced, and governance visibility improves.
Does automation mean a loss of jobs?
Not at all – which is why it’s important to take a positive view of AI. Automation isn’t about replacing people; it’s about freeing them up to focus on higher-value work.
At its most basic level, tools such as Power Automate make individuals more efficient by setting reminders, scheduling calendar events, and sending alerts based on actions. It takes care of the nagging and prompting, but the human element remains essential.
Which department benefits most from automation?
Since automation significantly improves document management and data collection, it’s less about the department and more about the specific process. That said, environments such as HR, legal or indeed any function which has repetitive tasks and standardised processes, will gain significant benefits from Power Automate.
What other benefits can automation bring?
Power Automate isn’t the only tool in the box, but that’s where Shadow IT becomes a challenge. Employees often use unapproved third-party apps to speed things up, creating security risks and compliance issues.
The best solution? Equipping staff with approved Microsoft tools that are secure, managed, and seamlessly integrated.
What are the biggest barriers to automation?
One of the biggest roadblocks is the belief that businesses must stick with their old legacy systems because they are deeply embedded in operations. It’s an understandable fear, but migrating to modern, cloud-based tools is easier than many think.
Microsoft Office already has everything needed in one place, making a transition smoother. However, while businesses can build their own solutions, someone needs to take ownership. A leader with strong business acumen must drive the strategy – considering the what, why, and how of automation.
If automation is so easy, why use HG Technology?
For many businesses, moving to a fully cloud-based AI system is a major leap. Once they commit to automation, it makes sense to have experts on board to guide the process.
- Microsoft provides the tech; we provide the business insight.
- We ensure tools are implemented effectively and deliver real value.
- We speed up the process by drawing on experience and best practices.
Learning by doing is part of the journey, but when people hit roadblocks, we’re there to help. Whether it’s troubleshooting, ensuring a smooth transition, or providing ongoing support, we make sure businesses stay on track.
A Bit About Bill
Bill Young is our Senior Technical Consultant, bringing decades of IT development experience to HG Technology. As a Microsoft Power Apps expert – well-versed in Power Automate, SharePoint, and Microsoft 365 – he ensures technology is used to its full potential for maximum business impact. When he’s not transforming business processes, you’ll find Bill exploring new destinations, watching the latest films, or rocking out at a classic rock concert.
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