Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Model-Driven App in Power Apps

What is a Model-Driven App?

A Model-Driven App in Power Apps is a data-first application that relies on Microsoft Dataverse as its backend. Unlike Canvas Apps, which provide complete design flexibility, Model-Driven Apps follow a structured UI based on data models, forms, and views. These apps are best suited for business processes that require automation, data consistency, and security.

Differences Between Model-Driven and Canvas Apps:

• Canvas Apps: Highly customizable UI, can connect to multiple data sources, ideal for lightweight applications.
• Model-Driven Apps: Structured UI, primarily rely on Dataverse, best for process-driven applications.

Use Cases and Licensing:

Model-Driven Apps are ideal for sales automation, procurement workflows, customer service management, and business approvals. They require Power Apps Premium or Microsoft Dataverse licensing to access and run effectively.

Use Case: Procurement Model-Driven App

In this blog, we will build a Procurement Model-Driven App that streamlines the ordering process for machines. The app will:

• Allow users to submit machine procurement requests.
• Implement a Business Process Flow (BPF) to guide approval stages.
• Use Dataverse to store and manage procurement records efficiently.
• Include conditional approvals based on price thresholds.

This blog post walks through creating a Procurement Model-Driven App, implementing Business Process Flows (BPFs), and customizing app views and forms.

You can check complete video here:

Step 1: Creating a Model-Driven App

1. Navigate to make.powerapps.com.
2. Click Create → Model-Driven App.
3. Select Dataverse as the backend and create a new solution.
4. Name your app (e.g., "Machine Procurement") and click Create.

Step 2: Configuring Dataverse Tables

1. Go to Dataverse → Tables and create a new table (e.g., "Machine Orders").
2. Add necessary columns:

Step 3: Customizing Forms and Views

Customizing Forms:

1. Open your Machine Orders table.
2. Click on Forms and edit the Main Form.
3. Drag fields like Approver, Status, and Order Details to the form.
4. Click Save & Publish.

Customizing Views:

1. Open Machine Orders and select Views.
2. Edit the default Active Machine Orders view.
3. Drag and drop relevant columns like Approval Status, Price, Ship Date.
4. Click Save & Publish.

Step 4: Creating a Business Process Flow (BPF)

Business Process Flows (BPFs) ensure data consistency and guide users through a structured workflow.

1. Navigate to Solutions → New → Automation → Business Process Flow.
2. Name your process (e.g., "Machine Procurement Process") and select Machine Orders as the table.
3. Define process stages:
4. Add Conditions:
5. Click Save, Validate, and Activate.

Step 5: Testing Your Model-Driven App

1. Open your Model-Driven App and navigate to the Machine Orders section.
2. Create a new order and verify:
3. Submit the order and complete the process.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you have successfully built a Model-Driven Procurement App that automates the procurement process using Dataverse and Business Process Flows. This method ensures structured data entry, efficient workflows, and improved business automation.

?? Try it out and share your experience in the comments!

?? Watch the full video tutorial: [Insert YouTube Link]

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