Client Overview
A national logistics company approached HarjTech with a challenge: their internal workflows relied heavily on spreadsheets, email threads, and disconnected manual processes. Field staff were capturing data inconsistently, approvals were delayed, and leadership lacked real-time insights.
The client needed a modern, mobile-friendly solution to capture data, automate workflows, and streamline operations — without building a full custom software platform.
The Solution: Power Apps + Power Automate
HarjTech proposed a scalable solution using Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate — tools already included in the client's Microsoft 365 license.
Key Goals:
- Replace Excel-based tracking and manual approvals
- Enable mobile data entry and photo capture from field teams
- Automate approval processes and document routing
- Protect sensitive data with proper security controls
- Scale the app for future departments without rebuilding
Development Process and Best Practices Used
1. Chose the Right App Type and Layout
- Built a Canvas App for full control over layout and user experience
- Designed using responsive containers and screen size rules so the app could run on desktop, tablet, and mobile with no layout conflicts
- Used a single, responsive app — rather than maintaining separate versions for different devices
2. Designed for Scalability and Performance
- Structured the app to support future add-ons with a modular approach
- Used reusable components for forms, headers, and menus
- Connected the app to Dataverse for secure, structured data management
- Configured environment variables for flexibility between development, test, and production environments
3. Implemented Secure Data Access and Permissions
- Applied role-based security using Azure Active Directory groups
- Restricted sensitive fields using conditional visibility and dynamic access controls
- Ensured data was encrypted and aligned with the company’s compliance policies
4. Integrated Power Automate for Business Logic
HarjTech developed multiple Power Automate flows to support the app:
- Data Capture Flow: Automatically logs new records, timestamps, and location data
- Approval Flow: Sends Teams/Outlook notifications and updates status in real time
- Reminder Flow: Scheduled flow to follow up on pending tasks
- Reporting Flow: Aggregates data for Power BI dashboards and Excel exports
Challenges and How We Solved Them
ChallengeSolutionInconsistent data from field teamsStandardized forms with dropdowns, validations, and required fieldsDelayed approvalsReal-time Power Automate workflows for instant routing and notificationToo many app requests from other teamsBuilt with scalability in mind — app architecture supports future use casesData security concernsDataverse + RBAC + environment-specific DLP policies
Results and Business Impact
- Reduced manual data entry time by 60%
- Improved workflow approval turnaround time by 70%
- Replaced 3 legacy spreadsheets and 2 email-based processes
- Fully mobile-enabled app adopted by field teams within two weeks
- Positioned the solution as a template for future departmental apps
How HarjTech Delivered Success
HarjTech supported the client throughout the entire lifecycle:
- Architecture Planning: We defined the right app model and platform components
- Rapid App Development: Delivered a fully working MVP in 4 weeks
- Automation Integration: Designed and deployed 4 Power Automate flows
- Security Configuration: Implemented Microsoft best practices and tested with client IT
- User Training & Support: Delivered admin handoff docs, video walk-throughs, and change management materials
Conclusion
Power Apps and Power Automate can dramatically improve how businesses operate — but only when built with scale, governance, and data protection in mind.
HarjTech helped this client unlock the full potential of Microsoft’s low-code tools — designing a secure, responsive, and efficient app that modernized critical workflows and delivered measurable ROI.
Looking to replace legacy systems or build business apps that scale? HarjTech can help.
