The Power Platform is an incredible tool for developing low code apps, automating workflows, and analyzing data. However, to get the most out of it, developers have to think beyond the basics. Here are seven tips every Power Platform developer should be utilizing today to develop a smarter, faster, more scalable solution.
1 Collection Duration in Offline Canvas Apps
By default, collections (ClearCollect() etc.) exist only while the app is open.
- To persist data across multiple sessions, use:
- Local storage with SaveData()/LoadData()
- External services, such as Dataverse or SharePoint
Always design offline apps to gracefully handle session ends and data restores.
2 New Connectors Not in the Power Apps List
Expand the functionality of PowerApps by building a custom connector:
- Get the OpenAPI/Swagger file or REST endpoint details for the public API.
- In Power Platform, go to Custom connectors > New custom connector.
- Set up your authentication (API key, OAuth 2.0, etc.), then define your actions and test.
- When you publish the connector, you’ll now be able to use the custom connector natively in your app with no limitations.
3 Skip Trigger in Power Automate
Best for: Authorizing flows to run in Power Automate.
- When you enable a flow (Example – “On item created”), you want to enable “Skip trigger” so it doesn’t run historic data, just new items after you’ve gone live.
- When you enable a “Skip trigger”, it prevents your flow from processing legacy or bulk loaded data retroactively which could create issues with data quality or duplication.
4 Uploading Partial Data
Scenario: Large datasets or incremental updates.
Tips:
- Use Patch() to send only changed records:
- Patch(MyTable, LookUp(MyTable, ID = 1), {Status: “Approved”})
- For batch uploads:
- ForAll(MyCollection, Patch(…))
- Maintain a status column (e.g., “Processed”) to resume uploads if interrupted.
Result: Efficient data handling and reduced load.
5 Role-based Button Visibility in PowerApps
Concept: Control what users have visibility to based off their security role or role group.
In Canvas apps, simply set the Visible property for each button based on the user’s role group:
Visible = If(User().Email in AdminList, true, false)
In enterprise situations, security roles are pulled from Dataverse, then filter UI options: text
Visible = If(“Admin” in UserSecurityRole, true, false)
Result: Employees will see only what they need to see, and the admins will see admin functionality. This reduces any confusion and security risk.
6 Using SharePoint Data in a Model-Driven App
Model-driven apps run on Dataverse, but you can integrate SharePoint for document management:
- At the environment level, enable SharePoint integration in the Power Platform admin.
- Configure the SharePoint site and document management for selected tables.
- Users can manage and view SharePoint documents within a Dataverse record, with no need to switch context.
7 Connection vs. Connection Reference
- Connection: An authenticated connection that the user has to a service (SharePoint, Outlook, etc.)
- Connection Reference: A connection stored inside a solution that points to a connection, which the solution is aware of. Connection references allow admin teams to switch between environments (i.e. Dev/Test/Prod) without modifying the flow/app.
- When to use: Always use connection references when working in an enterprise or application lifecycle management (ALM) scenario. After a solution is imported, update the connection reference rather than modifying the flow itself.
Conclusion
The Power Platform is incredibly flexible, but it’s the understanding of the finer details that elevates good developers to great developers. If you apply these strategies from role-based visibility and custom connectors to solution layering and offline data, you will produce apps and flows that are functional in addition to being scalable, secure, and user-friendly. Regardless of whether you’re in a small team or building enterprise solutions, these approaches will support you in producing impactful results. Continue to explore, continue to optimize, and let the Power Platform do the heavy lifting.
At Peafowl IT Solution, we specialize in Power Platform development. We help businesses build custom apps, automate workflows, and connect data seamlessly. Our solutions focus on scalability, security, and real business impact. With us, you can turn ideas into powerful digital solutions faster.
