How Microsoft Power Platform and Copilot Studio are Leading as Top Low Code Development Platforms 

Summary

• Microsoft Power Platform leads the low code market, offering Power Apps, Power Automate, Microsoft Dataverse, and Copilot Studio for scalable app development and automation.

• Adoption of low-code platforms is accelerating, with 87% of enterprises leveraging low-code tools to support digital transformation initiatives.

• Copilot Studio brings AI-driven development to Power Platform, enabling intelligent copilots that automate workflows and enhance business processes.

• How ABN AMRO Bank, Cineplex, Embraer, Community Fiber and Standard Bank use Power Platform to automate operations, and save thousands of work hours annually.

With advanced technologies becoming increasingly prevalent, the emergence of low-code development platforms in software and app development represents a natural progression toward innovation. The goal of low code platforms isn't to replace developers but to enhance their productivity, enabling them to achieve their goals faster than ever before.

While many companies offer low code platforms, Microsoft stands out as a leader, with its Microsoft Power Platform and Copilot Studio among the most sought-after tools for empowering the low-code development process. Although low-code might sound like a buzzword, according to Forrester the global low-code development platforms market is projected to reach approximately $50 billion USD by 2028.

In terms of adoption, Statista provides compelling insights: based on a survey of more than 2,000 IT specialists, 58% of legacy systems are being transformed by low-code apps, 38% are using low-code for data modeling and visualization, and 36% are leveraging low-code for productivity applications. These numbers are expected to grow significantly in the coming years especially with the emergence of Microsoft Power Platform.

Who Can Use Low Code and How to Apply It in Development? 

Low-code development platforms are designed to democratize the application development process, making it accessible to a wide range of users with varying technical expertise. These low code platforms cater to three primary audiences: citizen developers, IT teams, and professional developers.

Each group can leverage low-code tools for specific purposes, from automating workflows to building enterprise-grade applications. However it wasn't always the case for enterprise level developers to use low code tools, but with the accessibility and innovation offered by Microsoft Power Platform, and by leveraging Power Apps, Power Automate, Microsoft Dataverse and Copilot Studio, large enterprises started to use these types of tools frequently in their digital transformation initiatives.

Audience 

• Citizen Developers - Individuals with low coding knowledge, often from business units like HR, sales, or operations, can use low code platforms to create simple applications or automate repetitive tasks without needing a lot of technical expertise. With visual interfaces and pre-built templates, solutions like Power Platform can quickly solve immediate problems without relying on IT teams. 

• IT Teams - IT professionals and developers of all experience levels use low-code platforms to address business requirements while maintaining control over governance and security. Entry- and mid-level developers can manage workflows, integrate systems, and build internal tools, while senior developers use low code development platforms to speed up repetitive tasks, such as creating interfaces or integrating APIs, enabling them to focus on complex, custom solutions 

Examples of Use Cases 

• Workflow Automation - Automate manual, repetitive processes to improve operational efficiency. For example, using Microsoft Power Automate, part of the Microsoft Power Platform offering, to streamline invoice approvals or employee onboarding. 

• Rapid Prototyping - Use Power Platform solutions to quickly design and test applications to validate ideas before committing to full-scale development. This is especially useful for businesses seeking to minimize time-to-market. 

• App Development - Build fully functional applications for internal or external use, ranging from customer portals to mobile apps for field employees. Microsoft Power Apps, Power Automate, Dataverse, Copilot Studio and other solutions from the Microsoft Power Platform offering are excellent for this purpose. 

• Internal Tools - Develop custom tools tailored to specific organizational needs, such as dashboards for real-time data monitoring or applications for managing inventory. 

Is Low Code Popular?  

Low-code in software and app development has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the need for faster application delivery, a growing shortage of skilled developers, and the increasing demand for digital transformation. The growth have been partially attributed to the emergence and reliability of Microsoft Power Platform offering tools like Power Apps, Dataverse, Power Automate and Copilot Studio that democratized the PoC and small applications development process. Right now, people with no coding skills are able to develop applications and to automate workflows for their respective department.

Industry statistics and trends confirm the rising popularity of low-code platforms across organizations of all sizes. 

‍Current Adoption of Low Code Business Demand - A survey by Forrester Research revealed that 87% of enterprises are using low-code platforms to support digital initiatives. Low code development platforms like Power Platform have become especially appealing to businesses looking to improve agility and reduce IT backlogs. 

‍Broad Applicability - For example Power Platform is widely used in most of the existing industries where digital transformation is available.

‍Growth in Microsoft Power Platform Usage‍

Microsoft’s Power Platform has become a leader in the low-code space, gaining significant traction due to its integration with Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Fabric and Dynamics 365. Other important features that made Microsoft the leader of enterprise level low code platforms is their Microsoft Power Platform that offers Microsoft Power Apps, Copilot Studio, Microsoft Dataverse, and Power Automate, robust governance tools, and proven digital transformation success across industries. 

• Adoption Milestones - Microsoft reported that over 33 million monthly active users were leveraging Microsoft Power Platform's solutions like Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI. This milestone demonstrates Power Platform's widespread acceptance among businesses. 

• Enterprise Success - Enterprises are increasingly turning to Microsoft Power Platform for end-to-end application development, process automation, and real-time analytics. 

• AI Integration Driving Popularity - The introduction of AI features, such as those in Copilot Studio, has further boosted the appeal of the Microsoft Power Platform. These features enable users to generate application elements in Power Apps, automate complex tasks with Power Automate, and gain insights with AI-driven tools like Copilot Studio, making the platform even more versatile. 

Why the popularity? Power Platform's Comprehensive Ecosystem Product Suite

The rise of Microsoft Power Platform is fueled by its ability to address key business challenges, such as accelerating development timelines and reducing dependency on IT teams.  

Microsoft Power Platform - Low Code Solutions Examples 

Solutions provided by Power Platform simplify and accelerate software development, enabling users to build applications, automate workflows, and integrate systems with minimal coding.

Among the many platforms available, Microsoft Power Apps, Microsoft Power Automate, Microsoft Dataverse and Copilot Studio, stand out for their robust features and easy integration with the Microsoft ecosystem and are part of the Microsoft Power Platform. 

Here's a closer look at the low code development platforms that are stacked under the Power Platform umbrella, along with a brief mention of notable competitors. 

‍Microsoft Power Automate: Automating Workflows and Processes 

Nobody dreams of spending their day copy-pasting data between spreadsheets or manually forwarding emails. Microsoft Power Automate takes over those tedious tasks, letting teams focus on real work—whether that’s making strategic decisions, solving problems, or finally getting through a meeting without multitasking on admin work in the background.

‍Key Features of Microsoft Power Automate: 

• Automate and optimize business processes quickly with a library of customizable templates. 

• Create complex workflows that span multiple applications and services. 

• Easily connect Microsoft Power Automate with Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Azure. 

• Use AI Builder to incorporate intelligence into workflows, such as extracting data from documents or predicting outcomes. 

Microsoft Copilot Studio: AI-Driven App Development and Task Automation 

‍Microsoft Copilot Studio, part of the Microsoft Power Platform, takes the low-code development process to the next level by integrating generative AI. It empowers users to build applications, automate tasks, and streamline workflows with AI-driven assistance. 

‍Key Features: 

• Custom Agent Creation: Build agents that operate independently, dynamically plan, learn, and escalate tasks on your behalf. 

• Custom Copilot Development: Create tailored copilots to address specific needs, such as retrieving account balances or automating workflows. 

• Seamless Integration with Microsoft 365: Deploy agents directly to commonly used applications like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat for a unified user experience. 

• Task and Process Automation: Simplify business processes, including submitting expenses, onboarding employees, and updating benefits, with intelligent automation capabilities. 

• Enterprise-Grade Governance: Manage governance, policies, and access controls securely in one centralized location via the Microsoft Power Platform admin center. 

• Comprehensive Management Tools: Use the Microsoft Power Platform admin center to monitor environments, enforce policies, manage user access, and analyze system performance. 

‍Microsoft Dataverse: Scalable Data Management for Low-Code Applications

‍Microsoft Dataverse, as part of the Power Platform solutions, is a cloud-based data storage and management service that provides a secure, scalable foundation for low-code applications. The solution allows businesses to store, organize, and integrate data across multiple applications developed in Power Platform, making it easier to build connected solutions while maintaining governance, compliance, and security.

Key Features:

• Centralized Data Storage: Microsoft Dataverse store structured and unstructured data in a secure, scalable cloud environment designed for enterprise Power Platform applications.
• Seamless Integration: Connect easily with Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Microsoft 365, ensuring a unified experience across business processes.
• Advanced Security and Compliance: Use Microsoft Dataverse to Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) and encryption to protect sensitive business data, aligning with global compliance standards.
• AI-Enhanced Data Processing: Use Dataverse together with other Power Platform tools such as AI Builder and Power Automate to analyze data, extract insights, and automate decision-making.
• Flexible Data Modeling: Define custom tables, relationships, and business rules to fit unique organizational needs without complex database configurations.
• Real-Time Data Access and Reporting: Leverage Microsoft Dataverse together with Power BI to generate real-time reports and dashboards, providing deeper business insights for decision-makers.

Microsoft Dataverse serves one of the foundational Power Platform applications that help developers in building low-code applications with secure, structured data, enabling businesses to create scalable, intelligent solutions that integrate across Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Fabric, and Dynamic 365 and all the other parts of the ecosystem.

‍Microsoft Power Apps: Build Custom Applications Without Complexity

‍Microsoft Power Apps provides a flexible low-code development environment that makes it easier to build, deploy, and scale custom applications—without getting bogged down in repetitive coding tasks. With seamless integration into enterprise data sources, AI-powered assistance, and cross-platform compatibility, it allows teams to focus on solving complex problems efficiently while maintaining full control over customization and performance.

‍Key Features of Microsoft Power Apps:

• Drag-and-Drop App Development: Build fully functional applications using an intuitive, low-code interface, reducing development time.
• Seamless Data Integration: Connect effortlessly with Microsoft Dataverse, SharePoint, Dynamics 365, SQL Server, and external data sources.
• AI-Powered Assistance: Use AI-driven features like Copilot in Power Apps to automate workflows, generate app logic, and suggest optimizations.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Deploy applications on web, mobile, and Microsoft Teams for maximum accessibility.
• Enterprise Security & Governance: Ensure compliance and security with role-based access control (RBAC), managed environments, and integration with Microsoft Entra ID.
• Reusable Components & Templates: Speed up development with prebuilt components and customizable templates for common business scenarios.

Microsoft Power Apps makes it easy to turn ideas into applications, empowering both citizen developers and IT teams to create business solutions quickly, efficiently, and securely while integrating deeply with the broader Microsoft ecosystem.

‍Competitors of Microsoft Power Platform in the Low-Code Space 

Microsoft Power Platform, offers some of the most comprehensive low code development platforms (e.g. Power Apps, Copilot Studio etc.) that are especially fit for enterprises already in the Microsoft ecosystem, there are several other platforms in the market that cater to diverse needs. While the platforms discussed below may not be 100% in direct competition with Copilot Studio or other Power Platform solutions, all have started offering similar features and will likely create a similar product offering that we see in Copilot Studio as GenAI adoption continues to increase. 

• Mendix: A robust platform known for its enterprise-grade app development capabilities and strong focus on collaboration. 

• OutSystems: Popular for creating scalable and secure applications with high customization potential. 

• Appian: A platform that excels in business process automation and case management applications. 

These competitors provide unique features and serve as viable alternatives on the low code development platforms market, but Power Platform solutions stand out due to their tight integration with a vast ecosystem, enterprise-grade security, and the incorporation of cutting-edge AI technologies.'

Even though there are multiple low-code options available on the market, at the enterprise level, it’s important to understand the differences between Microsoft Power Platform and competitor platforms to make an informed decision about which one best suits your goals. 

‍The Differences Between Microsoft Power Platform and Competitor Platforms 

Microsoft Power Platform including Microsoft Power Automate, Microsoft Dataverse, Microsoft Copilot Studio and Microsoft Power Apps, excel in the low-code development platforms market due to their deep integration within the Microsoft ecosystem, robust security, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. 

‍1. Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem 

One of the biggest advantages of Microsoft Power Platform is their integration with widely used Microsoft tools, which competitors often lack: 

• Microsoft 365 Integration: Unlike competitors, Microsoft’s low-code platforms integrate effortlessly with tools like Teams, SharePoint, Excel, and Outlook. This enables users to automate workflows directly tied to their daily operations without additional third-party connectors. 

• Azure Compatibility: Competitors like Mendix and OutSystems can integrate with cloud platforms but often require additional customization. Microsoft Power Platform is natively integrated with Azure, allowing easy access to advanced AI tools, cloud databases, and analytics services. 

• Dynamics 365 Synergy: While platforms like Appian offer tools for CRM and process automation, Microsoft’s low-code tools extend and customize Dynamics 365 applications seamlessly, making them ideal for businesses using Microsoft ERP or CRM systems. 

2. Cost-Effectiveness 

Microsoft’s pricing structure is another key differentiator: 

• Leveraging Existing Licenses: Organizations already using Microsoft 365 or Azure can extend their subscriptions to include Power Platform tools, minimizing costs. Competitors often require standalone licenses that increase the overall cost. 
  • Competitor Comparison: OutSystems and Mendix are priced as premium platforms with higher costs, particularly for large-scale applications. Microsoft, on the other hand, offers flexible pay-as-you-go plans that reduce upfront investment. 

• Unified Billing: By bundling low code development tools with Azure or Microsoft 365, Microsoft eliminates the need for multiple vendor agreements, simplifying management and reducing total cost of ownership. 

3. Security and Compliance 

Microsoft Power Platform outshines low code competitors in its commitment to security and regulatory compliance: 

• Data Residency Options: Azure’s global network of data centers ensures that businesses can store data in locations that meet local regulations. Competitors like OutSystems may offer fewer data residency options, limiting their appeal to organizations with strict data sovereignty needs. 

• Built-In Enterprise Security: While platforms like Mendix and Appian provide security features for their low code platforms, Microsoft Power Apps leverage Azure Active Directory for secure authentication, role-based access control, and data encryption by default. 
  • Competitor Comparison: Competitors may require additional configurations to achieve similar security standards. 

• Compliance Leadership: Microsoft adheres to over 90 global compliance standards, including GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO certifications. While competitors offer compliance, Microsoft’s global reputation and extensive certification list make it a more trusted choice for regulated industries. 

4. Scalability and Enterprise Readiness 

Scalability is an important factor when evaluating low-code platforms, particularly for enterprises that need solutions capable of handling large-scale operations, complex workflows, and high volumes of data. Microsoft Power Platform provide unique advantages in this area compared to competitors like Mendix, OutSystems, and Appian, which may require additional configurations or investments to achieve similar scalability in your low code software and app development . 

Cloud-Native Scalability Microsoft Power Platform and the Power Apps scale natively with Azure, allowing organizations to dynamically adjust resources as business needs grow. This built-in cloud advantage enables easy expansion of the low code platform without requiring extensive reconfiguration. 

• Competitor Comparison: While OutSystems and Mendix also offer enterprise-grade scalability, they often require additional custom infrastructure setup or third-party cloud providers for full flexibility. Appian, though strong in process automation, may not provide the same level of deep Azure integration with Microsoft Power Apps for scaling applications dynamically. 

Future-Ready Ecosystem 

Microsoft continually enhances its Microsoft Power Platform with advanced AI capabilities, including Microsoft Copilot Studio’s generative AI tools, which integrate directly with Power Platform. These updates enable businesses to build AI-powered applications with minimal effort, keeping them ahead of industry trends. 

• Competitor Comparison: Mendix and OutSystems support AI-driven development but may require additional investments in third-party AI services. Appian, while offering AI-enhanced process automation, does not have the same deep integration with an AI-powered development environment as Microsoft’s Power Platform. 

Why Microsoft Power Platform Stands Out in Scalability 

Among enterprise low-code solutions, Microsoft Power Platform differentiates itself in several key areas: 

• Deep Azure Integration: Seamlessly scales low code applications, automations, and AI models using native cloud resources. 

• Continuous AI & Feature Enhancements: Regular updates introduce AI-driven capabilities for the low code development platforms without requiring extra investments. 

• Unified Ecosystem & Cost Efficiency: Organizations already using Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, or Azure benefit from reduced costs by extending existing licenses rather than investing in separate low code environments. 

• Enterprise-Grade Security & Compliance: Built-in governance, role-based access control, and compliance with 90+ regulatory standards make Microsoft Power Apps a preferred choice when using low code development for finance, healthcare, and other regulated industries. 

Microsoft Power Platform's combination of scalability, AI integration, and cost-effectiveness makes it a future-proof choice for enterprises looking to expand their low-code capabilities while maintaining security and efficiency at scale. 

‍Real-World Applications and Case Studies 

ABN AMRO Bank Transitions to Microsoft Copilot Studio to Handle Over 3.5 Million Customer Conversations

ABN AMRO Bank, the third-largest bank in the Netherlands, serves over 5 million retail customers and 365,000 commercial clients across 15 countries. As part of its digital transformation strategy, the bank sought to enhance its AI capabilities to improve customer interactions and internal support. By adopting Microsoft Copilot Studio, ABN AMRO streamlined chatbot operations, increased automation, and significantly improved user experiences for both customers and employees.

Challenge

While ABN AMRO had already deployed several chatbots, it needed a more advanced AI platform to enhance conversational capabilities and provide a seamless, intuitive experience. With the rapid adoption of Generative AI, the bank anticipated rising customer expectations and wanted to proactively address these changes. Additionally, security, scalability, and ease of development were key priorities to ensure the long-term success of AI-driven solutions.

"Microsoft’s leadership and innovation in the AI space led us to select Microsoft Copilot Studio." - Bobby van Groningen, IT Lead, ABN AMRO Bank

Solution

After a competitive RFP process in late 2023, ABN AMRO selected Microsoft Copilot Studio as the foundation for its AI-driven conversational agents. This transition allowed the bank to improve its customer-facing "Anna" agent and employee-supporting "Abby" agent, both of which now leverage Copilot Studio’s AI-powered natural language capabilities.

Why Microsoft Copilot Studio?

• Advanced AI Capabilities – Superior natural language understanding and seamless AI-driven interactions.
• Security & Compliance – Microsoft Copilot Studio met the bank’s stringent security requirements, validated through a three-month review by the bank’s CISO team.
• Ease of Development – Built-in chatbot capabilities simplified development, reducing implementation time and enabling faster enhancements.

Implementation & Migration

Working in collaboration with Microsoft and CapGemini, ABN AMRO successfully migrated both chatbots within six months, demonstrating a smooth and efficient transition.

• The Anna agent, available via both text and voice channels, now handles over 2 million text conversations and 1.5 million voice interactions annually. It assists customers with common banking tasks such as unblocking debit cards, adjusting ATM withdrawal limits, and navigating digital banking services.
• The Abby agent supports ABN AMRO employees by providing internal IT support and facility service assistance, improving operational efficiency and reducing reliance on traditional helpdesk systems.

Results

The transition to Microsoft Copilot Studio has delivered several key benefits:

• Higher Customer Satisfaction – The AI-driven Anna agent improved engagement, reducing call center escalations and enhancing the customer experience.
• 7% Increase in Intent Recognition Accuracy for Dutch – The integration of Azure AI Conversational Language Understanding (CLU) significantly improved AI comprehension, leading to more precise and reliable interactions.
• Faster Time to Market – The platform’s efficiency allowed for quicker deployment of enhancements and the rapid rollout of new AI-powered solutions.

‍Cineplex – Cutting Processing Time from 30 Minutes to 15 Seconds with Microsoft Power Platform 

Cineplex, one of Canada’s largest media and entertainment companies, adopted Microsoft Power Platform to streamline business processes across its departments. Low code tools and AI-driven automation have helped the company save over 30,000 hours of manual work annually, improving scalability and operational efficiency. 

‍Challenge 

‍Cineplex experienced delays and inefficiencies in areas like ticket refunds, customer inquiries, and invoice processing. Many workflows relied on manual steps, which slowed response times, increased errors, and required extra communication between teams. The company needed a solution to simplify repetitive tasks therefore they chose to tap in Microsoft's low code development solution, Power Platform.

‍Solution 

‍Microsoft’s low code Power Platform was used to address these challenges with automation and AI. Key initiatives included: 

1. Ticket Refund Automation: Robotic process automation (RPA) flows integrated with the low code development platform Microsoft Copilot Studio sped up refund handling, cutting processing times from 15 minutes to 30 seconds. 

2. Customer Inquiry Optimization: Microsoft Power Automate, combined with generative AI, was used as a low code solution to categorize email inquiries, detect missing information, and streamline communication between departments. 

3. Invoice Management Copilot: An AI-powered copilot was built with Power Apps such as Microsoft Copilot Studio to categorize vendor invoices, retrieve product details, and determine tax applicability, reducing the workload for the finance team. 

Result 

1. ‍Time Savings: Cineplex’s automation solutions save over 30,000 hours each year, including 5,000 hours from refund processing and 1,300 hours from customer inquiry improvements. 

2. Better Customer and Employee Experience: Faster processes and fewer repetitive tasks boosted satisfaction for both guests and employees. 

3. Improved Collaboration and Governance: An Automation Center of Excellence (CoE) was created to guide projects and ensure seamless deployment of solutions. 

4. Expanded Use of Low-Code Tools: Success with Power Automate led teams to explore other Power Platform tools like Power Apps and process mining for further optimizations. 

Embraer – Empowering 15,000 Employees with Low-Code Automation and Real-Time Insights 

Embraer, a leading manufacturer of commercial jets and Brazil’s top exporter of high-value goods, needed a more connected approach to app development. Teams across the company were developing localized solutions without knowledge-sharing, leading to inefficiencies. To address this, Embraer implemented Microsoft 365 and Power Platform, enabling 15,000 employees to automate workflows, improve data management, and enhance real-time collaboration across departments through low-code app development. 

Challenge 

‍A decentralized approach to app development led to knowledge silos, limiting efficiency and real-time visibility. One critical area in need of optimization was pilot training documentation, which required managing performance sheets across multiple locations and time zones. The manual process relied on Word documents, making it slow, difficult to track, and lacking real-time monitoring for managers. 

‍Solution 

‍Microsoft Power Platform was implemented to drive digital transformation by automating processes and improving data accessibility across teams. Key initiatives included: 

1. Centralized Pilot Data Management: Power Apps and SharePoint replaced manual tracking of passports, licenses, and medical exams, ensuring a structured and standardized database. 

2. Training Documentation Automation: Power Apps replaced Word documents for performance tracking, enabling real-time monitoring by managers without constant follow-ups. Reports are automatically generated in Power BI, improving visibility and decision-making. 

3. Scalable Workflow Automation: The team used low code solutions to implement 60 flows in Power Automate, mapped 25 processes in Power Apps, and created 30 Power BI reports, significantly optimizing operations across departments. 

Result 

1. Faster, More Efficient Training Documentation: Performance tracking moved to Power Apps, improving accessibility and reducing administrative workload. 

2. Improved Autonomy and Collaboration: Pilots and managers now access real-time insights without relying on direct communication, increasing efficiency across global operations. 

3. Stronger Governance and Knowledge Sharing: Power Platform connected teams, reduced isolated development efforts, and enabled knowledge exchange through structured Microsoft Power Platform training sessions. 

4. Greater Flexibility for Business Users: With Power Platform the employees gained the ability to create and modify reports within their departments, ensuring agility and responsiveness to operational needs. 

“The agility and the possibility of managing with a tool developed in the area makes management much easier – the gain is unbelievable. Everything is on the network and integrated, whether I want to design or change a report, I have autonomy for that – and that's just the beginning.” - Anderson Ghuerren, Pilot and Instructor, Embraer 

‍Community Fibre – Saved Over 26,000 Hours/ Year of Manual Work with Microsoft Power Platform 

Community Fibre, a broadband provider serving over 1.3 million homes and 200,000 businesses in London, adopted Microsoft Power Platform to automate key processes. Using Power Apps from the Microsoft Power Platform, the company achieved an 85% reduction in handling times across processes, saving over 26,000 hours annually while improving productivity and scalasbility. 

“Our automation project using Power Platform has driven our biggest efficiency gains to date, and we look forward to seeing further progress in the years to come.” - Chris Williams, Chief Information Officer, Community Fibre 

‍Challenge 

‍Community Fibre’s rapid growth required its internal processes to keep up with the pace of operations. Inefficient manual workflows across lead reporting, billing, and operations created bottlenecks, increasing workload and impacting overall efficiency.

The company needed a low code solution to automate repetitive tasks, improve decision-making, and prevent fragmentation as they scaled. After thorough consideration they decided to go for Microsoft Power Platform, more specifically Power Automate as a reliable and scalable low code solution that integrates flawlessly with their existing Microsoft infrastructure.

‍Solution 

‍Community Fibre implemented low-code tools using Microsoft Power Platform. Key initiatives included: 

1. Lead Reporting Automation: Power Automate was used to deliver real-time reports on salesperson activity, abandoned shopping carts, and network coverage forecasts across 32 boroughs, helping stakeholders make better decisions. 

2. Billing Process Automation: Low-code solutions built using the Power Platform automated invoice generation for B2B and reseller accounts, improved direct debit setups, and prevented revenue leakage by addressing payment failures. This improved cash flow by 25% and reduced manual intervention. 

3. Operations Email Handling: Automated workflows categorized thousands of daily emails from partners, responded automatically where possible, and flagged high-priority messages for the operations team, scaling operational efficiency. 

To centralize data and ensure efficiency, Microsoft Dataverse served as the single source of truth for all automations. The company also used the Power Platform Center of Excellence Starter Kit to monitor benefits like hours saved and costs reduced. 

‍Result 

1. Significant Time Savings: Low code based automation solutions built with Power Automate and other Power Apps led to a 26,000+ hour annual reduction in manual work, with handling times cut by 85% in key areas. 

2. Improved Cash Flow: Billing process improvements increased on-time payments by 25% while reducing errors and revenue leakage. 

3. Better Governance and Centralized Control: Managed Environments and the Center of Excellence provided a framework to ensure compliance and prevent fragmentation as automations scaled. 

4. Expanded Use of Low-Code Tools: Employees began creating additional low-code applications, such as a health and safety tool built with Power Apps, demonstrating the scalability and adaptability of the low code platform. 

Standard Bank – Scaling Enterprise Automation with 1,500+ Low-Code Solutions 

Standard Bank, Africa’s largest bank, serves 18 million customers across 20 countries with a workforce of 49,000 employees. Since 2017, the bank has embraced Microsoft Power Platform, developing over 1,500 low-code solutions for finance, operations, and HR. A Center of Excellence (CoE) was established to support 1,500+ citizen developers, streamlining business processes while maintaining governance and security. 

‍Challenge

‍Standard Bank faced inefficiencies across multiple departments, where processes relied on manual steps, spreadsheets, and disconnected technologies. The lack of automation slowed operations, increased human error, and required employees to spend time on repetitive tasks. The bank needed a scalable, drag and drop interfaced, enterprise-grade low code platform that could empower both technical teams and business users while ensuring security and compliance. Standard Bank decided to settle with Power Automate, Power BI, and other Power Apps that could be seamlessly integrated with their current existing Microsoft ecosystem.

‍Solution

‍Microsoft Power Platform was adopted to drive automation, simplify workflows, and enhance enterprise app development. Key initiatives included: 

1. ATM Inspection App: A mobile app built in 24 hours through a drag and drop interface, replaced manual paper-based ATM inspections. The app utilized GPS and image capture, with reports stored in SharePoint and analyzed in Power BI. Over 300 inspectors generated 5,000+ inspection reports monthly. 

2. Enterprise Workflow Automation: Power Automate streamlined approvals, notifications, and business processes, reducing reliance on email and spreadsheets. 

3. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Power Apps and Power BI integrated structured data, enabling real-time insights across operations, finance, and HR. 

4. CoE for Citizen Development: A structured CoE enabled 1,500+ business users to build their own solutions without needing a lot of technical expertise while ensuring compliance through governance frameworks like Managed Environments and Data Loss Prevention policies. 

Result 

• 1,500+ Low-Code Solutions: Departments across finance, HR, operations and other business users now use Power Platform to automate workflows and improve efficiency. 

• Empowered Citizen Developers: The CoE has expanded low-code development with Power Platform across 1,500 employees, reducing IT dependency and accelerating solution delivery. 

• Faster Enterprise App Deployment: Line-of-business applications were built using Power Apps and Microsoft Dataverse, ensuring secure access and integration with backend systems. 

• AI-Powered Innovation: A technology service desk bot, Karabo, built with Microsoft Copilot Studio, now resolves 99% of IT support queries, reducing manual workloads. 

‍“With Power Platform, we can make rapid changes and enhancements in an environment where business' requirements change frequently.” - Richard Blackwell, Head, Employee Experience Engineering, SA Technology, Standard Bank of South Africa 

‍City of Burlington – Improving Services and Speeding Up Building Permits with Copilot Studio 

The City of Burlington, located in Ontario, Canada, serves 200,000 residents. To meet growing expectations for faster and more accessible services, the city turned to Microsoft Power Platform and AI solutions to improve its building permit process and customer support. 

“As pioneers in municipal AI application, we’re growing incrementally beginning with assistive AI to improve our operations. Our goal is to meet the rising expectations for digital services and make meaningful enhancements to the way our residents interact with city services.” - Chad MacDonald, Executive Director and Chief Information Officer, City of Burlington 

‍Challenge 

‍Burlington faced delays in its building-permit process, which could take up to 15 weeks and often caused frustration for residents and employees. Additionally, the city needed a way to offer 24/7 customer support to manage increasing inquiries and reduce the workload of its customer service teams, all while maintaining high-quality service. Microsoft Power Platform seemed like the perfect choice for their needs.

‍Solution ‍

The city adopted Microsoft’s low-code Power Platform to develop two key solutions: 

1. MyFiles Permit Tracking System: Using low-code tools provided by Power Platform, Burlington created a portal where residents could track their building permit status in real time. This solution increased transparency and improved collaboration between departments. 

2. CoBy Digital Assistant: Built with Microsoft Copilot Studio, CoBy is an AI-powered chatbot designed and deployed in just eight weeks. It provides 24/7 answers to common resident questions and gives the city valuable insights into community concerns. 

“It really helped knock down those silos between groups and then offered more transparency on the status to residents. They can see their applications go through each service and see where it’s hung up, get feedback, and quickly make alterations.” - Kyle Conway, Manager of Creative and Digital Services, City of Burlington 

Result 

1. Faster Permit Approvals: The low-code MyFiles system, developed with Power Platform, reduced the average permit approval time from 15 weeks to 5–7 weeks, allowing employees to focus on more meaningful interactions with residents. 

2. Improved Collaboration: Power Platform-based low-code solutions broke down silos between city departments, streamlining internal processes and creating a smoother experience for residents. 

3. 24/7 Support with CoBy: The low-code chatbot CoBy delivers instant answers to residents’ questions, improving accessibility while also helping the city identify trends in resident inquiries to refine services. 

Conclusion 

Microsoft Power Platform tools, such as Microsoft Power Automate, Microsoft Power Apps, Microsoft Dataverse and Microsoft Copilot Studio, are transforming the way organizations approach software development. Low code platforms like Power Platform enable faster development, smarter automation, and seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, helping businesses achieve their digital transformation goals while maintaining scalability, security, and cost efficiency. 

Far from replacing developers, Power Platform complement their expertise while also empowering other business users. It also allows citizen developers to address immediate business needs through accessible tools, while IT professionals and developers enhance and scale these solutions to meet enterprise-grade requirements.  

If you’re looking to tap into low code development and the Power Platform tools stack but don’t know where to start, book a call with our team of experts and allow us as your Microsoft Gold Solutions Partner to help you set up a plan and guide you through your digital transformation journey.