The Client

The client is a London-based consultancy firm specialising in economic and financial analysis for the energy and infrastructure sectors. They provide independent advice on regulatory economics, market design, decarbonisation policy, and investment planning. Their expertise spans electricity, natural gas, water, and wastewater sectors, helping industry and government clients navigate complex economic and policy challenges.

The Challenge

The client faced several challenges with their existing Power Platform solutions which had been developed in-house. They needed to stabilise and enhance their core Admin App for better project management and timesheet recording. Additionally, their invoice management process was inefficient, requiring a new generation and control system. The client also experienced disruptions due to Power Automate workflow failures, which needed resolution to ensure smooth operations.

Project Scope

The client engaged us to support and enhance their Power Platform solutions to improve operational efficiency and data management. Our collaboration with them involved two key phases: initial support for their existing Power Platform solution and a comprehensive redevelopment to deliver a more efficient version.

The primary focus areas included:

Initial Support and Stabilisation

• Core Admin App Support

  Initially, we supported the core Admin App built in-house by the client, focusing on improving stability and increasing functionality in key areas such as Project Management and Timesheet recording.

  
  

Comprehensive Redevelopment

• New Standalone Apps

  
  

  We created new standalone apps for various key functions, including projects, utilisation, and KPIs. Each app included new design and branding, documentation, and naming standards.

  
  

• Enhanced Admin App Functions

  
  

  Post-creation of standalone apps, we implemented branding, naming standards, and other enhancements to the remaining Admin App functions.

  
  

• Invoice Management

  
  

  We implemented a new project invoice generation and control process, triggering invoice generation and auto-populating invoice templates. Additionally, we developed a new Associate invoice approval process, including a Finance Director approval dashboard.

Microsoft 365 Technologies Used

• Power Apps

  Utilised for building custom business applications, including the core Admin App and standalone apps for various functions.

  
  

• SharePoint

  Used for data storage and management, integrated with Power Apps to enhance functionality.

  
  

• Power Automate

  Implemented for automating workflows, including invoice generation and approval processes.

Conclusion

The redevelopment of Power Platform solutions for the client has significantly improved their operational efficiency and data management. By stabilising existing systems and creating new standalone apps, we streamlined project management, timesheet recording, and invoice processes. These enhancements have led to a more cohesive and professional user experience, ensuring smooth and efficient operations for the client.