Power Automate / Flow - Familiarize Yourself with the Different Types of Flows Tutorial

Discover the different types of flows in Power Automate, from automated flows triggered by specific events to instant flows activated manually by users. Scheduled flows run at predefined intervals, ideal for recurring tasks. Each type offers unique utility and flexibility, allowing customization for a wide range of scenarios. Explore the potential for complex automation processes and learn to automate actions related to local applications with desktop flows. Start optimizing your workflow today!

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Objectifs :

This tutorial aims to provide an overview of the different types of flows in Power Automate, including automated flows, instant flows, and scheduled flows. It will explain their triggering methods, associated actions, and practical applications.

Chapitres :

Introduction to Power Automate Flows
Welcome to this tutorial where we will explore the different types of flows in Power Automate. Understanding these flows is essential for automating tasks effectively and efficiently.
Types of Flows
Power Automate offers several types of flows, each designed for specific scenarios. The main types include: - **Automated Flow**: This type of flow triggers automatically when a specific event occurs. For example, it can activate when a new email arrives or when a row is added to an Excel table. - **Instant Flow**: This flow is triggered manually by a user. You might use it to start a task, such as sending a report, with a simple click. It can also be triggered via the Power Automate mobile app. - **Scheduled Flow**: This flow runs at predefined intervals, such as every day at a specific time. It is ideal for recurring tasks, such as reminders or regular updates.
Customizing Flows
Each type of flow has its utility and can be customized with specific actions and conditions. The choice of flow type depends on your scenario and what you wish to automate. Remember that you can combine multiple actions in a single flow to create complex automation processes.
Practical Applications
In practice, you could have: - An automated flow to sort emails. - An instant flow to launch customer satisfaction surveys. - A scheduled flow for weekly report generation. These examples illustrate how different flows can be utilized to streamline various tasks.
Advanced Flows
Another more complex type of flow allows you to automate actions related to your local applications. These are known as desktop flows, which are covered in specific tutorials. This flexibility of Power Automate lies in its ability to adapt to a multitude of needs and scenarios.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding the different types of flows in Power Automate is crucial for effective automation. By leveraging automated, instant, and scheduled flows, you can enhance productivity and streamline your workflows.

FAQ :

What is Power Automate?

Power Automate is a cloud-based service that enables users to create automated workflows between different applications and services, helping to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

What are the different types of flows in Power Automate?

There are three main types of flows in Power Automate: Automated Flows, which trigger automatically based on events; Instant Flows, which are triggered manually by users; and Scheduled Flows, which run at predefined intervals.

How do I create an Automated Flow?

To create an Automated Flow, you need to select a trigger event in Power Automate, such as receiving a new email, and then define the actions that should occur when that event happens.

Can I combine multiple actions in a single flow?

Yes, you can combine multiple actions in a single flow to create complex automation processes tailored to your specific needs.

What is the purpose of a Scheduled Flow?

A Scheduled Flow is used for tasks that need to occur regularly, such as sending reminders or generating reports at specific times.

What are Desktop Flows?

Desktop Flows are a type of flow that automates actions related to local applications on a user's desktop, and they require specific tutorials for setup and execution.

Quelques cas d'usages :

Automating Email Sorting

An Automated Flow can be set up to sort incoming emails into specific folders based on criteria such as sender or subject, improving email management and organization.

Launching Customer Satisfaction Surveys

An Instant Flow can be used to quickly launch customer satisfaction surveys after a service interaction, allowing businesses to gather feedback efficiently.

Weekly Report Generation

A Scheduled Flow can automate the generation and distribution of weekly reports, ensuring that stakeholders receive timely updates without manual intervention.

Automating Data Entry

Desktop Flows can be utilized to automate repetitive data entry tasks in local applications, reducing errors and saving time for employees.

Notification for New Leads

An Automated Flow can notify sales teams immediately when new leads are added to a CRM system, allowing for prompt follow-up and engagement.

Glossaire :

Power Automate

A cloud-based service that allows users to create automated workflows between applications and services to synchronize files, get notifications, collect data, and more.

Automated Flow

A type of flow in Power Automate that triggers automatically when a specific event occurs, such as receiving a new email or adding a row to an Excel table.

Instant Flow

A flow that is triggered manually by a user, allowing immediate action, such as sending a report with a single click.

Scheduled Flow

A flow that runs at predefined intervals, such as daily or weekly, ideal for recurring tasks like reminders or regular updates.

Desktop Flows

A more complex type of flow that automates actions related to local applications on a user's desktop, requiring specific tutorials for setup.

Triggering Method

The specific event or action that initiates a flow in Power Automate, such as receiving an email or a user action.

Actions

Tasks that are performed as part of a flow in Power Automate, which can be customized based on the user's needs.

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the different types of flows in power automate

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the various types of flows define the triggering method

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as well as the associated action or application.

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Let's start with the automated flow.

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This type of flow triggers automatically when a specific event occurs.

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For example,

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it can activate when a new email arrives or when a row is added to an Excel table.

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Next, there is the instant flow.

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This flow is triggered manually by a user.

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You might use it to start a task such as sending a report with

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a simple click and it can be triggered via the power automate mobile app.

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The third type is the scheduled flow.

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This flow runs at predefined intervals such as every day at a specific time.

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It is ideal for recurring tasks such as reminders or regular updates.

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Each type of flow has its utility and

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can be customized with specific actions and conditions.

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The choice of flow type depends on your scenario and what you wish to automate.

00:01:05

Remember that you can combine multiple actions in

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a single flow to create complex automation processes.

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The flexibility of power automate lies in its ability

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to adapt to a multitude of needs and scenarios.

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In practice, you could have an automated flow to sort emails,

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an instant flow to launch customer satisfaction surveys

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and a scheduled flow for weekly report generation.

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Another more complex type of flow allows you

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to automate actions related to your local applications.

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These are desktop flows which are covered in specific tutorials.

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