The Ask
An client contacted us with a request to develop a SharePoint intranet site that would offer a range of functions for their employees.
The Challenge
The application was designed to enable effective management of departmental budgets. Users should have the capability to monitor their department’s remaining budget and submit expense requests as needed. A hierarchical approval process would guarantee that minor expenses require only the department head’s approval, whereas significant expenses would necessitate approval from both the department and senior leaders.
The Solution
We initiated the process by developing the core data model to fulfil the application’s specifications, outlining tables and their interrelations through an Entity-Relationship (ER) diagram. Subsequently, we worked alongside a UX designer to establish the order of screens and the arrangement of elements within the application utilizing Figma. After receiving the client’s endorsement of the designs, we commenced the application development in Power Apps. We constructed the essential tables, screens, and components while incorporating critical functionalities such as the approval workflow. The approval mechanism was executed and evaluated using Power Automate, which sent notifications to the relevant users through Outlook and Teams based on the application’s inputs.
The Outcome
We effectively created an intuitive application through a systematic approach that addressed the requirements for budget management and expense approval. Essential features, including the approval workflow, were smoothly incorporated and evaluated with Power Automate, enabling users to handle expenses effectively while adhering to approval standards. The application improved communication by automating approvals via Outlook and Teams, thereby increasing transparency and oversight among departments.