Simple workflows and automation
Use this section when the same steps happen repeatedly. A workflow can run automatically when something happens, on a schedule, or when someone submits or updates information.
Typical products and features
- Power Automate
- Forms
- Lists
- SharePoint
- Outlook
- Teams
- OneDrive
- Approvals
Best-fit users
- Anyone improving a repeatable process
Extra cost risk: Usually low when standard connectors are enough
Watch-outs
- Start with the simplest reliable workflow before adding AI.
- Flows need an owner and basic monitoring once other people depend on them.
- Premium or external connectors can change licensing requirements.
Example use cases (7)
Run an approval or checklist workflow
Move a piece of work through a repeatable set of checks, approvals or status changes and notify the right people at each step.
Where: Power Automate / Microsoft 365
Trigger a workflow when something changes
Start a workflow automatically when a file arrives, a record changes or another defined event occurs.
Where: Power Automate
Send scheduled reminders
Run a workflow on a schedule to remind people about dates, reviews, renewals or outstanding work.
Where: Power Automate / Microsoft 365
Track actions and remind owners
Store actions in a list or task system and automatically remind owners as due dates approach or pass.
Where: Power Automate / Microsoft 365
Capture submissions into a list or table
When someone submits a form, automatically create a record in a List, table or another approved data store.
Where: Forms / Power Automate / Lists / SharePoint
Send automatic messages
When an event occurs, automatically send a confirmation, acknowledgement or notification by email or Teams.
Where: Power Automate / Outlook / Teams
Save, move or rename files automatically
Automatically save incoming files to the right location, rename them using a standard pattern or move them when processing is complete.
Where: Power Automate / OneDrive / SharePoint