Low-code plugins to replace Real-time workflows?

What are Low-code plugins?

Low-code plugins in the Power Platform, specifically within Microsoft Dataverse, are designed to streamline app development by allowing your Admins to create server-side business logic that run in real-time, with minimal or no coding. Some key points about them:

• Ease of use:
  • These plugins are created using the Power Fx expression language, which is a low-code language designed to be easy to learn and use.
• Integration: They utilize the Power Platform connectors, similar to Power Automate, for connecting to either the Dataverse or external data sources, like SharePoint.
• Server-Side Execution:
  • By running on the server, these plugins improve performance, security, and consistency across applications.
• Two types: Instant and Automated
  
  Low-code plugins are part of a preview feature, and as the name implies, are likely designed to phase out custom code plugins (what developers have been creating since 2005 to extend the platform). Since low-code plugins can run in real-time, could this also be Microsoft’s method to eventually replace Real-time workflows?

What are real-time workflows?

Real-time workflows in Dynamics 365, also known as synchronous workflows, are designed to execute immediately in response to specific events, such as “Record was created” or “Field value changed”. However, they were introduced in 2013 and are now part of an aging infrastructure in Dynamics 365. Microsoft has been cautiously trying to phase out workflows, given the release of the Power Platform and Power Automate Flows, but they haven’t presented a replacement for real-time workflows. I believe that Low-code plugins, which allow real-time execution, could be that replacement, once (and if) it becomes publicly available.

What are custom plugins?

Custom plugins were introduced in 2005 to allow Developers to extend the platform with code for complex logic and data retrieval from other data sources. While the industry continues to move towards offering more low-code tools, previous methods for extending the platform, including those with code, are becoming part of an aging infrastructure. Fully custom coded solutions can be costly to hire developers to create and maintain, due to evolving technology, business needs and challenges. Low-code tools allow businesses to deploy and maintain minor complex logic rapidly, with less effort.

Additional thoughts

As with any replacement tool, there will be some limitations with low-code plugins, compared to Real-time workflows and custom plugins. This will require some creativity and flexibility when it comes time to replace those components. The good news is that it will be part of the latest MS supported infrastructure and allow both Admins and Developers to quickly deploy complex real-time processes. This, in turn, frees up time for Developers to focus on creating impactful and innovative solutions. Overall, this preview feature sounds promising for the Microsoft Dynamics community!

Reach out to Beringer today!

Need assistance with custom plug-ins, low-code or otherwise? Beringer Technology Group is here to help!

Beringer Technology Group, a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Business Applications, specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and CRM for Distribution also provides expert Managed IT Services, Backup and Disaster Recovery, Cloud Based Computing, Email Security Implementation and Training, Unified Communication Solutions, and Cybersecurity Risk Assessments.