Understanding Power Automate Pricing Options

Power Automate offers three main pricing plans designed to meet varying levels of automation and user needs. Each plan comes with features tailored to support different business requirements, from individual automation to enterprise-level solutions.

Power Automate Premium – £11.50 per user/month

Who it’s for: Individual users looking to start with automation.

Features: Cloud flows, attended desktop flows, process mining, and 5,000 AI Builder service credits.

Dataverse Entitlements: 250 MB database and 2 GB file storage.

Power Automate Process – £115.30 per bot/month

Who it’s for: Businesses needing robust enterprise-level automation.

Features: Cloud flows, unattended desktop flows, and 5,000 AI Builder service credits.

Dataverse Entitlements: 50 MB database and 200 MB file storage.

Power Automate Hosted Process – £165.30 per bot/month

Who it’s for: Enterprises requiring virtual machine-hosted automation on Azure.

Features: Cloud flows, unattended desktop flows, Microsoft-hosted virtual machines, and 5,000 AI Builder service credits.

Dataverse Entitlements: 50 MB database and 200 MB file storage.

Key Features of Each Plan

Power Automate Premium

This plan is best for small businesses or individual users who want to streamline operations with basic automation. Power Automate Premium provides access to cloud flows, attended desktop flows, and process mining, enabling users to automate simple, repetitive tasks without extensive setup.

Cloud Flows (DPA): Automate cloud-based workflows that connect your applications and services.

Attended Desktop Flows (RPA): Run RPA in attended mode, allowing users to initiate workflows from their desktops.

Process and Task Mining: Store up to 50 MB of process data and gain insights into workflow efficiency.

Microsoft Dataverse: Includes 250 MB of database storage and 2 GB of file storage, helpful for data management in workflows.

Power Automate Process

For medium to large businesses, Power Automate Process offers greater flexibility with unattended desktop flows, perfect for enterprise-level automation. This plan lets workflows run without human intervention, making it ideal for back-office tasks and reducing the need for constant monitoring.

Unattended Desktop Flows (RPA): Run RPA autonomously, allowing bots to complete tasks without user input, which is ideal for high-volume data entry, report generation, and more.

5,000 AI Builder Credits: Enhance workflows with AI capabilities to analyze data, extract information, and make predictions.

Microsoft Dataverse Storage: Includes 50 MB of database storage and 200 MB of file storage, supporting task-related data management.

Power Automate Hosted Process

Microsoft’s most comprehensive automation solution, Power Automate Hosted Process, is designed for enterprises needing full-scale automation with virtual machine support. This plan includes a Microsoft-hosted virtual machine on Azure, offering high-performance automation without additional hardware investments.

Microsoft-Hosted Virtual Machine: Run unattended workflows on a dedicated virtual machine managed by Microsoft, providing secure, high-performance automation for complex tasks.

5,000 AI Builder Credits: Use AI insights to optimize automation, such as data extraction and language processing.

Microsoft Dataverse Storage: Includes 50 MB of database storage and 200 MB of file storage, ideal for managing essential process data securely.

How to Choose the Right Power Automate Plan

Selecting the right Power Automate plan depends on your business’s specific needs, workflow requirements, and budget. Here are a few factors to consider:

Number of Users and Workflow Complexity

For small teams or individual users needing straightforward automation, Power Automate Premium offers essential features at an affordable rate.

For businesses needing automation across departments without user intervention, the Power Automate Process plan provides more flexibility.

Automation Requirements

If your business requires attended automation, where workflows are triggered and managed by users, the Premium plan is a suitable choice.

For autonomous, hands-free workflows, Power Automate Process or Hosted Process is ideal, especially for tasks that must operate around the clock.

Infrastructure Needs

The Power Automate Hosted Process plan is suited to organizations wanting the performance and security benefits of a dedicated VM without managing additional hardware. This plan is particularly advantageous for resource-intensive processes or businesses needing secure, dedicated environments.

AI Capabilities

All plans include 5,000 AI Builder credits, enabling users to leverage AI-powered insights such as data extraction, language processing, and predictive modeling. These credits can bring advanced functionality into workflows without needing third-party software.

Data Storage Needs

Each plan includes storage in Microsoft Dataverse, offering a secure space to store and access data used in workflows. For businesses requiring substantial storage capacity, confirm that the selected plan meets your data requirements or consider additional Dataverse storage options.

Conclusion

Power Automate offers flexible, scalable automation solutions suited to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. Understanding Power Automate pricing and each plan’s unique features will help you choose the best option for your needs. Whether you’re just starting with Power Automate Premium, scaling up with Power Automate Process, or seeking full-scale automation with Power Automate Hosted Process, Microsoft’s plans provide solutions to fit diverse budgets and use cases.

By selecting the plan that aligns with your automation objectives, your business can increase efficiency, reduce errors, and unlock new productivity gains that drive growth and success.

About Us

Emerge Digital is a technology and digital innovation company and Managed Services Provider dedicated to helping SMEs achieve tech-powered growth.

As a trusted Microsoft Partner, we specialize in managed IT services, AI consultancy, and digital transformation, helping businesses optimize processes, enhance productivity, and stay ahead of the curve. Our tailored solutions, from automation to advanced cloud infrastructure, are designed to drive sustainable, profitable growth while delivering positive social impact.

One of our client success stories includes our work with Cazoo Wholesale, where we implemented automation solutions using Power Automate to streamline processes and drive efficiency. Our tailored solutions, from automation to advanced cloud infrastructure, are designed to support sustainable, profitable growth while delivering positive social impact. Partner with us to unlock the full potential of technology and achieve your business goals with confidence.

The Power of Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft Copilot is a dynamic AI tool. It uses large language models to assist across Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Acting as an intelligent assistant, Copilot supports content summarisation, insight generation, data handling automation, and project management. It integrates with everyday applications, addressing various business challenges and enabling smarter work.

Enhanced Productivity with Copilot in Microsoft Word

One key Copilot use case is simplifying document creation. Drafting documents, reports, and proposals can be time-consuming. Copilot in Word helps teams generate drafts, refine language, and adjust tone for specific audiences.

For example, an HR team preparing an employee handbook can use Copilot to generate content from guidelines and policies. Copilot ensures clarity, compliance, and consistency. This frees up time for higher-level tasks like strategy and employee engagement.

Accelerated Data Analysis in Microsoft Excel

Data analysis is crucial for decision-making but can be complex. Copilot streamlines data analysis in Excel. Users can ask questions in natural language and receive structured responses, avoiding complex formulas or pivot tables.

For instance, a finance department analysing monthly sales data can use Copilot to identify trends and forecast demand. Copilot simplifies data interpretation, helping businesses make better decisions quickly.

Smoother Communication and Task Management in Microsoft Teams

Effective communication is key to success. Copilot’s integration with Teams enhances collaboration. It summarises conversations, flags important points, and generates action items.

A project manager can use Copilot to review meeting notes and extract key points. Copilot can also create summaries of updates from team members, helping managers stay on top of tasks and delegate effectively. This reduces miscommunication and aligns team efforts.

Presentation Design and Content Creation in PowerPoint

Creating presentations is time-intensive. Copilot in PowerPoint helps users create compelling presentations. It generates slide content, formats layouts, and suggests relevant images or icons. For example, a sales team can use Copilot to turn data into engaging slides. By automating content creation, Copilot allows the team to focus on tailoring messages to the audience instead of design details. This streamlines the process and ensures consistency in brand messaging.

Email Management and Automation in Outlook

Email overload is a common issue, and helps form one of the most compelling Copilot use cases. Copilot in Outlook automates responses, generates summaries, and prioritises messages. This is helpful for client-facing roles requiring quick responses. For instance, a customer service representative can use Copilot to draft personalised responses. Copilot also categorises and prioritises emails, reducing the mental load on employees.

Project Tracking and Management in Microsoft Planner

Managing projects can be challenging, especially with remote teams. Copilot assists in Planner by monitoring deadlines, assigning tasks, and providing reminders. For example, one common use case for Copilot is when a marketing team launching a campaign can use Copilot to create a project plan, set timelines, and track progress. Copilot’s reminders ensure tasks are completed on time and bottlenecks are identified early. This keeps projects running smoothly.

Streamlined Knowledge Management with Copilot

Information overload is another challenge. Copilot helps with document search, summarisation, and tagging. A legal team can use Copilot to search for clauses, summarise contracts, or flag critical information. This functionality is beneficial for knowledge-based businesses as it quickens information retrieval and reduces oversight.

Conclusion

Microsoft Copilot addresses challenges in productivity, data analysis, communication, and project management. By integrating AI into Microsoft 365, it empowers teams to work efficiently and make data-driven decisions. This tool supports businesses in navigating today’s digital landscape, helping them stay competitive.

As Microsoft innovates, Copilot’s potential will grow and the amount of use cases for Copilot will grow exponentially. It is an essential tool for any forward-thinking organisation. By leveraging Copilot, businesses can unlock new productivity levels, positioning themselves for long-term success in a tech-driven world.

About Us

Emerge Digital is a tech and digital innovation company. We offer services from IT support to cyber security, cloud infrastructure, and AI consultancy. We empower businesses to harness technology’s full potential. Our tailored approach ensures solutions align with clients’ goals, driving growth and efficiency. Partner with us to transform your business and achieve success.

Define Your Objectives

The first step in implementing BPA is to establish clear objectives. Ask yourself: what are the key pain points that slow down your operations? Is it data entry, approval workflows, or customer service processes? A clear understanding of your goals ensures that automation delivers tangible improvements. At Emerge Digital, we pinpoint areas where automation will yield the highest returns—whether in time savings, cost reductions, or error minimisation—we ensure that each automation initiative aligns with our clients’ core business goals.

Map Out Existing Processes

Understanding your existing workflows is crucial for successful automation. Map out each step of the processes you wish to automate, detailing who does what, where delays occur, and how data flows between departments. Process mapping provides a clear baseline for improvement, helping you avoid the pitfall of automating broken or inefficient workflows. Our consultants work closely with clients to map out their current processes and identify any bottlenecks or redundancies. This allows us to design an automation solution that improves efficiency without disrupting critical business functions.

Choose the Right Tools and Technologies

Once you have a clear understanding of your goals and processes, the next step is to select the right automation tools. The best solution will depend on the complexity and scope of the processes you wish to automate. Options include Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for rule-based tasks, AI-driven automation for intelligent workflows, and integration platforms for connecting various applications and systems. Emerge Digital offer tailored solutions that align with your business requirements, leveraging industry-leading tools to ensure optimal performance and scalability.

Start Small, Test, and Scale

Implementing BPA doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Start small by automating a single process or a small set of tasks, allowing your team to adapt to the new tools gradually. Testing your automation solution on a smaller scale also allows you to identify potential issues early on and refine the system before scaling up.

Train Your Team

Even the most effective automation solution is only as good as the team that uses it. Ensure that your employees understand how automation will impact their roles and provide them with adequate training. This not only increases the chances of successful adoption but also alleviates any concerns about job security, as employees learn how automation can complement their work rather than replace it.

Monitor, Measure, and Optimise

BPA isn’t a one-time project, it’s an ongoing commitment to improvement. Once you have automated your processes, monitor their performance regularly, using key metrics such as processing time, error rate, and cost savings. Use this data to identify further optimisation opportunities and adjust the automation solution as needed.

How Emerge Digital Uses Business Process Automation

Emerge Digital integrates automation into our own operations and client solutions to deliver seamless efficiency gains. For example, we use BPA for data management, ensuring that all customer information is accurately stored and accessible across teams without repetitive manual input. Our cyber security services also leverage automation for threat detection, enabling proactive responses to security events.

By implementing intelligent automation, we not only improve our own operational efficiency but also ensure that our clients receive consistent, high-quality service. Every automation project is designed with scalability in mind, allowing businesses to adapt and grow their automation solutions as their needs evolve.

Conclusion

Implementing business process automation can revolutionise your operations, enhancing productivity and profitability while reducing human error and operational costs. The key to successful automation lies in careful planning, selecting the right tools, and providing the necessary training and support for your team. When taking a considered approach when planning how to implement business process automation, businesses can reap the rewards of automation with minimal risk.

About Us

Emerge Digital is a technology and digital innovation company and Managed Services Provider dedicated to helping SMEs achieve tech-powered growth.

With our comprehensive approach, we work alongside clients to ensure they not only keep up but set the pace within their industries. Whether you’re a well-established business seeking to revitalise your growth or an emerging company aiming to scale rapidly, Emerge Digital delivers the expertise and support needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Why Build a CRM with Power Apps?

Power Apps is a low-code tool within Microsoft’s Power Platform that makes building applications accessible without extensive coding. Many traditional CRMs are costly and require adapting to their limitations, but Power Apps lets you build a CRM aligned with your processes. Power Apps integrates with other Microsoft 365 products like Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint, ensuring seamless data flow and simplifying collaboration. Since it’s built on Microsoft Dataverse, Power Apps is also scalable, adapting easily as your business grows.

Define Your CRM Requirements

Start by outlining what your CRM needs to achieve. Identify the key features, data points, and workflows your CRM should support. Consider how different departments will use the CRM and any specific automations that would improve client management. Defining these goals early on ensures the CRM meets your business’s unique needs, helping you shape its structure and functionality.

Set Up Your Power Apps Environment

Next, create a new environment in Power Apps, which serves as the foundation for your CRM. Setting up permissions and user roles at this stage is critical for data security. Define who can access and edit client data, ensuring that only authorised team members have the appropriate permissions to manage sensitive information.

Design Your Data Model in Microsoft Dataverse

The data model is the backbone of your CRM, defining how customer information is structured and stored. Use Microsoft Dataverse to set up tables for essential entities, such as customers, contacts, leads, and sales activities. This structured data model will store all client interactions and support linking related data, like associating a contact with their respective organisation or a lead with a specific project. With a well-organised data model, you’re building a CRM that can easily scale as your business grows.

Build the CRM Interface in Power Apps

With the data model in place, begin building your CRM interface using Power Apps’ drag-and-drop builder, which is accessible even to non-developers. Choose between canvas apps, which offer flexibility for customising the interface, and model-driven apps, which are more structured and ideal for CRM applications. Design the main screens for your CRM, including dashboards, data entry forms, and client interaction logs, ensuring the interface is intuitive and user-friendly for team members.

Automate Workflows with Power Automate

Incorporate automation with Power Automate to improve efficiency. Automating repetitive tasks, such as sending follow-up emails or creating reminders for client interactions, saves time and reduces human error. Power Automate workflows can trigger actions based on specific events within the CRM, helping your team manage client relationships proactively and consistently.

Embed Analytics with Power BI

To support data-driven decision-making, embed analytics within your CRM using Power BI. Power BI allows you to create dashboards displaying sales metrics, customer engagement trends, and key performance indicators, which can inform your client engagement strategies. These real-time insights enable your team to refine approaches and make data-backed decisions.

Benefits of Building a Custom CRM with Power Apps

Building a CRM with Power Apps offers substantial benefits. A custom-built CRM tailored to your workflows enhances operational efficiency and reduces costs. The integration with Microsoft 365 allows for a centralised data management platform, simplifying collaboration across departments. Additionally, Power Apps is designed to scale with your business, enabling your CRM to grow and evolve without the need for costly overhauls.

Conclusion

So, can you build a CRM with Power Apps that saves time, money, and aligns with your business’s unique needs? Power Apps provides a flexible, affordable platform for creating a custom CRM solution that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, helping you streamline operations and manage client interactions efficiently. For businesses looking to reduce costs without sacrificing functionality, a Power Apps CRM is an ideal solution that adapts and grows with your business.

About Us

Emerge Digital is a technology and digital innovation company and Managed Services Provider dedicated to helping SMEs achieve tech-powered growth.

From custom CRMs built with Power Apps to cyber security and cloud infrastructure, our services are designed to help your business operate efficiently and competitively. If you’re ready to build a custom CRM, Emerge Digital is here to guide you every step of the way.

Key Steps for Implementing Automation Successfully

 

Define Your Objectives Clearly

Before diving into automation, the first step is to outline exactly what you aim to achieve. Define clear, measurable objectives aligned with your broader business goals, whether improving efficiency, reducing costs, or enhancing customer experience. For example, if your primary goal is to speed up order processing, outline your desired improvements in processing times and error reduction.

Conduct a Process Audit

Automation is most effective when implemented in areas with repetitive, time-consuming tasks. Conduct a process audit to identify and evaluate which functions are the best candidates. Look at existing workflows to pinpoint inefficiencies and bottlenecks. Are certain tasks taking up a disproportionate amount of time? Do your teams consistently encounter the same manual tasks? Documenting your findings will give you a strong foundation for choosing where automation can bring the greatest benefits.

Choose the Right Automation Tools

With so many automation platforms and tools available, choosing the right one for your business is essential. Consider what functionalities are most critical to meet your objectives. Some popular options include Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for repetitive tasks, AI-driven tools for predictive analysis, and CRM integrations for seamless customer data management. Evaluate each tool’s compatibility with your current systems, user-friendliness, and scalability. Remember, the best tool is the one that aligns closely with both your immediate and long-term needs.

Design a Pilot Project

How should automation be implemented in a way that reduces risk? A pilot project is a strategic way to introduce automation gradually and refine it based on real-world results. Start small by automating one or two processes, ideally those identified in your process audit. Define the parameters for success, monitor the outcomes closely, and remain open to adjustments. The insights gained from a pilot project are invaluable, often revealing hidden challenges or opportunities that will inform a wider rollout.

Map Out the Workflow and Integrations

Automation should streamline workflows, not add complexity. Design the workflow for your automation tool to ensure that it integrates smoothly with your existing systems, like CRM, ERP, or data management platforms. This is the time to identify any potential integration issues or areas that require additional support. When planning, be detailed and collaborative, working with team members who will be involved directly. This preparation ensures a seamless transition, minimising disruption and maximising results.

Train Your Team

Successful automation requires buy-in and understanding from your team. Conduct comprehensive training sessions that explain how the automation works and how it impacts day-to-day responsibilities. Training should cover not only the functionality of the tools but also how automation aligns with business goals. Empower your team with knowledge, address any concerns, and make sure everyone feels comfortable with the new systems. A well-informed team is far more likely to embrace and champion the automation process.

Monitor, Measure, and Optimise

After implementation, the question remains: how should automation be implemented in a way that guarantees sustained success? Monitoring and measuring performance is crucial. Set up KPIs that allow you to track efficiency gains, cost savings, and any errors or bottlenecks. Common metrics include time saved, reduced errors, and improved customer satisfaction scores. Regularly review these KPIs and be ready to make adjustments as needed. Automation is not a “set and forget” solution; it requires ongoing refinement to remain relevant and effective.

Scale Up Gradually

Once your pilot project is delivering consistent results, it’s time to scale up. Move to automate additional processes, starting with those that are most similar to the pilot project, and gradually introduce automation across different areas. Scaling gradually allows you to refine processes incrementally, adjusting your approach as you encounter new challenges. This controlled rollout minimises disruption and helps build confidence within your teams.

Continuously Evaluate and Update

Automation technology evolves quickly, and so do business needs. Make it a point to regularly review the performance of your automation solutions and keep an eye on new advancements in automation tools. Routine evaluations and updates ensure that your automation infrastructure remains efficient, effective, and aligned with your strategic goals. This ongoing maintenance is key to staying competitive and making the most of your automation investment.

Conclusion

When planned and implemented thoughtfully, automation transforms business operations, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer experience. But how should automation be implemented to achieve these outcomes? Start with clear objectives, conduct a thorough process audit, and choose the right tools for your needs. A pilot project, paired with careful planning, helps mitigate risk and ensures a smooth integration. And finally, by training your team, monitoring progress, and scaling gradually, you can build a resilient automation strategy that supports long-term growth.

About Us

At Emerge Digital, we empower SMEs to harness the transformative power of automation and digital solutions. Our mission is to drive sustainable, tech-powered growth that propels businesses forward. From automation consultancy to implementation, we offer tailored, strategic solutions designed to help companies of all sizes increase efficiency, innovate, and outperform their competition. Connect with us today to discover how our automation expertise can bring your business goals within reach.