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.

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.

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.

Understanding the True Cost of Implementing AI

AI implementation costs aren’t limited to software licenses or data storage fees. A successful AI solution requires a robust infrastructure, skilled staff, and often, considerable integration efforts. Here’s a closer look at the primary areas of expenditure:

Software and Licensing

Acquiring the necessary software or AI tools, whether as standalone solutions or integrated with existing platforms, is one of the first expenses. Depending on the complexity of the AI model, costs can range widely. Off-the-shelf solutions can be affordable but often lack customisation, while bespoke solutions come with higher costs but are tailored to your business.

Data Acquisition and Preparation

AI thrives on data, but not just any data—it requires clean, well-organised, and relevant data. Data acquisition may involve sourcing data from internal or external sources, which could include fees for data licensing. Additionally, preparing data (cleaning, normalising, and labelling) can be time-intensive and costly, especially if done manually.

Infrastructure Investment

For AI to function optimally, companies need strong computing power. Whether it’s investing in on-premise servers or leveraging cloud infrastructure, there are costs associated with the hardware and/or cloud subscriptions. Some AI applications may even require specialised hardware like GPUs, which can add to the expense.

Skilled Staff or External Expertise

A successful AI project requires the right talent. Whether you hire data scientists, AI engineers, or machine learning specialists, skilled professionals are essential. Alternatively, many businesses choose to outsource AI implementation to expert providers, which can bring efficiency but involves consultancy fees.

Training and Change Management

AI implementation often involves significant change within an organisation. Staff need training to adapt to AI-powered tools and workflows. Without adequate training, AI investments risk low adoption and wasted potential. Investing in change management ensures a smoother transition and helps unlock the full value of AI.

Ongoing Maintenance and Improvement

AI is not a one-time installation; it needs regular updates, monitoring, and fine-tuning. Model retraining, addressing algorithmic drift, and ensuring the AI solution adapts to changes in business requirements incur ongoing costs.

 

Calculating ROI: The Emerge Digital Approach

Once you understand the various costs of implementing AI, it’s time to measure the ROI. This is where an experienced partner like Emerge Digital can help.

Setting Realistic Benchmarks

We begin by working closely with you to set clear and realistic benchmarks for what you want to achieve through AI. Whether it’s increasing productivity, improving decision-making, or reducing operational costs, we define measurable objectives and outline what success will look like for your business.

Identifying Tangible and Intangible Benefits

The benefits of AI can be both direct and indirect. Tangible gains might include increased output per hour or faster customer response times, whereas intangible benefits may involve improved employee satisfaction or enhanced decision-making abilities. At Emerge Digital, we help quantify these benefits, even those that are not immediately measurable, to give you a clearer picture of the value AI can bring.

Detailed Cost-Benefit Analysis

With our deep experience in AI, we conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis that includes all projected expenses and potential returns. This analysis allows you to see a realistic timeline for achieving ROI. We break down how each cost element will impact ROI, so you can prioritise the highest-value AI initiatives.

Continual Monitoring and Reporting

AI solutions need ongoing monitoring to ensure they’re meeting targets. We provide detailed reporting and data insights to demonstrate the impact of AI on your business. By tracking metrics regularly, we help you make adjustments as needed, optimising your investment over time.

Flexible Support and Ongoing Improvement

Our approach goes beyond initial implementation. We offer ongoing support and enhancement, ensuring that your AI solution evolves with your business needs. This continual improvement approach maximises ROI and extends the lifespan of your AI investment.

 

How to Avoid Hidden Expenses in AI Implementation

Hidden costs can catch businesses off guard, especially those that are new to AI. Here’s how you can minimise surprises:

Don’t Overlook Data Preparation

Data is often an underestimated area when it comes to AI costs. Cleaning and structuring data is essential, but many organisations don’t allocate sufficient resources for this task. By investing in a strong data foundation from the outset, you’ll avoid costly rework later on.

Plan for Scalability

AI solutions are most effective when they scale with your business. When choosing an AI tool or platform, consider both current and future requirements. Scalable AI solutions allow you to expand functionality without needing a complete overhaul, saving money in the long run.

Factor in Long-Term Maintenance

AI isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ solution. Over time, AI models may require updates and retraining, especially as market conditions or data inputs change. By budgeting for these future costs, you can maintain performance and avoid unexpected expenses.

Prioritise Integration with Existing Systems

Successful AI solutions seamlessly integrate with your existing technology stack. If integration is an afterthought, it can lead to complex workarounds and hidden expenses. Work with an IT partner who can evaluate your current systems and design a solution that integrates smoothly.

Ensure Adequate Training

Investing in AI is pointless if your team can’t use it effectively. Training should be an integral part of your budget, as it will ensure your staff can leverage AI to its full potential, driving a quicker and higher ROI.

Consider External Expertise Wisely

Many businesses engage external consultants to navigate AI’s complexities. While this can be beneficial, avoid overspending by clearly defining the scope of their involvement. Ensure your consultants provide knowledge transfer to your in-house team, so they’re not continuously dependent on external support.

 

Conclusion

The cost of implementing AI can be substantial, but when done right, it yields significant returns. By understanding all potential costs, setting realistic ROI goals, and preparing for ongoing investment, your business can maximise its AI investment.

 

About Us

Emerge Digital is a technology and digital innovation company and Managed Services Provider (MSP) dedicated to igniting tech-powered growth for SMEs.

At Emerge Digital, we’re dedicated to making AI implementation transparent, efficient, and profitable, offering expert guidance at every step. If you’re considering AI for your business and want to ensure a measurable, sustainable ROI, our team is here to help.

South West businesses, Everhot, The HR Dept, Green Gourmet, Bannister Transport, 4R Group, Blueprint Project Solutions, and DEYA Brewing Company are the latest in the region to undergo digital transformation projects with the support of Emerge Digital, while firms BWS Group, Lakes Showering Spaces, Frog Environmental, H&H Distribution and Constructing Excellence South West, have agreed ongoing IT support contracts. From AI adoption and app development to CRM updates and IT support, these new installations will update and improve the processes, products and outcomes for these businesses and their customers. 

In the last 12 months, Emerge Digital has increased its turnover by 30% and customer base by 26% with these latest contracts contributing to 84% growth for the Innovation arm of Emerge Digital’s business, which handles all client projects involving new, cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and automation. These projects are contributing towards Emerge Digital’s two-year growth plan to double its revenue by mid-2026. 

Nigel Church, CEO of Emerge Digital, said: “We’ve had a really good year driven by a demand among businesses in the region to adopt new, emerging technologies. We’ve helped these businesses to deliver against their ambition to digitalise, improving the way they operate and giving them the tools to service their customers effectively.” 

Jon Smith, Managing Director of 4R Group, said: “As a sustainable waste recycling company, it’s crucial that we provide transparency to our customers, especially those operating in fields like farming. Emerge Digital is helping us build an app which automates the generation of reports around soil assessments & soil health, a key tool which will support farmers to meet regulatory requirements. Although this project is still in motion, we’ve been extremely happy with Emerge Digital’s service so far and are looking forward to seeing the finished application.” 

John Lord, Chief Operating Officer of DEYA Brewing Company said: “Since we began working with Emerge Digital, they have helped us not only to modernise and improve our IT, but also to consider new technology which could streamline our operations, in the brewery, in the taproom and online. They are currently helping us with process automation and transformation, to find ways to boost efficiency and therefore profitability.” 

 

About Us

Emerge Digital is a technology and digital innovation company and Managed Services Provider (MSP) dedicated to igniting tech-powered growth for SMEs. Whether a business is scaling rapidly or looking to reclaim industry leadership, Emerge Digital aids in providing sustainable growth through innovation.  

The company’s solutions – including outsourced IT support, cyber security, cloud infrastructure, and advanced technologies like AI and automation – are tailored to organisations’ specific needs, helping not only meet today’s challenges but also lead tomorrow’s trends.