Low-Code Series: Seven steps to mitigate risk

Many of our members have been asking us for insights into Power Platform, and how to use, manage and govern it. So we’re obliging!

In this article, we’re looking into what the platform is, and some common risks that IT and the wider business need to ensure are mitigated.

Power Platform is a powerful suite of tools offered by Microsoft, designed to empower non-technical users to create custom business solutions without extensive coding knowledge – also known as “citizen developers”. With its ease of use and flexibility, Power Platform has gained immense popularity across various industries. However, like any technology, it comes with its own set of risks and challenges. Here’s seven for some initial food for thought.

Data security:

One of the foremost concerns in any technology implementation is data security. Power Platform allows users to access and manipulate data from various sources, including sensitive business data. It’s important to setup appropriate permissions and access controls. Utilising Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) for authentication and authorisation can help in securing data and preventing unauthorised access.

Regular backups:

Power Platform solutions are often used to manage critical business processes. To mitigate the risk of data loss, regular backups of the data and the underlying solutions should be maintained. You should use automated backup and recovery services to ensure business continuity.

Version control:

As users develop and modify Power Platform solutions, maintaining version control becomes crucial. By utilising source control tools like GitHub or Azure DevOps, beginners can track changes, roll back to previous versions, and collaborate effectively with other team members.

Testing and quality assurance:

Before deploying any Power Platform solution to a production environment, comprehensive testing and quality assurance should be conducted. This includes functional testing, security testing, and user acceptance testing to identify and rectify any potential issues or bugs.

User training and adoption:

User adoption is a critical factor in the success of any technology implementation. It’s important to invest in proper training and education for end-users to ensure they understand how to use Power Platform effectively and safely. A well-informed user base is less likely to make mistakes or misuse the platform, reducing the risk of data breaches or errors.

Monitoring and alerts:

Monitoring Power Platform solutions in real-time can help detect and respond to potential issues promptly. Implementing monitoring tools and setting up alerts for unusual activities or errors can prevent potential risks from escalating.

Compliance and regulations:

Depending on the industry and the type of data being processed, certain compliance and regulatory requirements must be met. Beginners should be aware of these requirements and design their Power Platform solutions to adhere to relevant regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS.

The last word:

Power Platform offers incredible potential for businesses to innovate and streamline their processes. However, it is essential for beginners to approach its implementation with a risk mitigation mindset. By focusing on data security, regular backups, version control, testing, user training, monitoring, and compliance, organisations can make the most of Power Platform's capabilities while minimising potential risks. As you gain experience and confidence, you can further refine your risk mitigation strategies to ensure a successful and secure Power Platform journey.

What's next? 

Look out for the next part of the Low-Code Series, we'll look into AI tools and how to bring them safely into your business ecosystems.

In the meantime, read about how AI can promote innovation and improve productivity.