Create a model-driven app from tables

Create a Model-Driven App from Tables

In Microsoft Power Apps, you can create a model-driven app by leveraging the tables and entities defined in the Common Data Service (CDS) or other data sources. Model-driven apps provide a structured and organized approach to building applications that align with specific business processes. Follow these steps to create a model-driven app from tables:

1. Define your data model

Before creating a model-driven app, ensure that you have defined the necessary tables, entities, and relationships in your data source. In the Common Data Service, set up custom entities and establish relationships between them as per your business requirements.

2. Navigate to Power Apps Maker Portal

Go to https://make.powerapps.com/ and sign in to the Power Apps Maker Portal using your Office 365 or Power Apps credentials. This is where you can create and manage your apps and data models.

3. Create a new model-driven app

In the Power Apps Maker Portal, click on “Apps” in the left-hand navigation pane. Then, click on the “New app” button to start creating a new app. Choose the “Model-driven” app template.

4. Customize the app’s components

In the App Designer, you’ll find a visual canvas where you can customize various components of your model-driven app:

a. Sitemap

The sitemap defines the navigation structure of your app. Customize the sitemap to include the entities, views, and forms that you want to display in your app. You can add or remove areas, add sub-areas, and specify icons and labels for each entity.

b. Forms

Edit or create forms for your entities by selecting the desired entity in the App Designer and then choosing the “Forms” tab. Customize the form layout, add or remove fields, adjust field properties, and configure rules and business logic for data validation or automation.

c. Views

Define and modify views of your entities to control how data is displayed in different parts of your app. Customize the columns, sorting options, filters, and search capabilities of each view to suit your specific needs.

d. Charts and Dashboards

Add visual dashboards and charts to provide users with data insights and analytics. Configure charts based on entity data, and create interactive dashboards to present key performance indicators and metrics.

5. Configure security and permissions

Ensure that the appropriate security roles and permissions are assigned to users or user groups for accessing and interacting with your model-driven app. Define roles, assign privileges, and manage data sharing rules to control user access to specific entities and data records.

6. Publish and test your app

Once you have customized your model-driven app according to your requirements, click on the “Publish” button in the App Designer to make it available to end users. Test the app thoroughly to ensure that data is displayed correctly, forms function as expected, and navigation flows smoothly.

By following these steps, you can create a model-driven app in Microsoft Power Apps from the tables and entities defined in your data source. Customize the app’s components to align with your business processes and provide users with a tailored and structured user experience.