Top 5 Most Effective Power Automate Templates for Modern Businesses

Welcome to our essential guide on Power Automate templates! 

Power Automate is a versatile tool that helps businesses enhance efficiency by automating repetitive processes with Microsoft 365 and SharePoint. 

Whether you want to enhance your workflow efficiencies or automate routine tasks for the first time, this guide will help you start and unlock automation’s full potential. 

Based on our extensive experience, we’ve selected these templates for you because they represent the most popular and frequently set-up options across various industries. 

Let’s examine some of the best templates to revolutionize your daily operations and transform your work.

1. Start an Approval When a File is Added to SharePoint

What It Does: Initiates an approval process automatically when a file is uploaded to a SharePoint folder or library.

Why It’s Beneficial: Ensures timely reviews and maintains compliance by automating the approval workflow.

How to Set It Up:

1. Go to the Start an approval when a file is added to SharePoint | Power Automate template
2. Create the Flow: Open Power Automate and select ‘Create’ from the left panel. Choose ‘Automated Flow.’
3. Specify the Trigger: Search and select the trigger “When a file is created (properties only)” for SharePoint.
4. Set the Condition: Specify the SharePoint site and folder.
5. Add an Approval Action: Choose “Start and wait for approval.” Configure the approval type, assignees, and message details.
6. Notify the Requestor: Add an action to send an email notification based on the outcome of the approval.

2. Forward Emails to a Channel

What It Does: Automatically forward emails from a specified address to a designated channel.

Why It’s Beneficial: Enhances communication and can trigger subsequent workflows based on the email content.

How to Set It Up:

1. Go to the Forward emails to a channel | Power Automate template
2. Create the Flow: Choose ‘Automated Flow’ in Power Automate.
3. Specify the Trigger: Select “When a new email arrives” from Outlook options.
4. Define the Channel: Add an action to post a message in a Microsoft Teams channel.
5. Configure Email Details: Set conditions for forwarding, such as sender address or subject keywords.

3. Notify a Team When Planner Tasks Change Status

What It Does: Sends notifications to a team channel whenever the status of a task in Planner changes.

Why It’s Beneficial: Keeps the team updated on project milestones and task progress.

How to Set It Up:

1. Go to the Notify a team when Planner tasks change status | Power Automate template
2. Create the Flow: Start with ‘Automated Flow.’
3. Set the Trigger: Choose “When a task is completed” in Microsoft Planner.
4. Specify Details: Select the Planner plan and task details.
5. Post to Teams: Configure the message to post updates in a Teams channel.

4. Click a Button to Email a Note

What It Does: This lets you send notes via email by clicking a button, with content sourced from a SharePoint list.

Why It’s Beneficial: Automates report sending to management or team, saving time and effort.

How to Set It Up:

1. Go to the Click a button to email a note | Power Automate template
2. Create the Flow: Select ‘Instant Flow’ and choose the ‘Button’ trigger.
3. Pull Data from SharePoint: Add an action to get items from a specified SharePoint list.
4. Set up Email: Configure the ‘Send an email’ action with dynamic content from the SharePoint list.

5. Get Notified of New Messages in a Viva Engage Group

What It Does: Alerts you about new posts in specific Viva Engage groups.

Why It’s Beneficial: Promotes active participation and timely interaction within your Viva Engage community.

How to Set It Up:

1. Go to the Get notified of new messages in a Viva Engage community | Power Automate template
2. Create the Flow: Start with ‘Automated Flow.’
3. Set the Trigger: Choose the “When a new message is posted in a group” option in Yammer.
4. Configure Notifications: Add an action to send a notification or email alert about the new post.

We hope you start because these Power Automate templates can significantly enhance productivity and streamline organizational processes. 

Start experimenting with these templates to discover the ones that best suit your needs and see firsthand how they can transform your business operations.