If repetitive tasks eat your day, Power Automate can help. It connects the Microsoft apps you already use and runs steps for you in the background. No coding needed. Most flows work with standard connectors, so you can get started without asking IT.
What it is
Power Automate runs a flow when a trigger happens and then completes one or more actions.
Example: "When a new file hits this SharePoint folder, post a message in Teams and email the reviewer."
You can build from a template or write a flow in the visual designer. Think in simple parts: trigger, actions, who gets notified, and where files should live.
Quick wins you can set up in 10 minutes
1) Auto-save email attachments to SharePoint or OneDrive
Trigger: When an email arrives from a specific sender or with a keyword
Actions: Save each attachment to a folder, add date to the file name
Why it helps: No more hunting for files in your inbox
2) Instant "New File" alerts in Teams
Trigger: When a file is created in a SharePoint library
Actions: Post a message to a Teams channel with the file link
Why it helps: Stakeholders see updates right away
3) One-click approvals for documents
Trigger: When a file is added to a "Drafts" library
Actions: Start an approval, notify the approver in Outlook or Teams, log the decision, and email the result to the owner
Why it helps: Clear, trackable sign-offs without long email threads
4) Daily summary email at 7 a.m.
Trigger: Scheduled time each morning
Actions: Pull today's calendar events, tasks due, or new list items and email an HTML table to you or your team
Why it helps: One briefing instead of checking five places
5) Form responses to Excel with alerts
Trigger: When a Microsoft Form is submitted
Actions: Add a row to an Excel table, send a thank-you email, ping a Teams channel for visibility
Why it helps: Smooth intake and tracking with zero copy-paste
Ideas for learning projects and team rollouts
These work well for course builds, onboarding, and content reviews:
- Course draft ready: When a file is dropped in "Course Drafts," notify the SME in Teams and start an approval to keep reviews moving.
- Session reminders: When a training event is added to a SharePoint calendar, send a reminder in Teams 24 hours before start time.
- Attendance follow-up: After a webinar ends, send a quick feedback Form to attendees and log responses in Excel.
- Version handoff: When a file moves from "Draft" to "Final," archive the old version and post the final link in the project channel.
Build it in 5 steps
Open Power Automate
Go to flow.microsoft.com or the Power Automate app inside Teams.
Pick a template
Search "attachments," "approval," "Teams notification," or "daily summary." Templates guide you through setup.
Connect your services
Sign in to Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Excel, or Forms when prompted.
Set your trigger and filters
Examples: from a specific email address, files in a certain library, or a daily time.
Test, then turn it on
Run a test with a sample email or file. Check the run history, fix any red X steps, then switch on the flow.
Tips for smooth sailing
- Start small. Automate one routine task you do every week.
- Name flows clearly. Example: "SharePoint Draft Upload → Teams Notify + Approval."
- Keep scope simple at first. One trigger and two or three actions is plenty.
- Use standard connectors to avoid permission snags.
- Review run history every few days to catch errors early.
Common questions
Do I need special permissions?
Not for standard Microsoft 365 connectors in most orgs. If a connector is blocked, you will see a prompt.
Will this replace my process?
It should mirror it. Document your steps first, then let the flow run them the same way every time.
What if something fails?
Open the flow, view run history, and read the error message. Most fixes are simple, like updating a file path or adjusting a filter.
Bottom line
Pick one small pain point and automate it today. Save attachments, nudge a reviewer, or send a morning briefing. Once the first flow is running, you will see more places to use it and your day gets lighter.
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