SPFx v1.20: Build Your Updated MS Flow Dashboard Now

Key insights

• SharePoint Framework (SPFx) is a development model for building custom web parts and pages in SharePoint, allowing integration with Microsoft 365 services such as Power Automate.


• The MS Flow Dashboard built with SPFx lets administrators view flows from multiple environments, see flow run history, and restart flows directly from SharePoint, improving workflow management.


• Customization and Flexibility: Developers can tailor the dashboard to fit business needs by showing specific flow details or changing its appearance based on status, enhancing user experience within SharePoint.


• Power Automate Integration: The dashboard uses APIs to fetch real-time information about flows and their run histories, making it easy to monitor and control workflows without leaving the SharePoint environment.


• The update to SPFx v1.20 brings new features like better documentation for creating Adaptive Card Extensions, improved development tools, and enhanced performance for building dashboards.


• PnP Community Resources: Open-source samples like the Flow Dashboard web part are available to help developers get started quickly and benefit from community support when building custom solutions.

Introduction to the MS Flow Dashboard with SPFx v1.20

Recently, Microsoft released a YouTube video demonstrating how to build a Power Automate Flow dashboard using the SharePoint Framework (SPFx), now updated to version 1.20. This dashboard is designed to help administrators monitor and manage flows efficiently by listing flows from different environments, displaying run history, and enabling the ability to restart flows with a single click. The video was presented during the Viva Connections and SharePoint Framework community call on March 6, 2025, and highlighted the latest capabilities of SPFx in integrating with Power Automate.

The update to SPFx v1.20 brings new features and improvements, making it easier for developers to build custom solutions that connect with Microsoft 365 services. This approach allows organizations to visualize, control, and manage workflows directly within SharePoint, offering a seamless experience for both administrators and end-users.

Understanding the Technology: SPFx and Power Automate

The SharePoint Framework, commonly known as SPFx, is a development model that supports the creation of client-side web parts for SharePoint. It is built on modern web technologies such as React, providing developers with familiar tools for building interactive and responsive interfaces. By leveraging SPFx, organizations can create custom dashboards tailored to their unique business requirements.

Integrating SPFx with Power Automate adds another layer of functionality. Developers can build web parts that connect to Microsoft Power Automate (formerly known as Microsoft Flow) to fetch flow details, monitor run histories, and even control flows directly from SharePoint. This integration offers a centralized approach, reducing the need for users to switch between multiple platforms and interfaces.

Key Benefits and Flexibility of the Dashboard Solution

One of the main advantages of using SPFx for building dashboards is its high degree of customization and flexibility. Organizations can design dashboards that not only display flow information but also allow direct interaction, such as restarting flows or filtering by status. This level of control is essential for businesses that rely heavily on workflow automation and need real-time insights into their processes.

Moreover, the solution takes full advantage of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. By integrating with other Microsoft services like Teams and SharePoint, the dashboard enhances the overall user experience, making workflow management more accessible and efficient. However, achieving this level of integration requires careful planning to ensure security and data consistency across platforms.

New Features and Enhancements in SPFx v1.20

The upgrade to SPFx v1.20 introduces several enhancements aimed at improving the developer and end-user experience. For example, Microsoft has expanded its documentation to include tutorials on creating Adaptive Card Extensions, which can be used to add interactive and visually appealing elements to dashboards. These enhancements help developers build more engaging and dynamic interfaces.

Additionally, the updated tooling in SPFx v1.20 streamlines the development process. Faster build times, improved debugging, and better support for modern web standards make it easier for teams to deliver robust solutions. Nevertheless, keeping up with frequent updates and ensuring compatibility can be challenging for some organizations, especially those with limited development resources.

Balancing Tradeoffs and Addressing Challenges

While the updated dashboard solution offers significant benefits, there are tradeoffs to consider. Customization and integration provide flexibility but may also increase development complexity and maintenance overhead. Organizations must weigh the value of advanced features against the resources required to implement and support them.

Another challenge lies in maintaining security and compliance when connecting multiple services. Ensuring that sensitive data remains protected while enabling powerful workflow management capabilities is essential. Therefore, organizations should establish clear governance policies and regularly review their solutions to address potential risks.

Conclusion: A Powerful Step Forward for Workflow Management

In summary, the YouTube video from Microsoft showcases how the combination of SPFx v1.20 and Power Automate empowers organizations to build sophisticated dashboards for efficient workflow management. The solution’s flexibility, integration capabilities, and enhanced user experience make it a valuable addition to the Microsoft 365 toolkit.

However, as with any custom development, balancing the benefits with the inherent challenges is crucial. By staying informed about new features and best practices, organizations can maximize the value of their investment in these technologies and improve their workflow management processes.

Keywords

MS Flow Dashboard SPFx SPFx v1.20 Microsoft Flow SharePoint Framework Power Automate Dashboard Building SPFx Tutorial