Child Flows in Power Automate Explained – Tutorial from Start to Finish

Key insights

• Child Flows in Power Automate allow for modularization and reusability of workflow components, improving maintainability and scalability.


• Create a Solution: Both parent and child flows must be within the same solution, which acts as a container for easier management and deployment.


• Develop the Child Flow: Set up tasks that can be triggered by multiple parent flows. Use input parameters and end with a response action to return outputs.


• Configure the Parent Flow: Initiate the child flow using the "Run a Child Flow" action, providing necessary inputs and utilizing returned outputs.


• Manage Connections: Ensure embedded connections are used in the child flow to enable seamless execution by the parent flow.


• Benefits of Using Child Flows: They offer reusability, maintainability, and better organization by reducing duplication and simplifying complex workflows into manageable components.

Introduction to Child Flows in Power Automate

Power Automate, a powerful tool for automating workflows, has introduced a feature called child flows that enhances the efficiency and reusability of processes. In a recent tutorial by Anders Jensen, an MVP in the field, viewers are guided through the setup and configuration of child flows from start to finish. This YouTube video serves as a comprehensive guide, explaining how child flows can improve workflow organization and efficiency. By breaking down complex processes into smaller, reusable tasks, users can streamline automation and reduce redundancy.

Creating a Solution

The first step in setting up child flows in Power Automate is to create a solution. Solutions act as containers for grouping related flows, making management and deployment easier. Both parent and child flows must reside within the same solution to ensure seamless operation. To create a solution, users should navigate to Power Automate and select "Solutions" from the left-hand menu. By clicking on "New Solution," users can provide the necessary details and save the solution. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for organizing and managing the flows effectively.

Developing the Child Flow

Once the solution is in place, the next step is to develop the child flow. A child flow performs specific tasks and can be invoked by multiple parent flows, enhancing reusability. To set up a child flow, users should create a new flow within the solution by selecting "New > Automation > Cloud flow > Instant." Naming the flow appropriately is important for easy identification. The flow is triggered manually, and input parameters are defined by selecting "Add an input" on the trigger card. These inputs are passed from the parent flow, allowing the child flow to perform its designated task. The flow concludes with a "Respond to a PowerApp or flow" action, returning outputs to the parent flow.

Configuring the Parent Flow

The parent flow is responsible for initiating the child flow as part of its process. To configure a parent flow, users need to create a new flow within the same solution and set up the desired trigger. At the appropriate point in the workflow, the "Run a Child Flow" action is added, found under the Flows connector on the Built-in tab. Users select the previously created child flow and provide the necessary input parameters as defined in the child flow. After the child flow action, any outputs returned from the child flow can be utilized as needed. This configuration ensures that the parent flow can effectively invoke and interact with the child flow.

Managing Connections

A critical aspect of ensuring seamless execution between parent and child flows is managing connections. In the child flow's properties, users navigate to the "Run only users" section and edit the connections to use the flow owner's connections instead of those provided by the run-only user. This step is essential to prevent any execution issues and to maintain the integrity of the workflow. By embedding connections, users ensure that the child flow can be executed without any interruptions, regardless of the user initiating the parent flow.

Testing and Validation

Testing and validation are crucial to confirm that both the parent and child flows function as intended. Users should individually test the child flow by manually triggering it with sample inputs and verifying the outputs. Similarly, testing the parent flow ensures that it correctly invokes the child flow and processes the returned data appropriately. This step is vital to identify any potential issues and to ensure that the entire workflow operates smoothly. By thoroughly testing both flows, users can confidently implement them in their automation processes.

Benefits of Using Child Flows

Child flows offer several benefits that make them a valuable addition to Power Automate workflows:

• Reusability: Child flows can be invoked by multiple parent flows, reducing duplication and promoting consistency across workflows.
• Maintainability: Updating a child flow automatically propagates changes to all parent flows that utilize it, simplifying maintenance.
• Organization: Breaking down complex workflows into smaller, manageable components enhances clarity and simplifies troubleshooting.

These benefits highlight the importance of child flows in creating efficient and organized automation processes. By leveraging child flows, users can optimize their workflows and achieve greater scalability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, child flows in Power Automate provide a powerful way to modularize and reuse components within workflows. The tutorial by Anders Jensen offers a detailed guide on setting up and configuring child flows, emphasizing their reusability and efficiency. By creating a solution, developing child flows, configuring parent flows, managing connections, and conducting thorough testing, users can harness the full potential of child flows. The benefits of reusability, maintainability, and organization make child flows an essential tool for anyone looking to enhance their automation processes in Power Automate.

Keywords

Child Flows Power Automate Tutorial Start Finish Explained Guide Workflow Automation