Power Apps: Copilot AI Insight Cards for Dynamic Row Summaries

Key insights

• Copilot AI Insight Cards allow users to create custom row summaries for model-driven Power Apps, making it easier to find critical information quickly.
• The summaries are displayed in a collapsible bar at the top of main forms and can include hyperlinks to related data, enhancing collaboration through tools like Microsoft Teams.
• Row Summary Feature: This feature is currently in public preview for Dynamics 365 apps, supported only in English, and recommended for non-production environments.
• Makers can configure these summaries by writing custom prompts that specify which columns to include, allowing for tailored information display based on user needs.
• To enable this feature, a Power Platform administrator must activate the AI insight cards environment setting. The feature applies to all main forms of the selected table once configured.
• Prompt Writing Tips: Include necessary columns, specify formatting preferences such as bullet points or paragraphs, and avoid repetitive elements to ensure clarity and conciseness in generated summaries.

Introduction to Copilot AI Insight Cards

The evolution of technology continues to shape how we interact with data, and Microsoft's latest feature for Power Apps is no exception. The introduction of the Row Summary feature in model-driven Power Apps marks a significant advancement in data management. This feature offers users concise, AI-generated overviews of critical details for each record, prominently displayed at the top of main forms. As a result, users can quickly grasp essential information without the need to manually sift through multiple fields or related records. This article explores the benefits, configuration process, and potential challenges associated with this innovative feature.

Key Benefits of Row Summaries

The Row Summary feature brings several advantages to users and app makers alike. Firstly, it enhances efficiency by presenting information in clear paragraph or bullet point formats. This allows users to understand critical details at a glance, saving time and effort. Additionally, the interactive features of the summaries enable users to copy content directly to their clipboard, regenerate summaries to reflect the latest data, and provide feedback to improve relevance and accuracy. Moreover, these summaries can include hyperlinks to related data, making it easy to share information via tools like Teams. This seamless integration promotes collaboration and ensures that all team members have access to the most important details. Overall, the Row Summary feature streamlines data consumption and empowers users to make informed decisions more efficiently.

Configuration Process for App Makers

For app makers, configuring row summaries involves creating custom prompts for any table within Power Apps. The guided prompt builder experience allows makers to include relevant fields and information tailored to user needs. This customization ensures that the summaries meet specific business requirements and provide the most value to users. To configure a row summary, makers must first sign in to Power Apps and select the table they wish to modify. Under Customizations, they can choose Row Summary and add the columns to be included in the summary. Formatting options, such as bullet points or paragraphs, can also be specified. Once the prompt is crafted, makers can test and refine the summary to ensure it meets expectations before deployment.

Challenges and Tradeoffs

While the Row Summary feature offers numerous benefits, there are also challenges and tradeoffs to consider. One challenge is ensuring that the summaries remain concise and relevant. With dozens of columns spread across multiple tabs and sections, it can be difficult to determine which information is most critical. App makers must carefully craft prompts to strike a balance between providing comprehensive overviews and avoiding information overload. Additionally, as a preview feature, the Row Summary is not yet intended for production use and may have restricted functionality. This limitation requires users to test the feature in non-production environments and provide feedback to Microsoft for future enhancements. Furthermore, the feature is currently only available in English, which may limit its accessibility for non-English speaking users.

Availability and Future Prospects

Currently, the Row Summary feature is in public preview for Dynamics 365 apps. It is recommended that users test this feature in non-production environments and provide feedback to Microsoft. This feedback will be crucial for future enhancements and the eventual official release of the feature. Looking ahead, the integration of AI-generated row summaries in Power Apps represents a significant step towards more efficient data management. As Microsoft continues to refine and expand this feature, users can expect even greater capabilities and improvements in data consumption. By embracing these advancements, organizations can enhance their operations and empower their teams to make more informed decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Row Summary feature in model-driven Power Apps is a powerful tool that simplifies data management and enhances user experience. By providing concise, AI-generated overviews of critical details, users can quickly access the information they need without the hassle of navigating through multiple fields. While there are challenges and tradeoffs to consider, the benefits of this feature are undeniable. As Microsoft continues to develop and refine this feature, users can look forward to even greater efficiencies and capabilities in the future.

Keywords

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