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Creating List Variable Values with Power Automate for Virtual Agents
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Power Automate
Oct 19, 2022 9:31 PM

Creating List Variable Values with Power Automate for Virtual Agents

by HubSite 365 about Dian Taylor - [MVP] (Dynamics 365 Talk)

Microsoft MVP | Dynamics 365 CE Presales Engineer - Director at RSM US LLP | LinkedIn Learning Author

Citizen DeveloperPower AutomateM365 Hot News

Explore dynamic options in Power Virtual Agents with list variables from Dataverse, providing customers with dynamic choices for an enhanced experience.

In the blog post, Dian Taylor focuses on Power Automate and its role in getting a list of values for Power Virtual Agents. This mechanism relies on the new feature, 'Options from a list variable', which allows for dynamics options from Dataverse to be stored in a list variable. In the past, the list of multiple choice options was static or hardcoded. However, with this new feature, the lists can be dynamically updated by incorporating data from other applications.

Here, Dian describes the procedure to create the program that retrieves a list of items from Dynamics 365 Customer Service and provides it to Power Virtual Agents. Initially, an array variable is created, which is eventually used to store data queried from Dynamics 365 Customer Service.

In the following step, Taylor details the use of the 'List Rows (legacy)' step, a step necessary when Power Virtual Agents are in a different environment than the Dynamics 365 Customer Service instance. Dian then selects the environment to be used and inputs the requirements for the table values. The results are then appended to the array variable, which allows the queried data to be stored in the array variable that had been previously created.

The last steps involved figuring out how to feed the data back to Power Virtual Agents from the variable. Taylor created a compose action to turn the array values into a string and an additional compose step to remove any unwanted characters. The final step involved feeding the cleaned-up data back to the topic in the automation tool. Taylor worked around the challenge by using a PowerFX formula to separate individual rows in Power Virtual Agents.

The Significance of the Power Automation Tool

The automation tool is a game changer for virtual agents as it will make bots more dynamic and interactive. The power to scrap static lists, leverage dynamic options, and channel them from different applications using this feature boosts functionality and opens up a range of possibilities for future applications. Finding solutions to inherent challenges, as shown by Dian, will further improve the adaptability and usability of the system for efficient and effective communication between bots and customers.

Read the full article Power Automate: Get list of values for Power Virtual Agents - List Variable

Power Automate - Creating List Variable Values with Power Automate for Virtual Agents

Learn about Power Automate: Get list of values for Power Virtual Agents - List Variable

Power Automate is an exceptional tool that aids in automating repetitive tasks without the need of extensive coding skills. One of its impressive features includes Power Virtual Agents and its list variable – but what exactly is this feature, and why is it significant?

This feature is capable of integrating dynamics options from Dataverse to store a list variable in Power Virtual Agent that could be presented when the bot poses a query. In simpler terms, it allows the bot's options to shift dynamically based on the user's interaction. Previously, when the bot implemented multiple choice questions, the values were stationary or hardcoded. However, now, these options become fluid and adaptive.

How does this work in practicality? Here is an illustration:

  • Power Virtual Agents collect a list of items from Dynamics 365 Customer Service
  • Without requiring input from the bot, the system gathers values from the 'dropdown values' table
  • An array variable is initialized and fundamentally used to store data after queries made to the Customer Service

This automated tool can be applied even if the Power Virtual and Customer Service environment differs since Dataverse connectors are used. A 'List Rows' legacy step helps in this instance.

Furthermore, the 'Append to array variable' action caters to facilitate this process. Following the initiation of the required variable, its size is used to acquire data feedback that is to be presented to the Agent.

For example:

  • Selecting the variable name 'DropDown'
  • Set the value to amass the 'Name' field from the 'List Records' step
  • Use the Dynamic 'Name' field
  • An 'Apply to each' step is automatically generated around the 'Append to Array' action

If you aim to take your knowledge to the next level, consider taking a training course on Power Automate and Power Virtual Agents. Such courses can offer in-depth knowledge on how to interact with flow, how to use list variables, and how to handle interactive bots. Take time to practice its application and familiarize yourself with the tool to enhance your skills to a professional level. Happy learning!

More links on about Power Automate: Get list of values for Power Virtual Agents - List Variable

Get list of values for Power Virtual Agents' List Variable
Nov 29, 2022 — In this article I am going to discuss how I built the Power Automate flow that gets the list of items from Dynamics 365 Customer Service and ...
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Mar 24, 2023 — format the results; return the results to the bot. In this example, you'll use the Dataverse connector in Power Automate to search for accounts.

Keywords

Power Automate, List Variable, Power Virtual Agents, Get List Values, Power Automate Tutorials, Microsoft Automation, PVA List Variable, Automate Variable Values, Power Platform Automation, Virtual Agents in Power Automate