Modernizing Dynamics 365 Lock Store with Power Apps
Modernizing Dynamics 365 Lock Store with Power Apps
At OmniVue, we are helping organizations modernize Dynamics 365 by embracing the full potential of the Microsoft Power Platform. One of our recent initiatives focused on refactoring a critical business feature, the Lock Store (Account) experience and turning it into a cleaner, more secure, and more maintainable solution.
The Challenge
As Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform continue to evolve, relying on custom scripts for core business functionality can quickly introduce technical debt and slow down innovation. Legacy customizations like these are increasingly at odds with Microsoft’s direction toward low-code and no-code solutions.
The Modern Approach
We reimagined the Lock Store experience using a Power Apps custom page powered by PowerFX, fully integrated with Dynamics 365 and Dataverse.
What Changed?
- Replaced legacy HTML/JavaScript with a native Power Apps custom page
- Delivered a modern, responsive user interface for capturing lock reasons
-
Implemented PowerFX Patch logic to update:
- Status
- Status Reason
- Lock-related metadata
- Preserved all existing business functionality while significantly improving the architecture behind the scenes
This shift to Power Apps aligns with the explosive growth of the platform. Microsoft Power Platform now boasts over 56 million monthly active users, reflecting its rapid adoption as the leading low-code solution for enterprises.
Why It Matters
This transformation is not just a UI refresh; it’s a strategic shift toward a more sustainable and secure platform. By moving to Power Apps custom pages, we eliminated vulnerabilities from custom scripting and leveraged Microsoft’s native security model, directly addressing compliance concerns that plague older approaches.
Key Benefits
Updates and enhancements can be made faster and with less risk, even by non-developers. Organizations using Power Apps often see development time reduced by up to 50%, allowing business users, rather than just professional developers, to drive ongoing improvements.
Eliminates external dependencies and ensures tighter alignment with Microsoft’s ecosystem. This native approach supports seamless scalability as the platform continues to evolve.
Removes vulnerabilities tied to custom scripting and leverages Microsoft’s built-in security model, reducing risks in an era where governance is paramount for widespread low-code adoption.
Users benefit from a seamless interface that feels like a natural part of Dynamics 365, enhancing productivity without the friction of mismatched custom elements.
Native components are easier to troubleshoot, optimize, and scale, contributing to the impressive 216% three-year ROI reported in Forrester’s study of Microsoft Power Platform adopters, with payback often achieved in under six months through efficiency gains and reduced legacy costs.
Reducing Technical Debt and Building for the Future
This project is a strong example of how organizations can modernize legacy customizations with a Power Platform–first approach. By leveraging Power Apps custom pages and PowerFX, businesses can:
- Reduce long-term technical debt
- Align more closely with Microsoft’s product roadmap
- Improve system agility and resilience
Looking ahead, this modernization positions organizations to capitalize on industry trends: Gartner forecasts that by 2026, low-code platforms like Power Apps will account for around 75% of new enterprise application development, with up to 80% of users coming from non-IT departments (citizen developers). Our Lock Store transformation is a practical step toward that future empowering faster innovation while minimizing risks.
Final Thoughts
Modernizing Dynamics 365 isn’t just about adopting new features; it’s about building solutions that are secure, maintainable, and ready for what’s next. At OmniVue, we help organizations unlock the full potential of the Power Platform to create smarter, more sustainable business applications.
