In 2017, I embarked on a journey in digital transformation with UiPath, at a time when Blue Prism was the leading force in the rapidly evolving RPA marketplace. As the industry evolved, so too did my expertise, in both the technologies and strategies essential for delivering tangible business value. This dedication led to my recognition as a UiPath Community MVP in 2022. However, shortly thereafter, I made a significant pivot to Microsoft Power Platform.

So, why the change?

As the transformation landscape matured, I observed a shift in the types of solutions required to meet business challenges. While UiPath certainly boasted an industry-leading RPA capability, it became apparent that not all problems could be solved with an RPA-first mentality. Interestingly, UiPath may have also noticed this, as their product stack was further expanding to include the likes of UiPath Data Service and UiPath Integration Service, while also enhancing the capabilities of their UiPath Apps offering. Power Platform, comparatively, has always positioned itself simply as a low-code/no-code toolbox, where RPA exists as but one of many tools at your disposal.

How easy was the transition?

Although Power Platform is designed with accessibility in mind, the shift required a significant adjustment in my approach to problem-solving. UiPath, with its (historic) focus on RPA, had conditioned me to think of automation as the default solution to almost any problem. Through exposure to the DigPacks team, I was able to leverage their capability in devising holistic solutions, which integrated multiple facets of the Power Platform to better address business problems. This was further supported by their ‘Pause, Probe, & Proceed’ strategy, which encouraged the question “Why is this a problem?”, before identifying which of the tools at our disposal will provide the most effective outcome(s).

Beyond this, certain features that I had grown accustomed to in UiPath were initially missing from Power Platform. For example, Work Queues – a staple in both UiPath and Blue Prism – were unavailable until their General Availability (GA) release in October 2023. Looking forward, Microsoft have demonstrated a proactive approach to further developing the product, with a host of new features slated for release this year, including the capability to share UI Elements, integration of PowerFX code, and expanded Copilot functionalities.

What did I learn?

In summary, the transition from UiPath to Power Platform has proven to be a pivotal part of my professional growth, as well as an insightful experience. Choosing the right tool for the job is, and always has been, crucial. As the landscape continues to evolve, particularly with the recent developments in Generative AI, staying adaptable and appraised to new technologies will undoubtedly continue to be key in driving success.

For me, embracing Power Platform has proven to be the perfect choice. The platform offers the versatility and forward-facing vision to support current needs, as well as future technological shifts. The journey with Power Platform is not just about adapting to change; it is about leading and shaping the future of business solutions.

Authored by: Josh Davey, Head of Automation at DigPacks.