Designing the data model
Tables, relationships, keys, and required fields - derived from your process, not from the technology. With clear names and documentation that still helps later on.
Dataverse · SQL Server · Azure SQL
Data that grows with you.
SharePoint lists provide a solid foundation for many solutions. When data volumes, relationships, or permissions become more demanding, I rely on Dataverse or a SQL database - Microsoft SQL Server in your own data center or Azure SQL in the cloud. I design the data model so that apps stay fast and flows work reliably.
- Dataverse tables, relationships, and roles
- MSSQL SQL Server and Azure SQL
- Fast even with large data volumes
01Use cases
What I use Dataverse & MSSQL for
Dataverse
Tables, choices, business rules, and security roles down to row level - the native data foundation of the Power Platform, with auditing and solutions for deployment.
SQL Server and Azure SQL
Connect existing databases via the SQL connector: directly in the cloud, and via the on-premises data gateway in your own data center - views and stored procedures included.
From SharePoint to Dataverse or SQL
When lists reach their limits - views with more than 5,000 items, delegation, or permissions - I systematically migrate the data and adapt the apps and flows.
Performance and delegation
Queries that run on the server instead of in the app: delegable filters, indexes, and lean views - so that nothing is missing, even with hundreds of thousands of records.
Data synchronization with ERP
Keep master data and transaction data in sync between database, ERP, and Microsoft 365 - scheduled or event-driven via a flow.
02Approach
From the first conversation to a solution in production.
Consulting and implementation from a single source: whoever writes the concept also builds it - with no friction between consultant and developer.
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Initial consultation
Free and without obligation via Microsoft Teams: What is the challenge, what is the goal, and which licenses do you already have? Afterward, you will know whether and how the Power Platform fits your needs.
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Process analysis
Together with the people who run the process every day: How does it work today, and where do manual handoffs between systems or media, delays, and errors occur?
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Solution concept
Data model, screens, flows, permissions, and licensing - in writing, easy to understand, and with a clear effort estimate.
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Implementation in stages
Short iterations, each with a working interim result. You see early on what is being built and can adjust course.
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Rollout and handover
Acceptance, deployment to production, documentation, and handover to your team - so the solution does not depend on me.
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Further development
If you wish, I will continue to support the solution afterward: enhancements, new requirements, and updates from Microsoft.
03Toolbox
Technologies in this area
- Dataverse
- SQL Server
- Azure SQL
- On-premises data gateway
- SharePoint lists
- Delegation
- Security roles
- Views and stored procedures
- Power Fx
- Dataflows
04Real-world projects
Projects in this area. No names, real substance.
As a rule, I do not name clients - their industry, size, and project requirements say enough.
11/2021 - 12/2021Implementation
Shading systems
more than 300 employees · international sales
Rollout of Microsoft Power Automate as the central automation platform and automation of invoice processing with Microsoft Power Automate (cloud and desktop flows), Microsoft AI Builder, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. In addition, real-time visualization of presence status via the Microsoft Graph API in SharePoint and Microsoft Power BI, as well as training on Dataverse and canvas apps.
- Power Automate (cloud flows, desktop flows)
- AI Builder
- Dynamics 365 Business Central
- Graph API
- Power BI (streaming dataset, REST API)
- SharePoint Online
- Dataverse
01/2019 - 03/2022Implementation
Distribution of ultra-fresh food
more than 4,500 employees · more than 2,500 locations in 7 countries
Building a central data foundation on Microsoft Dataverse and Dynamics 365, developing model-driven and canvas apps for location and quality management, and automating processes that affect revenue, such as multilingual online ordering and a delivery service, with Microsoft Power Automate, Web API, and Graph API. In addition, customer feedback with Customer Voice and Power BI, as well as training.
more than 200 automated flows - partially automated maintenance of data for more than 1,000 locations
- Dataverse
- Dynamics 365
- Power Automate (cloud flows, desktop flows)
- Power Apps (model-driven, canvas)
- Web API
- Graph API
- Power BI
- Customer Voice / Forms
- SharePoint Online
01/2022 - 02/2022Consulting
Chemical industry
more than 1,000 employees · more than 100 locations in more than 20 countries
Consulting and support in developing a strategy to migrate data and applications from a legacy system to Microsoft 365, Microsoft SharePoint, and the Microsoft Power Platform, as well as training on the licensing and components of the Microsoft Power Platform.
- 365
- SharePoint Online
- Dataverse / Dataverse for Teams
- Power Automate
- Power Apps
- Power Virtual Agents
- Power Pages (portals)
01/2024 - 02/2024Knowledge transfer
Technologies for industry, infrastructure, and mobility
Group with more than 300,000 employees, site with more than 1,400 · international group
Through a training academy, I delivered an online Power Platform training course for an international technology group. In five sessions, 17 employees learned the fundamentals and implemented a use case with SharePoint, Power Automate, and Power Apps.
- Power Automate (cloud flows, desktop flows, approvals)
- Power Apps (canvas app)
- SharePoint Online
- Dataverse
- Forms
- Teams
06/2023 - 12/2023Knowledge transfer
Microsoft 365 consulting and software development provider
more than 10 employees
For a consulting firm specializing in Microsoft 365, I delivered a four-day online Power Platform training course. In a specially prepared training tenant, 17 employees implemented an end-to-end use case, from data entry to the approval workflow.
- SharePoint Online
- Dataverse
- Power Automate (cloud flows, desktop flows, approvals)
- Power Apps (canvas app)
- Forms
- Teams
- Word (templates)
- Power Platform adoption framework
05Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
SharePoint, Dataverse, or SQL - which is right for you?
SharePoint lists are ideal for manageable data volumes and are included in Microsoft 365. Dataverse is particularly well suited to relationships, fine-grained permissions, and large data volumes. A SQL database is the right choice if it already exists or other systems also use it. I make a recommendation based on your data, number of users, and licenses.
Do I need additional licenses for Dataverse or SQL?
Usually yes: Dataverse and the SQL connector are premium features and require Power Automate or Power Apps premium licenses. One exception is Dataverse for Teams for simple solutions within Microsoft Teams. I work out the licensing costs before the project starts.
Can we keep using our existing SQL database?
Yes. Apps and flows access your tables, views, and stored procedures directly via the SQL connector - for databases in your own data center via the on-premises data gateway.
Your process. My solution.
Tell me where things get stuck today - in a free, no-obligation initial consultation via Microsoft Teams, we will clarify what the Power Platform can do for your process and what a sensible first step looks like.