Understanding the Center of Excellence and Why It Is a Valuable Tool

In this chapter, we will focus on the Center of Excellence (CoE) and its significance within an organization. We will utilize the CoE kit and the array of tools available from Microsoft and the community. You will learn how to initiate your journey with the CoE and how it serves as a flexible framework and methodology that can be tailored to your organization’s specific needs. Furthermore, we will explore importing the CoE solution into the environment, granting access to valuable tools and Power BI dashboards for securing, monitoring, and optimizing Power Platform solutions.

Lastly, we will address the importance of governance and audit compliance, providing insights into how the provided tools can assist in these critical areas.

So, in this chapter, we’re going to cover the following main topics:

• Center of Excellence
• Additional admin tools and monitoring Power BI dashboards
• Governance...

Technical requirements

Download the Creator Kit – this will be required before you can import any of the CoE solutions: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/guidance/creator-kit/setup.

The CoE examples and downloads can be found on GitHub: https://github.com/microsoft/coe-starter-kit.

The following is a list of prerequisites before you get started. However, you can always review this information online at Microsoft; they keep the list updated with all the features (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/guidance/coe/setup#download-the-solution):

• The user installing the CoE kit needs to have the appropriate privileges; you need to be a service admin or global tenant admin
• Power Apps user license
• Power Automate user license
• Email must be enabled since the CoE sends emails, and they are sent from the email you use to install the kit
• If you want to collect audit information, you must access the Microsoft 365 audit log; this feature...

Center of Excellence

A CoE is a team, a shared facility, or an entity that provides leadership, best practices, research, support, or training for a focus area. You can have a CoE in any place of your business. The CoE concept in technology is often associated with a new software tool, technology, or business concept. The CoE can be complex or straightforward, depending on the organization’s goals. This chapter will focus on four responsibilities of the CoE: Secure, Monitor, Alert and Action, and Nurture.

As I started researching the topic and consulted with colleagues and customers, it became evident that the perception of the CoE varies among individuals. Some had negative experiences, while others appreciated the availability of office hours, ongoing training, and an emphasis on governance.

Before we dive into each category, the chapter discusses defining a CoE and where to begin. The first step is establishing a clearly defined strategy with written goals and expected...

Additional admin tools and monitoring Power BI dashboards

The CoE kit provides additional admin tools and monitoring Power BI dashboards to aid in managing and overseeing your environment effectively. Each Power App is available in your solution and designed to help you manage and monitor your environment. Here are the Power Apps you can use: Dynamics 365 Custom, App Catalog, CoE Admin Command Center, CoE Maker Command Center, CoE Setup and Upgrade, Power Platform Admin View, and Solution Health Hub.

Figure 12.12 – List of CoE core components

• Dynamics 365: This Power App allows you to create a custom application using the Dynamics 365 platform.
• App Catalog: When you launch this app, it will search for apps available in your organization; you can leave feedback for makers and request access to the app.
• CoE Admin Command Center: This app is designed for admins and provides a centralized dashboard for managing and governing Power Apps...

Governance and audit compliance processes

Governance and audit compliance play a pivotal role in the efficient functioning of the CoE and in ensuring alignment with regulatory and organizational mandates. The CoE encompasses a dedicated section focused on these aspects, and it is imperative to establish a robust framework by connecting and configuring the audit log while also installing the necessary governance components.

One essential step is to develop comprehensive policies and procedures that govern the operations of the CoE. These policies should encompass various areas such as solution development, change management, security measures, data privacy, and compliance with relevant regulations or standards. Documenting these policies clearly and concisely is crucial to establish a baseline for CoE operations.

Equally important is effectively communicating these policies to all team members involved in the CoE. This ensures that everyone knows the established guidelines and...

Business Central plus Power Platform

Implementing a CoE for a Business Central (BC) and Power Platform project can bring significant benefits to organizations. A CoE represents a dedicated team that provides guidance, best practices, and support for successfully adopting and utilizing technology within an organization. By establishing a CoE specifically for your BC and Power Platform project, you ensure that these powerful platforms are utilized to their fullest potential. The CoE becomes a strategic enabler, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement throughout the organization. With its expertise and resources, the CoE empowers employees to effectively use the platforms, unlocking new functionalities, enhancing their skills, and driving successful BC and Power Platform implementations.

Implementing a CoE also ensures the implementation of standardized processes. The CoE team collaborates closely with stakeholders to define and document best practices, workflows...

Summary

In summary, using the CoE can help organizations maximize the value derived from Power Platform. It provides expertise, guidance, standardization, and collaboration, enabling teams to work more efficiently, innovate effectively, and align with strategic goals. Having the tools helps not only to administer and monitor but also provides the ability to audit compliance and nurture team members. Further, it is important to keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Power Platform administration and governance. The CoE Starter Kit aims to provide a starting point. The kit offers different templates to use as you embark on your journey. Remember that you don’t necessarily have to reinvent the wheel; many resources are available. Remember: crawl, walk, run!

Further reading

• How Microsoft established a Center of Excellence: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/guidance/center-of-excellence-establish
• CoE Starter Kit: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/guidance/coe/setup
• Center of Excellence overview: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/guidance/coe/overview
• Collect audit logs using an HTTP Action: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/guidance/coe/setup-auditlog-http
• Governance components: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/guidance/coe/before-setup-gov