When preparing for the PL-200 Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant exam, understanding the configuration of site maps and composing of model-driven apps is crucial. This post touches on these topics and shares useful tips and insights to equip you adequately for the exam.
Configuring Site Maps in Dynamics 365
A site map in Dynamics 365 determines the navigation for users and is an essential tool in enhancing user experience. Configuring the site map involves modifying the area, group, or subarea displayed in the Dynamics 365 application.
Here are the steps for configuring site maps:
- Select Site Map: Open Power Apps and select an app; then, click on “Site Map” to modify the site map.
- Add or Modify Area: Under “Components,” you can add or modify an area. An area typically represents a significant section of the site map, like Sales or Service.
- Create or Modify Group: Inside each region, you can create or modify a group. A group assists in further segmentation and organization of the site map.
- Add or Modify Subarea: The next level in the site map configuration is the subarea. Subareas include entities, dashboards, or web resources. They can be customized to either docs, entities, views, or charts, etc.
Also, it’s worth noting that you can also add privileges and client conditions to site maps in Dynamics 365 to control visibility.
Composing Model-Driven Apps in Power Apps
Model-driven apps in Power Apps provide a responsive and rich interface centered around business data and processes. Designing these apps involves a blend of app design and data modeling to create an intuitive UX.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose Entities: Navigate towards the “Entities” section under “Data.” Selecting entities allows the app to perform specified functions.
- Define App Information: This will involve providing the name, unique name, and description of the app.
- Configure Site Map: Configure the site map based on the app’s navigation requirements.
- Design App: Begin designing the app by adding components (forms, views, charts, dashboards), establishing relationships, and configuring business rules.
- Save and Validate: After designing your app, save the changes, validate, and publish the app. Remember, the ‘Validate’ option checks for errors and lists them if any are found.
It’s also important to note that with model-driven apps, you can take advantage of rich design capability, including creating complex entities and relationships and implementing business logic.
For the PL-200 Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant exam, understanding the processes of configuring site maps and composing model-driven apps is a solid start. Make sure to delve deeper and practice hands-on exercises to master these concepts fully.
Practice Test
True/False: A site map is a way of configuring the navigation for model-driven apps within Microsoft Power Platform.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: A site map is a tool that provides visual and intuitive ways to represent the navigational hierarchy used in app modules, area, subarea, and groups to users.
Multiple-choice: What purpose does a Site map serve in the Power Platform Functional Consultant model-driven app?
- A. It provides a framework for visuals
- B. It is used for error logging
- C. It defines the main navigation for the application
- D. It is used for data modeling
Answer: C. It defines the main navigation for the application
Explanation: The site map is used to define the navigation layout for a model-driven app and it allows the users to navigate the application easily.
In a Site Map, which of the following can be configured?
- A. Groups
- B. Subareas
- C. Areas
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: In a site map, you can configure all the navigation components of a model-driven app, including areas, groups, and subareas.
True/False: All model-driven apps must have a site map.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Each model-driven app must have a site map associated with it to provide an application navigation layout.
In model-driven apps, can you configure the appearance of individual forms at runtime?
- A. Yes
- B. No
Answer: B. No
Explanation: The appearance of individual forms in model-driven apps is defined during the design time, not at runtime.
Multiple-choice: Which of the following are main components of a Model-driven app?
- A. Tables
- B. Forms
- C. Views
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Model-driven app designs use tables, forms, views, and other components in a layered layout to provide users with a full-featured app.
True/False: The structure of the Site Map in a model-driven app can be easily changed by the end user.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The structure of the Site Map is defined by the developer or administrator, and can’t be changed by the end user.
What is the purpose of ‘App Designer’ in Model-Driven apps?
- A. To design app navigation
- B. To create a security role
- C. To lock the app for editing
- D. To define app functionality
Answer: A. To design app navigation
Explanation: App Designer is a primary tool used to compose model-driven apps through defining the site map and including necessary components in the app.
Can users have multiple site maps for a single model-driven app?
- A. Yes
- B. No
Answer: B. No
Explanation: Each model-driven app must be associated with a single site map that provides an application navigation layout.
True/False: Model-driven apps provide rich design capability with a point-and-click approach, but require knowledge of code to be fully utilized.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Model-driven apps provide a rich design capability with a point-and-click approach and they do not require the developer to write any code to create their apps.
In a Model-Driven App, what term refers to a specific set of records that provides a consistent and interactive data-view for end-users?
- A. Dashboard
- B. Table
- C. Form
- D. View
Answer: D. View
Explanation: A view in a model-driven app is a ‘view’ into specific record set providing an interactive data session.
What is the ‘Studio’ in Power Apps used for?
- A. Configuring settings
- B. Building apps
- C. Uploading data
- D. Processing information
Answer: B. Building Apps
Explanation: The studio in Power Apps is used for building and designing apps within the platform.
True/False: A Site Map can be edited directly in the Power Apps maker studio.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Power Apps maker studio provides a built-in Site Map editor where you can edit, add or remove the components of the site map.
Multiple-choice: Model-driven apps use what type of data?
- A. Structured data
- B. Unstructured data
- C. Both A and B
- D. Neither A nor B
Answer: A. Structured data
Explanation: Model-driven apps use structured data from your organization’s databases.
When would you need to publish a site map?
- A. After saving changes
- B. Only if it’s the first time creating the site map
- C. After adding a new field
- D. All of the above
Answer: A. After saving changes
Explanation: Any changes you make to the site map will not be visible to others until you publish it.
Interview Questions
What is the primary function of a sitemap in a model-driven app in Microsoft Power Platform?
The primary function of a sitemap in a model-driven app is to provide a navigation system that allows users to access areas within the app. The sitemap determines which entities, dashboards, and other components users can see in an app.
How can you create a sitemap for a model-driven app in Power Platform?
You can create a sitemap for a model-driven app by using the Sitemap Designer, which is accessible in the Power Apps Maker portal. In there, you can add, edit, or remove Areas, Groups, and Subareas to customize your sitemap.
What are the three primary components of a sitemap in a model-driven app?
The three primary components of a sitemap in a model-driven app are Areas, Groups, and Subareas. These are organized in a hierarchical structure and help define the app’s navigation.
Can you explain the difference between Areas, Groups, and Subareas in a sitemap for a model-driven app?
Areas are the highest level of a sitemap and typically represent major functional areas. Groups are subsections within an Area, and Subareas are the specific items users can navigate to, such as entities, dashboards, or web resources.
How are model-driven apps in Power Platform different from canvas apps?
Model-driven apps are primarily data-driven and structure-first, automatically generating a user interface based on the underlying data model. Canvas apps, on the other hand, are design-first and provide maximum control over form and function, allowing you to design the app layout to meet specific user needs.
What is the role of a Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant in configuring sitemaps and composing model-driven apps?
The role of a Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant is to use Sitemap Designer to customize navigation for model-driven apps, design and create entities within the app, and define business rules, workflows, and other business logic associated with the app.
How can you add an Entity to a model-driven app sitemap in Microsoft Power Platform?
You can add an Entity to a model-driven app sitemap by opening the Sitemap Designer, clicking on a Subarea under a Group to open its properties, setting the Type to Entity, and then choosing the specific Entity from a dropdown list.
What are some best practices for creating a sitemap for a model-driven app?
Some best practices include keeping the structure simple and intuitive, grouping related items together, and limiting the number of top-level Areas to keep navigation straightforward for end users.
Can you modify the default sitemap in a model-driven app?
Yes, you can modify the default sitemap in a model-driven app. This can be done using the Sitemap Designer.
What role does a Sitemap play in user and role permissions within a model-driven app?
While a Sitemap controls what options users see in the navigation, it does not play a role in user and role permissions. Visibility of certain sitemap items can be based on the user’s roles and privileges setup in the security model of the app.
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