Cloud flows in Power Automate are mainly designed to automate business processes and tasks by orchestrating actions across other cloud services. These flows are trigger-based, responding to an event such as a new email or a scheduled time.
- Integration: Since cloud flows interact heavily with other cloud services like Microsoft 365, the prime consideration is the interoperability of the flow with the integrated services.
- Trigger Events: Identify the trigger events that will institute the flow. Common trigger events include set timers, updates in data, or other actions in cloud services.
- Data Volume: Cloud flows deal with bulk items or data, requiring adequate server capacity. Therefore, one must take into account the possible volume of data the flow will handle.
- Frequency of Operations: The regularity of the flow operations also requires consideration. For example, if a flow should run every time an item is added to SharePoint, the flow will use up said allocated capacity when it runs.
B. Desktop Flows
On the other hand, Desktop flows are designed for more complex automation on the GUI level (Graphical User Interface), typically for legacy apps or software that don’t provide APIs for automation.
- Environment: Since it is a on-premise solution, one should consider the limitations of the machine running the desktop flows, including network connectivity, access rights, and system capabilities.
- Interaction with the UI: The cloud flow can entirely work in the background, while desktop flows require an active session as they interact with UI of applications in the foreground.
- Maintenance: As desktop flows depend on UI, changes in it might lead to a failure. This necessitates regular maintenance checks.
Now, to look at the practical aspects of handling concurrent operations of cloud and desktop flows, some factors include:
- Scalability: The ability to handle increased workload by adding resources is a crucial aspect. If cloud flows and desktop flows operate concurrently, resources should be allocated effectively.
- Data Consistency: Maintaining consistent data across both platforms without overlaps or duplications is essential.
- Security: Balancing the need for data flow between platforms while ensuring that the sensitive data is protected.
- Interdependency: Cloud flows often trigger desktop flows, hence there should be careful planning to manage the dependencies between the executions.
For instance, consider a scenario where cloud flow triggers desktop flow. If a new row is added to an Excel worksheet in OneDrive (Cloud Flow action), it could trigger a desktop flow to scrape data from a legacy application and add this data to the Excel worksheet (Desktop Flow action).
Overall, understanding the operational considerations of running cloud and desktop flows concurrently facilitates efficient automation of business processes, a skill that is crucial for anyone planning to sit for the PL-500 Microsoft Power Automate RPA Developer Exam.
Practice Test
True or False: You can run as many desktop flows concurrently as you want without any hardware or performance considerations.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Running several desktop flows at a time is resource-intensive and can slow down your machine. Therefore, you must consider the hardware limitations and manage the concurrent runs properly.
What does concurrent execution of cloud flows refer to?
- a. Running multiple tasks within a single flow at the same time.
- b. Running multiple flows on different clouds at the same time.
- c. Running multiple instances of the same cloud flow at the same time.
- d. Running cloud flows once in a while, i.e., not regularly.
Answer: c. Running multiple instances of the same cloud flow at the same time.
Explanation: In Power Automate, concurrent execution of cloud flows refers to running multiple instances of the same flow at the same time. This allows more tasks to be automated within a shorter timeframe.
True or False: You can run cloud and desktop flows concurrently without any throttling considerations.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Running concurrent cloud and desktop flows can lead to throttling, especially in Power Automate which has limits on the number of flow runs and API requests per 24 hours. Therefore, it is important to manage your flows and requests to stay within those limits.
What can be a possible issue when running too many desktop flows concurrently?
- a. Slower machine performance
- b. The cloud may become full
- c. Your Power Automate subscription could end
- d. None of the above
Answer: a. Slower machine performance
Explanation: Running too many desktop flows at once can use up a lot of resources and slow down your machine, reducing its performance.
True or False: It is not necessary to handle errors and exceptions while running cloud and desktop flows concurrently.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: When running cloud and desktop flows concurrently, it is vital to have error and exception handling in place. This helps ensure that your flows continue running smoothly even when unexpected events occur.
What helps in controlling the number of concurrent executions in Power Automate?
- a. Pausing your subscription
- b. Request limits and allocations
- c. Buying a new machine
- d. None of the above
Answer: b. Request limits and allocations
Explanation: The request limits and allocations in Power Automate help manage the number of concurrent executions. They prevent overflow and throttling by limiting the number of flow runs and API requests.
True or False: You can increase the running speed of flows by running them concurrently.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Running flows concurrently means that multiple instances are running at the same time. This boosts the speed of task completion, helping automate more tasks within a shorter timeframe.
What should you consider before running desktop flows concurrently?
- a. Your machine’s hardware limitations
- b. Your data usage
- c. Your Power Automate subscription type
- d. All of the above
Answer: a. Your machine’s hardware limitations
Explanation: Running multiple flows at once is resource-intensive. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider your machine’s hardware ability to handle multiple processes at once.
True or False: Running too many flows concurrently won’t impact the performance of other applications on your machine.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Running too many flows concurrently could slow down your machine’s performance significantly, impacting the performance of other applications running on your machine.
Which of the following must be considered while scheduling concurrent executions for cloud and desktop flows?
- a. The request limits in Power Automate
- b. Error and exception handling
- c. Resource usage and machine performance
- d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above
Explanation: When scheduling concurrent executions for cloud and desktop flows, it is important to consider the request limits in Power Automate, have error and exception handling in place, and manage resource usage to maintain good machine performance. All these aspects will ensure optimal operation of the flows.
Interview Questions
What is the main difference between Cloud and Desktop flows in Power Automate?
The main difference lies in where the flow gets executed. Cloud flows are executed on the cloud and can interact with any cloud-based service that Power Automate supports. On the other hand, Desktop flows run on a user’s machine and allow for automation with any software or service that is installed on the machine.
Can Cloud and Desktop Flows run concurrently?
Yes, it is possible to have both Cloud and Desktop flows run concurrently. However, careful consideration must be given to the resources and potential conflicts this could cause.
What should one consider when running multiple Cloud flows?
When running multiple Cloud flows, you must consider the limits and boundaries set by Microsoft, which could include flow frequency and action limits. Additionally, the compute resources available in your cloud environment could also become a limiting factor.
What issues might arise from running both types of flows concurrently?
When running Desktop and Cloud flows concurrently, one might run into problems related to resource constraints, flow conflicts, or connectivity issues. These can potentially disrupt the functioning of both flows.
How can flow conflicts be avoided when running Cloud and Desktop flows concurrently?
Careful planning and coordination between flows can help avoid conflicts. Ideally, you should make sure no two flows are trying to perform the same action at the same time. Additionally, considering ordering and dependencies between actions can help prevent conflict.
Can connectivity issues affect the performance of cloud and desktop flows when they run concurrently?
Yes, Connectivity issues can result in the failure of the execution of the flows. A stable and strong internet connection is essential when it comes to running cloud flows, while desktop flows may need both local and network connectivity depending on the task at hand.
How does the architecture of a user’s system affect the running of Desktop flows?
The system resources like RAM, CPU and storage on a user’s machine greatly influence the speed and efficiency of running Desktop flows. Low system resources can cause Desktop flows to run slower or even fail.
What can be done to ensure smooth operation of Cloud and Desktop flows when they are running concurrently?
Monitoring the execution of both flows regularly and applying needed adjustments, ensuring strong and stable connectivity, and adhering to Microsoft’s specified limits and boundaries can ensure smoother operation.
Can a Desktop flow be run on multiple machines concurrently?
Technically, Desktop flows can be run on multiple devices at the same time provided that each machine has Power Automate for desktop installed, and the user logged in.
How does the usage of connectors affect the smooth operation of Cloud flows?
Using connectors in cloud flows consume resources. Overusing or inappropriately using connectors could cause rate limitation issues or even fail a flow due to excessive resource consumption. Therefore, it’s a good practice to use connectors wisely to ensure smooth operation of the cloud flows.
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