Part 6 - Microsoft Power Automate with Dataverse

Understanding Expressions in Power Automate with Dataverse

1. What Are Expressions in Power Automate:

===> Expressions in Power Automate are nothing but formulas that are used to perform calculations, manipulate data, and apply logic to automate workflows efficiently.

===> They are written using Power Automate built-in functions inside the Expression tab in dynamic content.

👉 Think of them like math formulas or text functions in Excel but used inside Power Automate.

2. Why Do We Use Expressions in Power Automate:

• Modify data (convert text, numbers, and dates).
• Extract specific values (get first name from full name).
• Perform calculations (sum, subtract, average).
• Format output (convert dates to specific formats).
• Apply logic (check conditions inside actions).

3. Where Are Expressions Used in Power Automate:

• In "Filter Array" to filter Dataverse records
• In "Compose" to modify data
• In "Condition" to check values
• In "Apply to Each" to work with lists
• Inside actions like "Set Variable", "Append to String", etc.

4. Common Power Automate Expressions with Examples:

Example: Send Email Based on Total Invoice Amount:

Business Requirement:

When an Invoice is created in Dataverse, check the Total Amount. If the amount is greater than 10,000, send a "High Value Invoice" email.

Step 1: Create an Automated Cloud Flow

1. Go to Power Automate
2. Click Create > Automated cloud flow
3. Flow name: High Value Invoice Notifier
4. Trigger: When a row is added (Dataverse)
5. Table name: Invoices
6. Click Create

Step 2: Add a Compose Action to Evaluate Amount

This is where we write the expression directly.

1. Add New Step > Compose
2. In Inputs, paste this expression:

if(greater(triggerOutputs()?['body/totalamount'], 10000), 'High', 'Normal')

✅ This checks the totalamount from the invoice

✅ Returns "High" if amount > 10,000, else "Normal"

Step 3: Add Condition Using Expression:

If you want to go further and only send an email when the value is High, do this:

1. Add Condition
2. Click on Edit in Advanced Mode
3. Paste this expression in below:

equals(outputs('Compose'), 'High')

✅ This checks if the output from the Compose is 'High'.

Step 4: Inside "Yes" Branch → Send an Email:

• Add Send an email (V2)
• To: your email (or dynamic Owner)
• Subject: High Value Invoice Alert
• Body:

An invoice of amount @{triggerOutputs()?['body/totalamount']} has been created.

Expression Summary:

Output Behavior:

Difference Between Using Expression vs. Without Expression in Power Automate

Example: Check if Revenue > 10,000 and Set Priority

Without Expression:

• Add Condition block
• Set revenue field > 10,000
• In Yes branch → Set Priority = High
• In No branch → Set Priority = Low

✅ 3 or more blocks used here.

With Expression:

Use the below expression inside a Compose or Set Variable:

if(greater(triggerOutputs()?['body/revenue'], 10000), 'High', 'Low')

✅ Just 1 line

✅No condition block needed