October 2021 Before we dive into the differences between canvas and model-driven apps, there are a few key definitions to better understand how Microsoft Power Platform tools work together…
Low Code
Low code allows you to develop applications without writing any actual code. You can do so by using a graphical interface to design and develop. Think about making a PowerPoint where you can add images and text, but instead of making a presentation, you make a web or mobile app.
Dataverse
The Dataverse allows organizations to store their data in the cloud and have their data accessible via Power Apps, Power BI, Dynamics 365, Power Automate, Power Virtual Agents and more.
Power Apps
These can be used to create applications for business solutions. Power Apps use a low-code approach and are usually used in conjunction with the Dataverse to help businesses take advantage of their data and control of their data inputs.
What is a Canvas App?
With Canvas apps, you start with a blank canvas and create a tailored app made to fit a specific business problem. Canvas apps are a very flexible tool that give you complete control over the user interface and experience. While this can be exciting, this can also lead to a lot of hours spent trying to get the app to look a certain way. Fortunately, there are a lot of examples and templates out there that you can copy or use as a guide when designing your app. It is good to consider having end users involved from the very beginning when designing the app.
Before you start, ask yourself these questions:
Will this app be used on both mobile and desktop? By default, when you start creating a canvas you choose which kind of device the app will be used for. However, you can modify the app to work on both types of devices.
How many users will be using the app? This is good to consider so you can know what kind of licensing you will be up against.
Will external users need to use the app? If the answer is yes, then Canvas Apps unfortunately are not the solution for you.
What will your data sources be? Canvas Apps have over 200 different data sources that they can connect to. This makes them even more flexible. For a full list of connectors visit: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connector-reference/
What is a Model-Driven App?
Model-Driven apps are built using a data-first approach. When you start creating a Model-Driven app you choose your tables from the Dataverse, and then the app is scaffolded for you. With Model Driven apps, you don’t have as much control over the UI/UX. In some cases, that is nice feature because Microsoft has already done that work. With Model-Driven apps, you can add in Business Process Flows, Business Rules, and Dashboards. Model Driven apps really give you the power to fit your businesses’ needs and depending upon your requirements, can be a quick and easy solution.
Before you start, ask yourself these questions:
Will this app be used on both mobile and desktop? With Model Driven apps it does not matter. By default, they scale to the user's device.
How many users will be using the app? This is good to consider so you can know what kind of licensing you will be up against.
Will external users need to use the app? If the answer is yes, then Model Driven apps unfortunately are not the solution for you.
What will your data sources be? Model Driven apps only work with the Dataverse. However, there are loopholes you can jump through to get them to work with other data sources. (Hint: Power Platform Dataflows)
Which App is Right for Your Situation?
Even after answering the questions above, it can be hard to choose which type of app to build based upon your business problem. Another good distinction would be if you really want a simplified user experience, then build a Canvas App. If you want a more administrative feel to your app with create, read, update, delete rights to your data, then using a Model Driven app will be the quickest and simplest solution. If you really want to pack a punch, consider using both types of apps in conjunction with one another. These work great when you need data input from users who don’t necessarily need to see all the organization’s data.
Do you need guidance on deciding when to use canvas apps over model-driven apps? JourneyTEAM experts are here to help guide you and ensure you’ve implemented data best practices that improve your business processes. Contact our BI experts today!