Amazing Apps - learn how to build agile Dynamics 365 and Power Platform business apps using Scrum Neil Benson

In this episode of Amazing Apps, host Neil Benson explores the importance of rethinking our approach to building business applications. Join us as we delve into the benefits of questioning our assumptions and adapting to new information in the dynamic landscape of app development.
- Unpacking the concept of "thinking like a scientist" and its impact on creating agile business apps.
- Understanding cognitive entrenchment and how it can hinder our progress in app development.
- Examining how embracing new tools like Power Automate or Azure Data Factory can outdo outdated practices.
- Learning from personal experiences and external experts to reassess long-held beliefs about health and productivity.
- Discovering how to stay open-minded to new methods for building Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps without losing sight of effective agile approaches.
Keep experimenting 🧪
-Neil
RESOURCES
Microsoft Power Platform Conference, 18 to 20 October 2024Peter Attia’s The Drive podcastOutlive by Peter AttiaPeter Attia’s websiteAdam Grant’s podcastsAdam Grant’s website
Mentioned in this episode:
Subscribe to my new Estimating Business Apps podcast mini-series
Estimating Business Apps is a five-part podcast that will help you quickly, accurately and confidently estimate complex Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps in minutes.
Listen now: https://estimating-business-apps.captivate.fm/listen

#154. Neil Benson takes us on a journey of learning through experimentation. Starting with the historical origins of smallpox inoculation, Neil discusses the importance of conducting experiments to drive innovation and problem-solving.
Sharing personal experiences from his biochemistry studies to his current work in building applications with Power Platform and Dynamics 365, Neil emphasizes the value of agile software development and the significance of learning through short bursts of experimentation.
He provides insights into real-world experiments with AI Builder and form processing models, highlighting the impact of these experiments on improving business processes. Neil also shares his experimentation with AI features in his own content creation and business operations, encouraging listeners to embrace the mindset of a scientist and continue experimenting.
So, tune in to explore the power of learning through experiments and discover how it can accelerate your own journey in building amazing apps.
Free Workshop: 3 Secrets to Building Business Apps with Scrum
Join this free interactive workshop to discover the three secrets to successfully using Scrum to build agile apps so you can deliver projects faster, under budget, have more fun, and get promoted.
https://customery.com/3secrets
Mentioned in this episode:
Subscribe to my new Estimating Business Apps podcast mini-series
Estimating Business Apps is a five-part podcast that will help you quickly, accurately and confidently estimate complex Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps in minutes.
Listen now: https://estimating-business-apps.captivate.fm/listen

#153.  Neil Benson is joined by Keith Atherton, a proper pro developer. Keith shares his journey from developing custom apps using .NET, C# and SQL Server to embracing and mastering the development of enterprise business applications using the Power Platform.
What do developers lose and gain using Power Platform compared to developing an app from scratch with .NET and SQL Server.The power of rapidly prototyping applications in Power Apps even compared to wireframing tools, like Basalmiq.How Keith decides when to use a low-code option or write code to meet a requirement.The value of documenting our own solutions and decisions, even if it's just for our own benefit later. Developers are used to unit testing, automated regression testing, AI-assisted programming. Do you miss those capabilities when working with Power Platform, especially Power Fx?  How Keith thinks about keeping his skills up-to-date and mastering so many competencies through a weekly learning routine.Why .NET and C# developers should start with PL-900 Power Platform Fundamentals as their starting point for learning how to transfer their skills to Power Apps development.If Keith had a magic wand, Microsoft would enable him to use C# in the Power Fx editor.
Keith Atherton
Keith Atherton on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-atherton/Keith's blog: https://www.keithatherton.com/Keith's podcast, On Air in the Cloud: https://onairinthecloud.com/
Resources
Keith's courses on LinkedIn Learning: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/keith-atherton PL-900 Power Platform Fundamentals training on Microsoft Learn: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/power-plat-fundamentals/Real-world examples of Power Platform solution architectures: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/guidance/architecture/real-world-examples/overview
Support the show
CONNECT
🌏 Amazing Apps website
🟦 Customery on LinkedIn
🟦 Neil Benson on LinkedIn
MY ONLINE COURSES
🚀 Agile Foundations for Microsoft Business Apps
🏉 Scrum for Microsoft Business Apps
📐 Estimating Business Apps

Keep experimenting 🧪
-Neil
Mentioned in this episode:
Subscribe to my new Estimating Business Apps podcast mini-series
Estimating Business Apps is a five-part podcast that will help you quickly, accurately and confidently estimate

#152.  Host Neil Benson is joined by the talented Dani Kahil for an insightful discussion on managing backlogs and enhancing user stories in Azure DevOps and Jira. Neil shares his experiences with Jira, highlighting some configuration challenges, while Dani expresses a strong preference for Azure DevOps.
They dive into the hierarchy of backlog items, including epics, features, user stories, and tasks, and explore different approaches to tracking progress on a Kanban board. Throughout their conversation, Neil and Dani discuss the importance of refining user stories, enriching them with acceptance criteria, and prioritising features based on their value to the team or users. They also touch on the significance of releasing value quickly and iterating on functionality. Join us for an engaging conversation packed with practical insights and tips for efficient backlog management. Let's get started!

Dani Kahil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danikahil/
Dani's blog: https://danikahil.com
Kahil Consulting: https://kahilconsulting.com/

Support the show
CONNECT
🌏 Amazing Apps website
🟦 Customery on LinkedIn
🟦 Neil Benson on LinkedIn

MY ONLINE COURSES
🚀 Agile Foundations for Microsoft Business Apps
🏉 Scrum for Microsoft Business Apps
📐 Estimating Business Apps

Keep experimenting 🧪
-Neil
Mentioned in this episode:
Subscribe to my new Estimating Business Apps podcast mini-series
Estimating Business Apps is a five-part podcast that will help you quickly, accurately and confidently estimate complex Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps in minutes.
Listen now: https://estimating-business-apps.captivate.fm/listen

#151. Amazing Apps host, Neil Benson, dives into a case study from one of his team's own projects: "Member Super", a financial services organisation in Australia. With over a million members, they needed a CRM application that could handle their complex stakeholder relationships and provide exceptional service to their customers.
Member Super's existing CRM app was limiting their capabilities and hindering their goal of achieving a single view of their customers. So, they made the decision to take control and build their own CRM application. Superware partnered with them to make it happen, and the results were nothing short of AMAZING!

RESOURCES
Superware.ai website: https://superware.ai
Superware on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/superware-ai


Support the showCONNECT
🌏 Amazing Apps website
🟦 Customery on LinkedIn
🟦 Neil Benson on LinkedIn

MY ONLINE COURSES
🚀 Agile Foundations for Microsoft Business Apps
🏉 Scrum for Microsoft Business Apps
📐 Estimating Business Apps

Keep experimenting 🧪
-Neil
Mentioned in this episode:
Subscribe to my new Estimating Business Apps podcast mini-series
Estimating Business Apps is a five-part podcast that will help you quickly, accurately and confidently estimate complex Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps in minutes.
Listen now: https://estimating-business-apps.captivate.fm/listen

#150. What does it take to have a successful go live event for your Dynamics 365 or Power Platform application. Neil Benson sat down with Andrew Bibby, a seasoned expert in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform business applications. In this episode, Andrew shares his insights on the crucial process of preparing for and executing a successful go live. From addressing technical difficulties to promoting user adoption and measuring success, Andrew sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of post-delivery project management. He also discusses the importance of training, involving change champions, and effective communication in ensuring a smooth transition. Don't miss this informative episode filled with practical tips for achieving a seamless go-live and maximizing return on investment!

RESOURCES
Andrew Bibby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbibby/Proximo3 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/proximo3/Proximo3 website: https://proximo3.com/Nordic Summit: https://nordicsummit.info/South Coast Summit: https://www.southcoastsummit.com/
TIMESTAMPS
03:26 Phased go-live events for Dynamics 365
06:06 Effort in successful go-live leads to happiness
08:34 Preparation and rehearsal lead to a successful go-live
12:39 Prepare and do steps before go-live
15:36 Early user involvement is vital for successful projects
21:17 Insufficient thought put into IT project training
25:45 Change management ensures successful projects and user adoption
30:07 Change management enhances project success and communication
33:02 Choosing a go-live day
38:20 Metrics, monitoring, and justification are crucial
42:30 The importance of getting across your message, and change management
Support the showCONNECT
🌏 Amazing Apps website
🟦 Customery on LinkedIn
🟦 Neil Benson on LinkedIn

MY ONLINE COURSES
🚀 Agile Foundations for Microsoft Business Apps
🏉 Scrum for Microsoft Business Apps
📐 Estimating Business Apps

Keep experimenting 🧪
-Neil
Mentioned in this episode:
Subscribe to my new Estimating Business Apps podcast mini-series
Estimating Business Apps is a five-part podcast that will help you quickly, accurately and confidently estimate complex Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps in minutes.
Listen now: https://estimating-business-apps.captivate.fm/listen