Overview of Power Platform and Copilot Studio reference architectures

Reference architectures are essential frameworks that guide the design and implementation of solutions using Power Platform. By evaluating reference architectures, organizations can build powerful, reliable, and scalable solutions that meet their business needs and drive innovation.

Browse reference architectures categorized by common design decisions. Each reference architecture includes an architecture diagram, a step-by-step workflow, key components, and design considerations.

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Reference architectures are listed by product under the "Power Platform products" node in the table of contents.

Apply AI and agent patterns

Title	Description
Automate vendor invoice processing with Power Automate and AI Builder	Learn how to automate vendor invoice ingestion by extracting and validating XML invoice data using Power Automate and AI Builder.
Extract and analyze agent conversation transcripts	Learn how to extract and analyze agent conversation transcripts with AI to uncover key insights, improve accuracy, and enhance decision-making.
Perform predictive data analysis with Dataverse, Fabric, and Azure AI services	Perform predictive data analysis using Dataverse, Microsoft Fabric, and Azure AI and learn best practices for data ingestion, model training, and visualization, enabling you to build robust predictive models and actionable insights.
Streamline document processing with AI Builder	Streamline document processing and automate data extraction from various documents such as forms, invoices, and purchase orders.
Use Copilot Studio agents in model-driven apps	Learn how to integrate Microsoft Copilot Studio with Power Apps using Agent APIs in PCF controls to provide users with intelligent, contextual recommendations.

Manage data with Dataverse

Title	Description
Analyze and automate business data with Dataverse SDK for Python	Learn how the Dataverse SDK for Python empowers developers and data scientists to analyze, automate, and innovate with enterprise-grade data.
Synchronize data across Dataverse environments using Power Platform	Learn how to manage master data across two Dataverse environments using Power Automate cloud flows and Power Platform dataflows.
Use complex relationships with Microsoft Dataverse	Learn how to model complex data relationships in Microsoft Dataverse to design effective business applications.
Use Dataverse background operations	Use custom APIs to define custom messages and implement business logic through plug-ins, allowing for background processing that eliminates the need for a persistent connection during execution.

Integrate with external systems

Title	Description
Integrate legacy data with Power Automate and SharePoint	Streamline the process of integrating legacy data with modern platforms.
​Integrate Microsoft Fabric Lakehouse data using Dataverse virtual tables	Gather data from multiple internal systems into a Microsoft Fabric Lakehouse, and consume the data in Power Platform apps and automations using Dataverse virtual tables.
Integrate Power Platform with SAP	Learn about the architecture, workflows, and connectivity methods available to integrate Power Platform with SAP to ensure a smooth integration process.

Build and extend apps

Title	Description
Optimize the performance of canvas apps that require complex business logic	Learn how to optimize Power Apps canvas app performance by shifting complex business logic to Dataverse using Power Fx functions or Dataverse custom APIs.
Upload files to SharePoint with metadata from model-driven apps	Learn how to use custom pages for metadata‑aware document uploads from model‑driven apps to SharePoint to improve user experience and governance.
Use Dataverse as a data source for canvas apps​	Creating a Power Apps application that uses Dataverse as a data source can enable building a more custom user experience.
Use REST APIs to extend the functionality of canvas apps	When dealing with complex algorithms or with many data sources shifting the logic from the canvas app to a RESTful API can be a good choice to help keep your formulas within your Power Apps canvas application simple while moving more complex functionality server-side.
Use SQL Server with canvas apps​	Learn how to build and publish an enterprise-grade canvas app using SQL Server as a data source.

Automate business processes

Title	Description
Automate bill copy requests with Power Platform	Learn how to automate the processing of bill copy requests using Power Platform components, including Power Automate, Power Apps, Dataverse, and Power BI.
Automate service order lifecycle and SLA governance with Power Platform	Learn how to design a solution that automates service request lifecycles, approvals, SLA governance, and termination by using Power Platform components.
Implement a scalable notification system with Power Platform	Learn how to implement a scalable notification system to automate SMS and email reminders and improve appointment reliability.
Reduce infrastructure challenges with hosted RPA in Power Automate​	Learn how to use the Hosted RPA feature to decrease the time and effort required for procuring, provisioning, operationalizing, and maintaining infrastructure to support robotic process automations.

Secure, govern, and manage

Title	Description
Automate deployments with Dataverse Git integration and pipelines in Power Platform	Learn how to streamline Power Platform development and releases by integrating Dataverse Git, pipelines in Power Platform, and AI-assisted governance.
Secure Power Platform access to resources inside your virtual network	Use Microsoft Azure Virtual Network support for Power Platform to integrate Power Platform with resources inside your virtual network without exposing them to the public internet.