AI-Powered Data Entry: New Features in Power Apps and Dynamics 365

Microsoft has introduced powerful updates to the data entry agent in Power Apps and Dynamics 365 model-driven apps, making form completion faster and more intuitive by reducing the need for manual data entry. A recent study with information workers found that AI assistance led to 29% faster form completion, with 95% of users preferring AI-driven entry over manual methods.

At Digital Bricks, we are always on the lookout for innovations that enhance productivity. Microsoft’s latest improvements deliver greater flexibility, enhanced visibility, and more versatile input options. These features are now available in your apps:

• Smart Paste with Image Support: Users can now paste screenshots or handwritten notes directly into forms, with AI automatically extracting the necessary details.

• Expanded File Support: In addition to text, users can upload .txt, .csv, .docx, .pdf, or image files (.png, .jpg, .jpeg, .bmp) to get accurate AI suggestions within the form.

• New Form Fill Toolbar: The redesigned toolbar offers a more efficient way to review and manage AI-generated data entry suggestions.

• Enhanced Maker Controls: Makers can designate specific fields to always require human input, allowing AI assistance to focus where it’s most beneficial.

Let’s explore how these updates can help you work smarter.

Paste Images and Extract Insights

Smart Paste in Power Apps and Dynamics 365 now offers a game-changing feature: the ability to paste images and automatically extract insights. Whether you have a handwritten note, a scanned document, or a screenshot containing key data, Smart Paste can now analyze the image, extract text and tables, and suggest relevant field values. This eliminates the need for manual retyping, saving you valuable time and reducing errors.

Imagine you're logging expenses, and you have a receipt image at hand. Instead of manually entering each detail, you can simply paste the image, and Smart Paste will accurately identify invoice information and populate the form for you. The same functionality is invaluable for keeping inventory records up to date. If you have a handwritten stock count or a delivery receipt, you can paste the image directly into the form, and the system will intelligently extract the necessary data, making record updates quick and seamless.

This capability is also a game-changer for managing maintenance logs or inspection checklists. By capturing an image of a log or checklist, Smart Paste converts the unstructured data into structured form fields, allowing you to maintain accurate records without any manual data entry. Similarly, during collaborative sessions like sales planning meetings, you can take a picture of a whiteboard filled with notes, and Smart Paste will digitize the content, allowing you to update opportunity records efficiently.

For CRM management, Smart Paste can also streamline capturing contact details from physical business cards. Instead of typing out the information, you can scan the card and paste the image into the form. The AI-driven tool will automatically extract names, phone numbers, and other relevant details, updating your CRM effortlessly.

This new Smart Paste feature transforms how users interact with data, making it easier to digitize information from various sources and seamlessly integrate it into everyday workflows. Whether you’re updating records, capturing insights from planning sessions, or managing data from physical documents, this enhancement is designed to help you work smarter and more efficiently.

Smart paste can be enabled using the Smart paste setting in Power Platform admin center by going to Environments > [select an environment] > Settings > Product > Features.

Add files to fill forms

Adding a document makes data entry even easier. Simply select or drag and drop a supported file type—.txt, .csv, .docx, .pdf, or image files (.png, .jpg, .jpeg, .bmp)—and AI will intelligently extract key details to populate your form, reducing manual effort. This streamlined process helps save time and improve accuracy, making it a valuable feature for users who frequently work with various file formats.

The file upload feature is available only when the new form fill toolbar experience is enabled. To learn how to enable both the toolbar and file upload options, see the instructions in the section below.

By incorporating file uploads into your data entry process, you can simplify form completion and increase productivity with AI-powered data extraction.

New Form Fill Toolbar: Manage Suggestions with Ease

Microsoft has introduced a new form fill toolbar that makes managing AI-generated suggestions more intuitive and transparent. This enhanced toolbar provides a streamlined way to view and handle suggestions, helping you work more efficiently and with greater confidence.

With the new form fill toolbar, you can easily see all the AI-generated suggestions within your form at a glance. It clearly indicates the source of each suggestion, giving you valuable context about where the data is coming from. This transparency allows you to make informed decisions when reviewing and accepting the suggested inputs.

Additionally, the toolbar features a real-time count of open suggestions, so you can effortlessly keep track of any pending reviews. This feature is particularly useful when dealing with larger forms, as it helps ensure that no suggestions are overlooked.

By providing a more organized and clear way to manage AI-generated content, the new form fill toolbar enhances the overall data entry experience, making it more efficient and user-friendly.

The new form fill toolbar and files capabilities can be enabled using the Form fill assist toolbar setting in Power Apps app designer when editing a model-driven app.

More Control for Makers: Define Where AI Assists

While AI form fill assistance can significantly speed up data entry, there are instances where human input is essential. To address this, Microsoft now allows makers to define specific fields that should always require manual entry.

Based on user feedback, this new configuration option lets makers opt specific fields out of AI suggestions by adjusting the Allow form fill assistance setting within the column properties. This ensures that AI assistance is used where it adds value while maintaining human oversight for more critical or sensitive data fields.

By giving makers the flexibility to fine-tune how AI interacts with their forms, this update helps maintain data accuracy and control while still leveraging AI to enhance productivity.

Try It Out and Share Your Feedback!

These exciting enhancements are now available in production as of April 1st—so take advantage of the new features by pasting images, uploading files, and using the upgraded form fill toolbar to streamline your workflow. Whether you're managing data entry for invoices, updating inventory, or capturing contact information, these improvements are designed to make your tasks faster and more efficient.

At Digital Bricks, we’re committed to helping businesses make the most of Microsoft’s latest AI innovations. If you’re looking to optimize your processes or need guidance on integrating these new features into your workflows, our team is here to support you. We offer tailored training to ensure you and your team can fully leverage AI-driven data entry and other advanced capabilities.

We’d love to hear how these updates are impacting your work—share your feedback with us and help shape the future of AI data entry! Get in touch with Digital Bricks to learn more about our AI literacy and adoption training programs.

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