Describe use cases of model-driven apps

Unlike canvas apps where the app maker has control over which data sources are used, model-driven apps are always built from data in Microsoft Dataverse.

Model-driven apps use a data-first design, where app design focuses on adding components such as forms, views, charts, and dashboards to tables using an app designer tool. Model-driven apps use a responsive design, which means that they work and display appropriately whether being accessed through a browser, a mobile phone, or tablet.

In most cases, model-driven applications are used as management applications. For example, when someone reports a problem with audio/visual equipment, they typically use a custom built canvas application. However, to manage the incoming requests, assist users with troubleshooting, dispatch someone to fix the problem, and analyze overall operations related to the organization, a model-driven application is typically used. Built in dashboards and charts allow managers to see overall performance such as how many issues are being reported and how they're being resolved. Support users can easily identify incoming requests and provide support directly from within the application.

You define the table relationships, forms, views, business logic, and more at the data layer inside of the Dataverse. These definitions give you enough control to achieve the business result you're looking for without needing to write all the formulas yourself.

Here's an example of a fundraiser donations tracking model-driven app.

The fundraiser donations dashboard lets managers easily see details related to incoming donations based on different fundraisers the organization ran. Using the charts provided, managers can easily examine different donations based on the donation category, donation totals for each fundraiser, and even compare the actual donation totals vs the donation goals.

Additionally, they can easily create and manage fundraisers directly from the application and dive into each individual donation provided.

Model-driven applications provide various different analytic options. Organizations can easily export data to Microsoft Excel, or they can use Power BI integration to create Power BI reports from their business data directly from their model-driven app.

In the example, a real-estate manager used the Visualize this view button to generate a property listings report in Power BI. That report breaks down the real estate data in different ways.