Frequently asked questions
Short, plain answers about our services, products and the way we work, grouped by topic. If your question is not here, send it to us and a consultant replies by email.
About AscenWork
Who is AscenWork?
AscenWork is a team of developers and consultants that designs, builds and supports solutions on Microsoft 365: SharePoint, Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Copilot and AI. We have worked on SharePoint and Microsoft 365 since 2010.
How big is the AscenWork team?
We are a team of consultants, developers, designers, testers, project managers and support staff. Each project gets the mix of roles it needs, from a single specialist to a dedicated team.
How many projects and clients has AscenWork worked with?
We have delivered 500+ projects for 350+ clients across 15+ industries, including manufacturing, automotive, oil and gas, energy and renewables, aviation, media and entertainment, retail and consumer goods, infrastructure and real estate, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, and legal and professional services.
Which countries does AscenWork work in?
We work remotely with clients across the globe, including India, the Gulf, Asia Pacific, the UK, the US and Europe.
Which Microsoft technologies does AscenWork work with?
SharePoint (Online and Server), Microsoft 365, Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio and custom AI. We started on SharePoint 2007 and have delivered on every version since.
Which clients has AscenWork worked with?
Our clients include Tata Realty, Bajaj, Samsonite, Apar Industries, IndiGrid, Mahanagar Gas, Cushman & Wakefield, IndianOil Total, Uno Minda, Rubamin, Raychem RPG, Prince Pipes, Nexus Select Trust, NIQ and Tibah Airports. Logos on our site are shown with the client’s permission.
How do we start working with AscenWork?
Send us a short message through the contact form. A consultant replies by email, and the first call is free. After a short scoping call we send a written proposal with the scope, the assumptions and the price.
Where should we start?
Book a free consultation. We listen to what is slow, manual or hard to see, then suggest the platform and the first step.
Do you support what you build?
Yes. Support and maintenance is available after go-live under a support plan.
What does AscenWork do?
AscenWork designs, builds and supports solutions on Microsoft 365: SharePoint intranets and document management, Power BI dashboards, Power Apps and Power Automate workflows, Copilot and AI agents, and .NET, Azure and SQL Server applications.
Do you work with companies outside India?
Yes. We work with clients across India, the Gulf, Asia Pacific, the UK, the US and Europe.
Do your products run inside our own Microsoft 365?
Yes. Our products are built on SharePoint and run in your own Microsoft 365 tenant, so your data stays in your environment.
How do you price a project?
It depends on the scope. After a free scoping call we send a proposal with one price for the core scope and separate prices for any optional add-ons.
Can you take over and support an existing SharePoint or Power Platform setup?
Yes. We review what you have, fix what is urgent and then support it under a maintenance plan.
Pricing and working together
Do we need premium licences?
Standard Microsoft 365 connectors are often covered by existing licences. Premium connectors and Dataverse need premium licences, which we cost before the build.
How much does it cost?
We do not publish a price list. The cost depends on the role, the level and the hours. Tell us what you need and we send a written quote.
How do we get a price and a timeline?
Book a free call. We learn your data sources, users and questions, then send a proposal with the scope, the assumptions and the price. Timelines depend on the number of sources and dashboards.
How do we get a price?
Book a free consultation. After a short scoping call we send a proposal with one price for the core scope, separate prices for optional add-ons, and the assumptions written down.
How do people sign in, and what licence is needed?
People sign in with their Microsoft 365 account. The product is built on SharePoint Online, so you need an active SharePoint Online licence. It uses the Microsoft 365 licences and infrastructure you already have.
Power BI
What is a Power BI dashboard template?
A Power BI dashboard template is a design reference for a common business question, showing the pages, visuals and measures that answer it. Our templates are free PDFs you can use for design inspiration. If you want one built on your own data, we can do that for you.
How do I use a Power BI template?
Read the PDF to see the pages, visuals and measures, and pick what suits your reporting. To build it in Power BI, you can follow the design yourself, or we set it up on your data, apply your branding and publish it to the Power BI service with a refresh schedule.
Can I customise these templates?
Yes. Charts, colours, filters, measures and data sources can all be changed. A template is a starting point and not a fixed product.
Are the templates free?
Yes. The template PDFs are free design inspiration. Request the one you need and we will send it. Building a dashboard on your own data is quoted after a scoping call.
What file formats do you provide?
The free templates are PDFs. If we build a dashboard for you, you receive a Power BI file (PBIX), which opens in Power BI Desktop, free to download from Microsoft.
Do I need a Power BI Pro licence?
You do not need one to build or edit a report in Power BI Desktop. To share reports with other people in the Power BI service, you usually need Power BI Pro licences, or the report must sit on a capacity that covers your viewers. We check this on the first call so there are no surprises.
Which industries are covered?
Templates cover common functions such as sales, finance, HR, marketing and projects, and industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail and logistics. If your industry is not listed, tell us what you need.
Can I connect my own data?
Yes. Power BI connects to Excel, SQL Server, SharePoint, Dynamics 365 and many other sources. We set up the connection and the Power Query steps that clean and combine the data.
Can I combine several data sources in one template?
Yes. Power Query can merge data from several sources, for example sales from a database and targets from Excel, into one data model.
Which visuals are included?
Typical templates use bar and line charts, matrix and table visuals, number cards, KPI visuals, maps, funnel and waterfall charts, with slicers and drill-through to explore the detail.
How do I keep the data updated?
Publish the report to the Power BI service and set a scheduled refresh. Where your data is on your own network, a data gateway lets the service reach it. We set this up as part of the job.
Are the Power BI calculations (DAX) documented?
When we set up a template we include short notes on each measure, so your team can see how it is calculated and change it later.
Can we share a template inside our organisation?
Yes. Once the report is published in the Power BI service, you share it with colleagues under your Power BI licences, or place it in Microsoft Teams or on a SharePoint page.
What support is available?
We can support the dashboard after go-live: fixes, new pages and refresh checks. Tell us on the first call if you want a support plan.
How often are new templates added?
We add templates as they are ready. Requests from visitors help us decide what to build next, so tell us what you need.
What if a template is out of date?
Power BI changes often. If a template uses a feature that has changed, tell us and we update it.
Can you take over reports built by someone else?
Yes. We start with a review that documents what exists, then agree with you what to keep, fix or rebuild.
Do you train our analysts?
Yes. Every project includes handover documentation and recorded walkthroughs, so your team can extend the model.
How do you agree working hours?
We agree a fixed call window on IST at the start of each project and send a written update after each working session.
Can you review reports someone else built?
Yes. A review documents what exists, finds the faults and ranks the fixes before any rebuild.
How do calls work with a UK team?
We agree a daily window in the UK working day and send a written update after each session.
Do you work with Microsoft Fabric?
Yes, where data volumes or workloads need it. We recommend Fabric only when Power BI alone is not enough.
What time do calls usually happen?
We agree a window in the European working day at the start of each project.
Who owns the reports after launch?
You do. We document the model and train your analysts to maintain it.
Can you help with licensing?
Yes. We match Pro, Premium Per User and capacity to your users and refresh needs.
How do calls work with a Canadian team?
We agree a daily window in the Canadian morning, usually an evening call on IST, and send a written summary at the end of our day.
Do you provide documentation?
Yes. Every project includes measure definitions, a source list and a refresh schedule.
When do your teams work on Australian projects?
We plan calls in the Australian afternoon and send a written update at the end of each working session.
Can you review reports we already have?
Yes. A review is often the first step, and it gives you a ranked list of fixes.
How do calls work for an Oman team?
We agree call times in Oman working hours at the start of each project.
Do you provide training?
Yes. We run recorded walkthroughs and live sessions for your analysts.
What do you need to start?
A list of reports, the data sources behind them and the people who use them most.
How do you manage working week differences?
We agree working days and call times at the start of each project and send a written update after each session.
Which data sources do you connect?
ERP, CRM, SQL and Excel are common. We confirm each source and its refresh needs during discovery.
Can you review an existing Power BI estate?
Yes. A review documents what exists, finds the faults and ranks the fixes.
How do you price a Power BI project?
We scope it in discovery and agree a fixed price for a defined set of reports, or a monthly allocation for ongoing work.
What happens when a data refresh fails?
Alerts go to the right person first. We then agree the fix with your IT team and record the cause.
Can you work with our existing reports?
Yes. A review of your current reports is often the first step.
Who owns the reports after handover?
You do. We document the model and train your team to change it.
What happens to the Excel reports we already use?
We review each one, keep the logic that works and move the rest into a shared data model.
How do you agree the timeline?
We agree milestones in discovery and send a written progress update at the end of each week.
Can you support reports after launch?
Yes. We offer a managed service with a monthly allocation of time, or we train your analysts to maintain the reports.
How do you handle changes to the data model?
Changes go through a development environment and a review before they reach production.
Do you check reports on mobile?
Yes. We check each report on desktop and phone before release.
How do you handle our data during the project?
We build inside your tenant with named accounts, follow your access rules and keep the work in your environment.
How long does a review take?
Most reviews take one to three weeks, depending on the size of the estate. We confirm the timeline in writing before we start.
Can you connect to our ERP?
Yes. We connect to common ERP and SQL sources through gateways, and we agree refresh times with your IT team.
Can you embed reports in our product?
Yes. We design the embedding and security model first, then build and test it with your developers.
Which licence do we need?
It depends on who views the reports and how often data refreshes. We cost the options in discovery so you can choose before we build.
Do you have ready-made templates?
We publish free Power BI dashboard templates for several industries. They are good starting points. Connecting them to your real data and security is where the work is.
What should a Power BI sales dashboard show?
Net sales against target, pipeline and the weighted forecast, win rate, and the top accounts and products. Start with the decisions your sales head takes each week, and show only the figures that support them.
What should a marketing dashboard show?
Spend, attributed revenue, return on ad spend, cost per new customer and the funnel from impression to order, by channel and by campaign. It should also show budget pacing against plan, so overspend is seen early.
Can it connect to our CRM and ERP?
Usually yes. Power BI connects to common CRMs, databases, Excel and SharePoint. We confirm each source on a short scoping call and tell you what is easy and what needs extra work.
Are these screens real client data?
No. Every number comes from a fictional retailer, so no client data is shown. In a project, the same pages run on your own data.
Is the sample pack free?
Yes. The design pack is free, and we email it to you as a PDF. Building dashboards on your own data is a scoped, paid engagement, which we quote after a discovery call.
Can each salesperson see only their own numbers?
Yes. With row-level security, each person sees only the rows they are allowed to see, such as their own region or accounts, while managers see the whole team.
What should a customer experience dashboard show?
NPS and satisfaction against target, case volume and resolution time, and promoters and detractors by segment. Start with the decisions the team takes each month, such as which issue to fix first.
How is NPS calculated?
Percentage of promoters minus percentage of detractors, from the 0 to 10 survey question. We agree the survey wave and the response threshold with you before the build.
Can it connect to our CRM or service desk?
Usually yes. Power BI connects to common CRMs, service desks, databases and Excel. We confirm each source on a scoping call.
Can a regional lead see only their own region?
Yes. With row-level security, a regional lead sees their own region, while the customer experience head sees the whole picture.
What should a merchandising dashboard show?
Gross margin and sales by product line, discount depth, sell-through and markdown cost. Start with the decisions the team takes each week, such as what to promote and what to clear.
How is the price index calculated?
Average selling price divided by the base price for the same product, multiplied by 100. We agree which base price to use before the first build.
Can it show online and store sales together?
Yes. Store and online sales can be combined in one view, or split so each channel is read on its own.
What should an e-commerce dashboard show?
Online revenue, conversion, average order value, cart abandonment and the checkout funnel, plus on-time delivery and return rate. Start with the decisions your online team takes each week.
Can it connect to our store platform?
Usually yes. Common store platforms export orders and sessions, and Power BI connects to them directly or through a database. We confirm the route for your platform on a scoping call.
Can we see returns by product?
Yes. Returns can be shown by reason, category and product, so the team can find the lines that come back most often.
What should a facilities dashboard show?
Occupancy cost, cost per square foot, space utilisation, and the maintenance backlog with SLA performance. Start with the decisions the facilities team takes each quarter, such as lease renewals and space changes.
What if we do not track space use?
The dashboard still works. Cost, lease and maintenance screens do not need occupancy data. The utilisation screen does, so we tell you what a booking or sensor feed would add.
Can it connect to our facilities system?
Usually yes. Power BI connects to common facilities systems, databases and Excel. We confirm each source on a scoping call.
Can a site manager see only their own sites?
Yes. With row-level security, a site manager sees their own sites, while the facilities head sees the whole estate.
What should a store operations dashboard show?
Sales against target by store and region, footfall conversion, average basket, labour cost and shrink. Start with the decisions that store managers and regional leads take each week.
Our stores have different sizes. Can the figures still be compared?
Yes. Sales per square foot and sales per labour hour put stores of different sizes on the same footing. We agree the measures with you before the build.
What if we do not have footfall counters?
The dashboard still works. Footfall conversion needs counter data, so we show the screens that do not depend on it and tell you what a counter would add.
What should a procurement dashboard show?
Spend by supplier and category, on-contract spend, savings, contracts due for renewal, and supplier delivery and quality. Start with the decisions the team takes each month.
How do you measure first-time invoice match?
Invoices matched to the purchase order and goods receipt on the first pass, divided by invoices received. We agree the price and quantity tolerances with you before the first build.
Can it connect to our purchasing system?
Usually yes. Power BI connects to common ERPs, databases, Excel and SharePoint. We confirm each source on a scoping call.
Can a category buyer see only their own spend?
Yes. With row-level security, each buyer sees their own categories, while the head of procurement sees the whole spend picture.
What should a supply chain dashboard show?
On-time in full, lead time and supplier performance for deliveries, and stock value, days of inventory and write-off risk for stock. Start with the decisions your supply chain team takes each week.
How do you define on-time in full?
Orders delivered complete and on the promised date, divided by orders due. We agree the tolerance for early and short deliveries with you before we build, and write it down at handover.
Can it connect to our ERP and warehouse system?
Usually yes. Power BI connects to many ERPs, warehouse systems and databases. We confirm each source on a scoping call and tell you what is easy and what needs extra work.
Can each site see only its own stock?
Yes. With row-level security, a site manager sees their own distribution centre, while the supply chain team sees the whole network.
Can it connect to our HR system and payroll?
Usually yes. Power BI connects to many HR systems, databases and Excel files. We confirm the route for your system on a short scoping call and tell you what is easy and what needs extra work.
Who can see employee-level data?
Only the people who need it. With row-level security, a manager sees their own team, and the people team sees the whole organisation. Personal details can be left out of the dashboard altogether.
Are these screens real employee data?
No. Every number is sample data from a fictional retailer, so no employee data is shown. In a project, the same pages run on your own data.
How is a board pack different from the CEO dashboard?
The board pack focuses on decisions: initiatives on track, benefits against plan, programme spend against the full-year budget, and the decisions requested. It uses the same measures as the CEO view, so the board and the executive team work from one set of numbers.
How is the risk map built?
Each risk gets a likelihood and an impact rating on a fixed scale, and an owner. The risk map plots those ratings in a grid. We agree the scale and the owners with you before the first build.
Can we start with one page?
Yes. Many clients start with the CEO executive overview, then add the board pack once the measures are agreed. We confirm the first phase on the scoping call.
Are these screens real company data?
No. Every number is sample data, and no client data is shown. In a project, the same pages run on your own data.
Can a business head see only their own region or pillar?
Yes. With row-level security, a regional or pillar lead sees their own numbers, while the executive team and the board see the full pack.
What does an FP&A dashboard add?
Budget against actual by department and region, the EBITDA bridge from budget to actual, and forecast accuracy. It shows where the gap comes from, so the team can act on it before month end.
How often do the numbers refresh?
That depends on your source system and your Power BI licence. We set up scheduled refresh in the Power BI service and confirm the frequency on the scoping call.
Can it connect to our ERP and ledger?
Usually yes. Power BI connects to many ERPs and databases directly, and to Excel and SharePoint. We confirm the route for your system on a short scoping call and tell you what is easy and what needs extra work.
Can each department see only its own cost centres?
Yes. With row-level security, a department head sees their own cost centres and budgets, while the finance team sees the whole organisation.
How do we agree the measures, such as DSO and EBITDA?
We write each definition down with you before we build, including which items are added back and which base is used. The definitions are then part of the handover, so the numbers stay the same over time.
Can you redesign a report we already have?
Yes. We keep your data and measures and rebuild the layout. If the data model is the real problem, we tell you before we start.
Is design different from development?
Design is how the report looks and reads. Development covers the data model, measures and refresh. Many projects need both, and we do both. See our Power BI development service for the build side.
Do you design mobile layouts?
Yes. We build a separate phone layout when people will check the report on mobile.
Which Power BI licence do we need?
It depends on who will view the report and how it is shared. We check this on the first call so there are no surprises.
How long does a project take?
It depends on the number of pages and how ready the data is. After a short scoping call we give you a range in writing.
What is Copilot in Power BI?
Copilot in Power BI lets people ask questions about their data in plain language, summarise a report and get help creating report pages. It answers from your data model, so the quality of the model matters.
What is a BI agent?
It is an agent that answers questions from your Power BI data, for example inside Microsoft Teams, for the people who are allowed to see that data.
What does a Power BI consultant do?
A Power BI consultant reviews how Power BI is set up and used, advises on data models, access, licences and report design, and plans the work needed to reach your goal. The output is a clear plan and a list of what to fix, merge or build.
What does a Power BI developer do?
A Power BI developer connects data sources, prepares and models the data, writes the measures, builds the report pages, sets up security and refresh, and hands the work over to your team.
Can you start from our Excel reports?
Yes. Many projects begin with Excel files that are rebuilt by hand each month. We move the logic into a data model so the report refreshes itself.
Will the dashboard work on a phone?
Yes. We can design a separate phone layout for the reports people check away from their desk.
Can different people see different data?
Yes. With row-level security, each person sees only the rows they are allowed to see, such as their own region or department.
Who owns the files at the end?
You do. We hand over the Power BI files and the notes on how the model works.
What do you build in Power BI?
Dashboards and reports on your own data: the connections to your data sources, the data model, the report pages, security by role and scheduled refresh. We also redesign existing reports and prepare data for Copilot.
Can you work on reports we already have?
Yes. We review what you have, keep what works, fix speed and layout problems, and bring duplicate reports onto one data model. Many projects start with an existing report that people have stopped using.
Do we need Power BI licences for everyone who views a report?
It depends on how you share reports and which Microsoft licences you already have. We check this on the first call and tell you what applies before you commit.
Can Power BI connect to our systems?
Power BI connects to a wide range of sources, including Excel, SharePoint, SQL databases and many business applications. We confirm your sources on the first call.
Power Apps, Power Automate and Power Platform
When should we use Power Apps instead of a custom build?
Power Apps fits internal forms, approvals and registers. Customer-facing apps with heavy traffic are usually better built on Power Pages or custom code.
How do you start a project?
With a short workshop with the people who do the task, followed by a first version for them to try.
Which call times do you use?
We agree a window in the European working day at the start of each project.
Who owns the app after build?
You do. We build in your environment, document it and train your team.
Can you help choose between Power Apps and Power Pages?
Yes. Customer-facing sites usually suit Power Pages, while internal processes suit Power Apps.
Who owns the finished app?
You do. We document it and train your makers.
What is the first step?
A workshop with the people who do the task, followed by a first version they can try.
Can you connect to our SharePoint sites?
Yes. We build within your SharePoint and Microsoft 365 environment.
How do you plan around Oman working hours?
We agree call times and review dates at the start of each project.
Who owns the app after launch?
You do. We document it and train your makers.
Do you offer support?
Yes. We offer a support plan with a named contact and agreed response times.
Do you follow the UAE working calendar?
Yes. We agree working days and reduced hours at the start and plan calls around them.
What licences will we need?
It depends on the connectors and the number of users. We cost the licences in discovery and show you the options.
Can you work in our tenant?
Yes, with named accounts and your access rules.
Can our staff maintain the app?
Yes. We train makers in your team and document each flow and screen.
How do you handle changes after release?
Changes go through development and test environments before they reach production.
What do you need from us?
The process owner, the people who do the task and an example of the spreadsheet or form you use today.
How do you agree the first version?
We scope it in a workshop and confirm the date in writing before build starts.
Can the app use our existing SharePoint lists?
Yes, within the list size and delegation limits we explain at the start. Larger data sets usually move to Dataverse or SQL.
Can you work UK hours?
Calls and reviews fit inside your working day. We agree meeting windows at the start of each project.
What is Microsoft Dataverse?
Dataverse is the data platform inside Power Platform. It stores data in tables with relationships, applies security by role and works with Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Power Pages and Copilot Studio.
Should we use Dataverse or SharePoint lists?
SharePoint lists suit simple processes where people already work in SharePoint. Dataverse suits processes with many related tables, tighter security or more than one app on the same data. Our guide compares the two in detail.
Are Dataverse licences included with Microsoft 365?
It depends on your plans and on how the apps use Dataverse. We check this on the first call and tell you before you commit.
Can you move our SharePoint lists or Excel files into Dataverse?
Yes. We map the columns to tables, move the data in steps and check counts and key records before the old source is retired.
Do we need Dataverse for a simple app?
No. A simple form or tracker often works well on a SharePoint list. We suggest Dataverse only when the process needs it.
What does a Power Platform consultant do?
A Power Platform consultant reviews how Power Apps, Power Automate and related tools are used, advises on governance, environments, ownership and licences, and plans the work needed to reach your goal.
What access do you need?
The minimum the review needs, and we tell you in advance what we will look at. You control the access and can remove it when the review ends.
Do we have to hire you to build what you recommend?
No. The plan is yours. We are happy to build it, but you can give it to your own team or another partner.
Can workflows follow our own approval rules?
Yes. We build to your rules, including approval limits, delegation and what happens when someone does not respond.
Will users need to learn a new tool?
Usually not. Most workflows work inside tools people already use, such as Outlook, Teams and SharePoint.
Can workflows connect to systems outside Microsoft 365?
In most cases yes. Power Automate has connectors for many systems, and we can build custom ones where needed.
What if a workflow fails?
We build in alerts, so the right person is told with the details. We can also monitor flows under a support plan.
What can Power Automate automate?
Approvals, notifications and reminders, moving files, copying data between systems, collecting form responses, and scheduled tasks. It connects to Microsoft 365 apps and to many other systems.
What is the difference between cloud flows and desktop flows?
Cloud flows connect online services and run without a person. Desktop flows automate steps in software that has no connector, such as an older desktop application.
Can you fix flows we already have?
Yes. We review flows that fail or nobody understands, fix the cause and document them.
What is Power Pages?
Power Pages is a Microsoft low-code platform for building and hosting secure, external-facing business websites. It is part of the Power Platform family and uses the same business data in Dataverse as Power Apps, Power Automate and Power BI.
When should we use Power Pages instead of a Power Apps app?
Use a Power Apps app for your own staff. Use Power Pages when the users are outside your organisation, such as customers, vendors or partners, and need to reach the data through a website with their own sign-in.
Do portal users need a Microsoft 365 licence?
No. Power Pages is licensed per website, with separate plans for signed-in users and for anonymous visitors. The exact plan depends on how many people use the site each month, so we size it with you on the first call.
Do we have to store the data in Dataverse?
Power Pages is built around Dataverse, so portal data normally lives there. If your records sit in SharePoint today, we explain what moves, what stays and what it means for cost before you decide.
Can people sign in with their existing accounts?
Power Pages supports sign-in through authentication providers. We agree the right option for your users, for example work accounts for partners or a social or local account for the public, during the design step.
Can the portal use our own branding and domain?
Yes. Power Pages starts from templates and a design studio, and we style the site to your brand and publish it on your own domain.
Can we try it before committing?
Microsoft offers a free 30 day trial site. We can build a small proof of concept on it so you see your own process working before you buy a plan.
What kind of apps can you build?
Request and approval apps, inspection and audit checklists, asset and visitor registers, booking apps, field data capture and portals.
Can the app work offline?
Canvas apps can be built to work offline where the process needs it, such as in areas with poor signal. We confirm this when we scope the app.
Can the app connect to our existing systems?
In most cases yes. Power Apps connects to many systems, and we can build custom connectors where one is missing. We confirm your systems on the first call.
Who owns the app at the end?
You do. The app lives in your Microsoft 365 and we hand over notes and training.
What is Power Apps used for?
Power Apps is used to build business apps without starting from a blank codebase: forms, request and approval apps, inspection checklists, registers and portals. They work on desktop and phones and connect to data such as SharePoint, Dataverse and SQL.
Do all users need a licence?
It depends on the apps and the data they use. Some apps use licences you already have in Microsoft 365, others need Power Apps licences. We check this on the first call and tell you before you commit.
What is the difference between canvas and model-driven apps?
Canvas apps give full control over the screen layout and suit forms and task apps. Model-driven apps are built around data in Dataverse and suit data-heavy business processes. We recommend one after understanding your process.
Can you build on the SharePoint data we already have?
Yes. Many apps start from SharePoint lists and libraries you already use, and move to Dataverse when the process needs it.
Can we start small?
Yes. Most clients start with one process, see it working, and then add more.
What is Microsoft Power Platform?
Power Platform is a group of Microsoft tools for building business solutions with little code: Power Apps for apps and portals, Power Automate for workflows, Power BI for dashboards, Copilot Studio (formerly Power Virtual Agents) for AI agents and Power Pages for websites. They can share data connections and sign-in, so one solution can use several of them.
How is Power Platform different from Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 is the set of everyday tools such as Outlook, Teams, SharePoint and Excel. Power Platform sits alongside them and lets you build your own apps, workflows and reports on top of the data and sign-in you already have.
Can our own staff build with it, or do we need developers?
Both work. Simple apps and flows can be built by trained staff. Apps that touch several systems, handle sensitive data or need to last usually need a developer. We build the foundation and can train your people to extend it.
Should the data live in SharePoint or in Dataverse?
SharePoint lists suit simple processes and data you already keep there. Dataverse suits data-heavy processes that need relationships, stricter security and larger volumes. Many solutions start in SharePoint and move when the process needs it.
What is the risk of letting everyone build apps?
Apps and flows multiply quickly. Without ownership, environments and data policies you get apps nobody understands, flows that fail quietly and data leaving through the wrong connector. A governance review sets the rules without stopping people from building.
Can you take over apps and flows that our staff already built?
Yes. We review what exists, tell you plainly what to keep, fix, retire or rebuild, and document the result so your team can run it.
Can you work with the Power BI and SharePoint we already have?
Yes. Most projects connect to SharePoint, Power BI, Teams and the systems you already use rather than replacing them.
Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio and AI
Which systems can you connect?
Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Power Platform and many business applications that offer a connector or an API. We confirm your systems on the first call.
Is it safe to connect AI to our systems?
It can be, with the right access rules and logging. We design what the AI may read and change, and where a person must approve.
Can you integrate with our own applications?
Often yes, if they have an API or a database we can work with. We check this when we scope the work.
When do we need custom AI instead of Copilot?
When the task is specific to your business, needs your own data and rules, or has to sit inside an app or process that standard Copilot does not cover.
Will AI replace the people who do this work?
Our projects are built to help people, with review steps where a person checks the result before it is used.
Where does our data go?
We design for your own environment and tell you plainly where data is processed before you commit.
How do we know it works well enough?
We test on your real examples in a pilot and agree what a good result looks like before the full build.
Do we need an AI strategy before using Copilot?
You do not need a long document. A short plan that picks a few use cases and checks your data and access is enough to start well.
Do we have to hire you to build it?
No. The plan is yours. We are happy to build it, but you can give it to your own team or another partner.
Do you only work with Microsoft tools?
Our work is built on Microsoft 365 and the Microsoft platform, and we are clear when something else fits better.
Who should be in the pilot?
A mix of roles that do the kinds of work Copilot helps with, such as writing, analysis and meetings, plus a few sceptical users. We help you choose.
Do we have to fix all our SharePoint first?
No. We focus on the sites and files that matter most for your pilot group, and plan the rest.
What if Copilot gives a wrong answer?
It can. We teach teams what to check and where Copilot is most and least reliable.
What is Microsoft 365 Copilot?
Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI assistant built into Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and PowerPoint. It helps draft, summarise and answer questions using content the person already has access to.
Do we need to prepare before we turn it on?
It helps a lot. Copilot can surface any content a person can access, so wide sharing and old files lead to confusing answers. A readiness check before rollout avoids that.
Does Copilot use our data to train the models?
Microsoft documents how Copilot handles your data inside your tenant. We walk through Microsoft's current documentation with you and check your own settings.
Do we need a separate licence?
Microsoft 365 Copilot is licensed separately from Microsoft 365. We check your current licences on the first call and tell you what applies.
How do we know it is working?
We agree simple measures with you before the pilot, such as which tasks people use it for and what they say is saved or improved.
How long does it take to build an agent?
A focused agent is usually quicker than a full application, but it depends on the content and the actions it needs. We give a range after the first call.
Can the agent work in Microsoft Teams?
Yes. Agents can run in Teams, and also on websites and other channels.
Who maintains the agent?
You can own it, or we can maintain it under a support plan. Either way we hand over notes and training.
Is our data safe?
The agent runs in your Microsoft environment and respects the permissions people already have. We check access and sharing before launch.
What is Copilot Studio?
Copilot Studio is Microsoft's tool for building agents: assistants that answer questions from your content and take actions, in Microsoft Teams, on a website and in other channels. It replaced Power Virtual Agents.
Can an agent answer from our own documents?
Yes. Agents can use content in SharePoint and other sources, and respect who is allowed to see what. Clean, current documents give better answers.
Can an agent do more than answer questions?
Yes. An agent can start a process, such as a leave request or an IT ticket, using Power Automate and your systems.
Can agents be wrong?
Yes, like any AI tool. We reduce the risk with clean content, clear limits on what the agent answers, and testing, and we help you decide what needs a human check.
Do we need special licences?
Copilot Studio is licensed separately from Microsoft 365. We check your current licences on the first call and tell you what applies.
.NET, Azure and SQL Server
Consulting: What does a SQL Server consultant do?
A consultant designs databases, writes and reviews database code, finds and fixes slow queries, plans migrations and reviews backups and security.
Consulting: Can you improve a slow database?
Often yes. We start with the queries and indexes that matter most, make agreed changes and show the difference.
Consulting: Can you move our database to Azure SQL?
Yes. We review compatibility, plan the move in steps, test it and keep a fallback until you are happy.
Consulting: Do you also build the application on top?
Yes. We build .NET applications on SQL Server, so database and application work stays with one team.
When does a business need SQL Server help?
Usually when reports or screens slow down, when backups and security have not been checked for a while, when the person who built the database has left, or before an upgrade or a move to Azure.
What is the difference between SQL Server and Azure SQL?
SQL Server runs on servers you manage. Azure SQL is the same family of database run as a service by Microsoft in Azure. We review compatibility and plan the move in steps, so you can choose with the facts in front of you.
Sql Server: Can you work on a database someone else built?
Yes. We start with a review of the structure, the main queries, the backups and the security, then agree what to change.
Sql Server: Do you also build the application on top?
Yes. We build .NET applications and Power BI reports on SQL Server, so database and application work can stay with one team.
Infrastructure Setup: What is an Azure landing zone?
It is a planned starting environment in Azure: the structure, access, network, security and cost settings that your applications are placed into. It saves rework compared with adding these later.
Infrastructure Setup: Do we need a landing zone for a small application?
A small application needs a smaller version of the same thinking. We scope the set-up to what you will run, and do not add parts you do not need.
Infrastructure Setup: Can you set this up in our existing Azure subscription?
Yes. We can review what is already there and tidy it, or build alongside it.
Infrastructure Setup: Who owns the environment?
You do. It is in your subscription and your people hold the owner access.
What does Azure infrastructure set-up include?
The accounts and structure for your subscription, access, networking, security settings, backups, monitoring and cost controls, planned around what you will run there.
Can you move our existing applications to Azure?
Yes. We review what you run, agree an order, and move applications and SQL Server databases in planned steps.
Will the environment be in our own subscription?
Yes. It runs in your Azure subscription so you control access and data.
Do you support Azure after set-up?
Yes. We can monitor, fix and review the environment under a support plan.
Can you work with our Microsoft 365?
Yes. Sign-in with Microsoft Entra ID, SharePoint and Teams connect naturally with Azure applications.
Development: What is ASP.NET used for?
ASP.NET is Microsoft's framework for web applications and APIs. It is used for business systems, portals and services that need to be secure and to work with SQL Server and Microsoft 365.
Development: Should we build on ASP.NET Core or an older version?
New applications should normally start on a current, supported version of .NET. For an older application we review it first, then plan an upgrade in steps. We confirm the best route after looking at your code.
Development: Can you take over an application someone else built?
Often yes. We start with a short review of the code, the database and the hosting, and then tell you what we would keep, fix or rebuild.
Development: Can you build in our Azure subscription?
Yes. We can work inside your Azure subscription so the application and data stay under your control.
Development: Do you offer ASP.NET developers on hire?
Yes, by the month or by the hour, and as a dedicated team. See the hire page for the terms.
What kind of applications do you build on .NET?
Business web applications, customer and partner portals, workflow and approval systems, reporting tools, APIs and integrations with the systems you already use.
Do you work with SQL Server?
Yes. Most of our .NET applications use SQL Server, and we also help with design, queries and tuning on existing databases.
Can you host the application on Azure?
Yes. We set up the Azure environment, including access, security and backups, and can support it after go-live.
Can we hire your developers instead of a fixed project?
Yes. You can hire ASP.NET developers by the month or by the hour, or a dedicated team. The terms are on the hire page.
Who owns the code?
You do. We sign an NDA before work starts and hand over the source code and files.
Ready-made products
Performance Management: What does it manage?
Employee performance review forms, from the template to the final approval.
Performance Management: Can we have different forms for different roles?
Yes. HR can create several templates and assign the right one to each employee.
Performance Management: Do employees assess themselves?
Yes. A self-assessment step comes before the reviewer.
Performance Management: How many levels of review can there be?
As many as you need. Approvers are set for each cycle.
Performance Management: Is there a record of the review?
Yes. The audit log keeps each decision with comments.
Performance Management: Do people get reminders?
Yes. Emails go out for upcoming reviews and pending actions.
Where does our data stay?
In your own SharePoint Online, inside your Microsoft 365 tenant. The product is installed there, and AscenWork has no access to your data.
Can it be changed to fit our process?
Yes. Every installation is configured to your process: your forms, steps, roles and approvers. If you need something beyond the standard product, our technical team checks the scope and what is feasible, and we quote those changes separately so you can decide.
What does an installation include?
Setting up the environment, loading your master data, and setting user permissions and menu permissions to follow your company policy.
Do you train our team?
Yes. We provide training and documentation for the product we deploy, a train-the-trainer programme for your own team, and video training for the modules.
How secure is it?
It runs on Microsoft 365, so it uses the security features of your licence, such as role-based access, multi-factor authentication, conditional access, audit logs and external sharing controls. Which of these you have depends on your Microsoft 365 licence, and Microsoft governs them.
Who supports it after go-live?
You can run it with your own team, or add optional managed support from AscenWork for fixes, small changes and reviews. To report an issue, write to support@ascenwork.com and a support executive will pick it up.
Can it run on SharePoint Server instead of SharePoint Online?
It is built for SharePoint Online. For SharePoint Server 2016 or 2019 we can try it, and a few changes may be needed. Tell us what you run and we will confirm.
Performance Management: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
Recruitment: What is a manpower requisition?
A request from a manager to hire for a position, sent for approval before recruitment starts.
Recruitment: Who approves a requisition?
Managers, HR and management, in the order you set. Approvers can be added or changed.
Recruitment: What if an approver has a question?
They ask for more information, and the initiator answers.
Recruitment: How are candidates handled?
The recruiter adds each candidate to an approved requisition, and approvers approve, reject or select them.
Recruitment: What if the chosen candidate does not join?
Candidates on hold stay available as backup.
Recruitment: Does it post jobs or schedule interviews?
No. It covers requisition, approval and candidate selection, and keeps the resume bank.
Recruitment: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
Incident Management: What does it cover?
Reporting and following up health, safety and environment incidents.
Incident Management: Who can report an incident?
Any user you give access to. Reports go to the HSE officer.
Incident Management: What happens after a report?
The HSE officer reviews it and assigns action points to owners with closure dates.
Incident Management: How is an incident closed?
When every action point is closed, the officer verifies and closes the incident.
Incident Management: Is there a record?
Yes. The audit log records each step, with who and when.
Incident Management: Do people get notified?
Yes. Emails go out for new reports, assignments and status changes.
Incident Management: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
What is a helpdesk?
A place where people raise support requests, and the support team tracks them until they are solved.
Helpdesk: How do I raise a ticket?
Choose Create Ticket, fill in the subject, category and priority, add a description and submit.
Helpdesk: Who gets the ticket?
The assignment matrix sends it to a person by category, sub category and location.
Helpdesk: Can I attach a file?
Yes. The ticket form has a document field.
Helpdesk: Can I see the status of my ticket?
Yes. My Tickets shows each ticket with its status.
Helpdesk: Do people get an email?
Yes. Emails go out when a ticket is raised or updated.
Helpdesk: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
Report Builder: What is it for?
Building reports from SharePoint lists, without writing code.
Report Builder: Can a report use more than one list?
Yes. Choose a main list and add related lists.
Report Builder: Can I filter by date?
Yes. Choose a date and time column and set a from and to date.
Report Builder: Can I rename columns?
Yes. Each column can have its own display name and position.
Report Builder: How do I get the data out?
Export the report to Excel or CSV.
Report Builder: Does it make charts?
No. The report is a table, with export to Excel or CSV.
Report Builder: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
Audit Management: What kinds of audit does it cover?
Internal audits, planned as a program and run against checklists for your management systems.
Audit Management: How is an audit approved?
The program goes through multi-level approval, and approvers can approve or reject it.
Audit Management: Can we assign auditors and dates?
Yes. Choose one or more auditors and set the audit date.
Audit Management: How are issues followed up?
Each observation gets a root cause, and corrective and preventive action. Auditees and assignees update their status until it is closed.
Audit Management: Can we see the history of an audit?
Yes. The audit trail records who did what and when.
Audit Management: Do people get notified?
Yes. Emails go out for approvals and when action is needed.
Audit Management: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
Travel and Expenses: How does a travel request work?
The employee plans the trip, the approvers decide, the admin collects vendor quotations and confirms the booking, and expenses are settled afterwards.
Travel and Expenses: Can we set travel rules by grade?
Yes. The travel policy sets the transport mode and class for each city and grade.
Travel and Expenses: How do vendor quotations work?
The travel admin enters quotes from vendors, selects one, and it goes for approval before the booking is confirmed.
Travel and Expenses: Can people claim in other currencies?
Yes. Each expense can have a currency and exchange rate and is converted to the base currency.
Travel and Expenses: Can we limit expenses?
Yes. Limits are set by expense type, city, grade and period.
Travel and Expenses: How are advances handled?
Advances are verified by finance, and expenses are later settled against the advance.
Travel and Expenses: Can we print a voucher?
Yes. A printable summary of the request is available.
Travel and Expenses: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
Claims Management: What kind of claims does it handle?
Employee expense claims, such as travel, lodging, meals, internet, mobile and other costs you define.
Claims Management: How do I submit a claim?
Add each expense with its date, city, type, amount and receipt, add a comment and submit.
Claims Management: How are claims checked against policy?
The expense policy holds limits by expense type, city, grade and period, and claims are checked against it. Differences are flagged to the approver.
Claims Management: What if the approver has a question?
The approver chooses Need More Info, the employee updates the claim and sends it back.
Claims Management: Can finance pay part of a claim?
Yes. Finance can pay the approved amount in full or in part, and the remaining balance is tracked.
Claims Management: Is there a record of each decision?
Yes. The audit trail lists who decided what and when, with comments.
Claims Management: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
Asset Management: How do I request an asset?
Choose Apply Asset, pick the asset types and quantities, add a comment and submit.
Asset Management: Can I request for someone else?
Yes. The form has an option to apply on behalf of another person.
Asset Management: How many approval levels can there be?
As many as you need. The route is set to match your process.
Asset Management: What if there is not enough stock?
The allocation team can allocate part of the request, and the rest stays pending until stock is available.
Asset Management: Can we see who has which asset?
Yes. Allocations are tracked, so you can see who holds what.
Asset Management: Do people get notified?
Yes. Emails go out on submission, approval, rejection and allocation.
Asset Management: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
Procurement Management: What is a purchase requisition?
A formal request to buy goods or services, sent for approval before an order is placed.
Procurement Management: How are approvers chosen?
By department, nature of spend, category and type of purchase, and across as many levels as you need.
Procurement Management: Can we compare vendors?
Yes. The procurement team enters each vendor quotation and compares rate, value, GST and total.
Procurement Management: Can we see past purchases with a vendor?
Yes. A vendor purchase history shows earlier transactions with quantities and prices.
Procurement Management: Who picks the vendor?
The procurement team recommends a vendor, and the recommendation goes through approval.
Procurement Management: Do requesters get updates?
Yes. Emails go out on submission, approval, rejection and requests for information.
Procurement Management: Is there an audit trail?
Yes. Submissions, approvals and modifications are recorded for each request.
Procurement Management: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
Conference Room Booking: How do I book a room?
Choose New Request, pick the location and room, set the dates and details, and save. If approval is switched on, it goes to an HR administrator.
Conference Room Booking: How do I see which rooms are free?
Open View Booked Room, choose a location and look at the week grid. Booked and pending slots are colour coded.
Conference Room Booking: Can I see a room's status without opening the product?
Yes. A tablet or iPad outside the room shows whether it is occupied or available, the current meeting with the time left, and the next meeting.
Conference Room Booking: Can I book from the tablet?
No. The tablet is for viewing only. It shows the day timeline, so people can see which slots are free, and they book with New Request or the week view in the product.
Conference Room Booking: Can I see later slots on the tablet, such as 3 PM?
Yes. The day timeline shows every booked and free slot for today, with the organiser on each booking and a marker for the current time.
Conference Room Booking: Can I cancel a booking?
Yes. Add a comment and choose Cancel Request.
Conference Room Booking: Can I ask for amenities?
Yes. The booking form has an Amenities field.
Conference Room Booking: Can rooms be in different locations?
Yes. Availability is shown by location.
Conference Room Booking: Who approves a booking?
An HR administrator, by default. The approval step is set to match your process.
Conference Room Booking: Do people get an email?
Yes. Emails go out for approvals, rejections and confirmations.
Conference Room Booking: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
Project Timesheet: What is it for?
Planning projects, tracking milestones and payments, and recording the time spent on them, with approval of each timesheet.
Project Timesheet: How do I create a project?
Add the project details, the client, the managers and the members, attach documents if needed, and submit.
Project Timesheet: Can I add several members to a project?
Yes. The Members field takes more than one person.
Project Timesheet: What is the difference between a milestone and a task?
A milestone is a stage of the project. Tasks sit under a milestone and are the pieces of work.
Project Timesheet: How do I log hours?
Open a new timesheet, choose the project, milestone and task, and enter the hours for each day.
Project Timesheet: Who approves a timesheet?
The approver route is set for your organisation, and the timesheet shows it before it is submitted.
Project Timesheet: Can I track payments against milestones?
Yes. Each milestone shows its invoice status and the percentage paid.
Project Timesheet: Does it use AI?
An optional AI analysis reviews daily timesheet updates and the weekly resource allocation tracker, and reports patterns such as delayed milestones and payment risks.
Project Timesheet: Where is the data stored?
In SharePoint Online, in your own Microsoft 365 tenant.
Project Timesheet: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
What is task management?
Creating tasks, giving them an owner and a date, and tracking them until they are done.
Task Management: How do I create a task?
Choose New Task, fill in the task, assignee, priority, bucket and dates, and save.
Task Management: Can I set a deadline?
Yes. Every task has a start date and an end date, and an end date can be extended with a reason.
Task Management: Can tasks repeat?
Yes. A task can be set to recur daily, weekly or monthly.
Task Management: Can I attach files?
Yes. Documents can be attached to a task.
Task Management: What is the maker and checker option?
It asks a second person to review finished work before the task is closed.
Task Management: Can I see what changed on a task?
Yes. The Action History lists each status change with the person, date and remarks.
Task Management: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
What is an approval workflow?
A set of steps that sends a request to the right people for a decision, and records who decided what and when.
Approval Workflow: Can we customise the workflow?
Yes. Flows are customised with Power Automate to match your process, using no-code and low-code options.
Approval Workflow: Does it work in Microsoft Teams?
Yes. Approvers can act on requests from Teams.
Approval Workflow: Are approvals logged?
Yes. Every request keeps its approvals, comments and timestamps.
Approval Workflow: Can it send a request to several approvers?
Yes. It supports sequential approvals, parallel approvals and conditional routing.
Approval Workflow: Can the route depend on the amount or region?
Yes. You set the approvers for each request type, region, category and amount range.
Approval Workflow: Do we need to write code?
No. The standard request types work as they are, and changes to the flows can be made with no-code and low-code tools.
Approval Workflow: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
SOP Management: Who sets the approval route?
An admin sets the approval hierarchy by department and category, with ordered approvers. When an owner picks a department, the route fills in. The owner can add reviewers for a single SOP.
SOP Management: Can approvers work one after another or all at once?
Both. Each route can be sequential, where approvers act in order, or parallel, where all are notified together.
SOP Management: How do we know staff have read the SOP?
Staff open the document in a built-in viewer and must read for a minimum time that the owner sets. They then pass a scored quiz. The system records the score, time and number of attempts, and the owner can see each answer.
SOP Management: What happens when an SOP expires or needs to change?
Expiring SOPs show a countdown and a Renew button. Renewal copies the content, audience, approvers and quiz, and the current SOP stays live until the renewal is approved. Revision issues a new version with a reason, and the previous version moves to version history.
SOP Management: Is there an audit trail?
Yes. Every action is added to an append-only log that is never edited. Each SOP also has its own approval route and activity timeline, and a printed copy carries the audit log on its cover page.
SOP Management: Can we use our own departments, categories and certifications?
Yes. Admins maintain departments, categories, audience groups, certifications and status names from master lists, and mark items inactive instead of deleting them.
SOP Management: Can we change it for our process?
Yes. We have adapted this product for clients, for example with reading and quiz steps, renewal and revision, and printed copies. We scope any changes with you before we start.
SOP Management: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
Contract Management: How do I create a contract?
Choose New Contract, fill in the details, attach the documents and submit it for approval.
Contract Management: Where are contracts stored?
In a central repository in your SharePoint Online, where you can search, filter and sort them.
Contract Management: How do approvals work?
Heads of department and predefined approvers review the contract in turn, and each can approve, reject or ask for more information.
Contract Management: What happens when an approver asks for more information?
The initiator answers or amends the contract, and the request goes back to the approver.
Contract Management: Can we amend a contract after approval?
Yes. Each amendment goes through approval and is recorded in the history.
Contract Management: Can we end a contract early?
Yes. A contract can be terminated before its expiry, with the reason recorded.
Contract Management: Will we be told before a contract expires?
Yes. Expiry alerts are sent by email, using the title of the contract.
Contract Management: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
What is a document management system?
A document management system stores, organises and tracks electronic documents, and scanned images of paper files, in one controlled place.
Document Management System: How does it keep documents organised?
With folders, metadata and tags, plus automatic folder creation and automatic file naming, so documents are easy to find later.
Document Management System: What file types can it hold?
PDF, Word and Excel files, images, AutoCAD drawings and other common file types.
Document Management System: How is AscenWork Document Management different?
It is built on SharePoint Online and has been configured and extended over many client projects. Repositories, projects, OCR, automatic naming and two-level approval come as part of the product, and we set them up for your process.
Document Management System: Can we control who sees a document?
Yes. You give people or groups permission to view, edit or delete, at repository, project, folder and sub-folder level.
Document Management System: Can several people work on the same document?
Yes. People can edit together, add comments and follow the version history. If you want only one editor at a time, use check-out and check-in.
Document Management System: How does version control work?
Every change creates a version. You can see who made it and when, compare two versions and go back to an earlier one.
Document Management System: How do approvals work?
There are two levels, Approver and Publisher. A document added to a folder is published only after the Approver and then the Publisher have approved it.
Document Management System: Can we reach it from outside the office?
Yes. It runs in your Microsoft 365, so people open it from anywhere with an internet connection and their Microsoft 365 sign-in.
Document Management System: How do we bring in paper documents?
Scan them and upload the scans. OCR turns the text in the scan into searchable text, and it can convert it to editable text in Word, PDF or Excel format.
Document Management System: What if someone deletes a document by mistake?
Deleted items go to a recycle bin, so you can restore them while they are still there.
Document Management System: Does it help with compliance?
It keeps an audit trail and access logs, and supports retention policies, which help you show who did what and keep records for the right period. Meeting a regulation still depends on how you set up and run it, and we help you configure it.
Document Management System: What are metadata and tags?
Custom fields you attach to a document when you upload it, such as document type, project or revision. They let people filter and search with precision.
What is an intranet portal?
A private website for your organisation where employees find news, policies, people, departments and the tools they need.
Intranet Portal: Can each department manage its own site?
Yes. Each department site has an owner who manages its notices, documents and links within the roles you set.
Intranet Portal: Can people search for colleagues?
Yes. The directory shows phone, email and role, and can be filtered by designation, department, division, region and branch.
Intranet Portal: Does it work with Microsoft Teams and Outlook?
It is built on Microsoft 365, so people can reach Teams and Outlook from it. Power BI reports and Power Automate flows can be linked where your teams need them.
Intranet Portal: Can we run approvals on it?
Yes. Requests can go through an approver route with documents, comments and an audit log.
Intranet Portal: Can we control who sees what?
Yes. Administrators set roles and permissions for each area, using your Microsoft 365 sign-in.
Intranet Portal: Can people use it on a phone?
Yes. The home page has a mobile view.
Intranet Portal: How do we get a price?
Talk to us. We listen to how your process works today, then send a written quote that covers the product set-up for your tenant and any custom changes as separate lines.
Are these products or custom projects?
They are products. Each one began as a client project, and we have kept improving it. We install it in your tenant and configure it to your process, so you do not start from a blank page.
Do you offer a product that is not listed?
Often yes. If your need is close to a product, we adapt it. If not, our services team can build something custom on SharePoint, Power Apps and Power Automate.
Hiring developers and teams
What is staff augmentation?
It means adding outside specialists to your own team for a period of time. They work on your tasks, in your tools, and you direct the work. You do not hand over the whole project, only the extra capacity or skill.
Is staff augmentation different from hiring a developer?
At AscenWork it is the same service. The hire pages describe it by skill, such as SharePoint or Power BI. This page describes it as a way of working. The terms, hours and levels are the same.
How is staff augmentation different from a support plan?
With staff augmentation you give the tasks and set the priorities. With a support and maintenance plan we agree in writing what we look after and respond to requests. Use a support plan for solutions already live, and augmentation for ongoing building.
Staff Augmentation: Which skills and roles can you add to my team?
Developers on SharePoint, Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, ASP.NET, Azure and SQL Server, at junior, mid, senior and architect or lead level. A dedicated team can also include a technical lead, a project manager, testers and designers.
Staff Augmentation: Who manages the people you supply?
You set the tasks and priorities. A project manager from AscenWork checks progress and sends you an update every day.
Staff Augmentation: Can I meet the developer before we start?
Yes. We propose a developer for your role and you can meet them before you confirm.
Staff Augmentation: How quickly can a developer start?
After you confirm, a developer can often start within a week. It depends on availability, so we confirm on the first call.
What is the minimum commitment?
One month for a dedicated developer, or 20 hours a month for a part-time developer. You give 30 days notice to end or change.
Staff Augmentation: How many hours are in a month?
A dedicated developer works 176 hours a month, which is 8 hours a day for 22 days.
Staff Augmentation: Who owns the work?
You do. You own the code and files we produce, and we sign an NDA before work starts.
Sql Server Developers: Can you work on a database we already run?
Yes. We start with backups, scheduled jobs and the slowest queries.
Sql Server Developers: Do you handle upgrades and moves to Azure?
Yes. Upgrades and moves are planned in steps, with a tested fallback.
Sql Server Developers: Can you fix reports that are slow?
Yes. We find the queries behind slow reports and fix the cause.
Azure Developers: Can you work in our existing subscriptions?
Yes. We review what is running first, then agree the changes.
Azure Developers: Do you set up cost alerts?
Yes. Budgets and alerts are set up as part of the review.
Azure Developers: Do you handle identity and access?
Yes. Access is reviewed by role and documented.
Asp Net Developers: Can you work in our existing codebase?
Yes. We start by building and running the code, then agree how changes will be made.
Asp Net Developers: Do you write tests?
Yes. We add tests to the parts of the application that change most often.
Asp Net Developers: Can you host in our own Azure subscription?
Yes. Hosting in your own Azure subscription is the normal set-up.
How big is a dedicated team?
It is agreed for each project, based on the work and the budget. Some teams start with a few people and grow.
Dedicated Team: Can I change the team size later?
Yes. You can add or remove people with 30 days notice.
Dedicated Team: Who manages the team day to day?
A technical lead and a project manager from AscenWork, who report to you every day. You set the priorities.
Dedicated Team: Which platforms can the team cover?
SharePoint, Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate and Copilot and AI work on Microsoft 365.
Dedicated Team: Who owns the work?
You do. You own the code and files, and we sign an NDA before work starts.
Dedicated Team: How much does a team cost?
We do not publish a price list. The cost depends on the size and mix of the team. Tell us what you need and we send a written quote.
Power Apps Developers: Do you build for phones as well as desktop?
Yes. Apps are tested on the phones and tablets your staff use.
Power Apps Developers: Can you connect apps to SharePoint or Dataverse?
Yes. We choose the data store from the process and build the connection.
Power Apps Developers: Can you take over an app someone else built?
Yes. We review the app, its data and its flows, then agree the next steps.
Power BI Developers: Can you work with our existing reports?
Yes. We start by reviewing the data model and the reports people use, then fix or extend them.
Power BI Developers: Do you set up the gateway and scheduled refresh?
Yes. We set up and check scheduled refresh and gateways, and document them for your team.
Power BI Developers: Can you train our report owners?
Yes. We hand over a short guide and can run a session for the people who own reports.
SharePoint Developers: Can you work in our existing SharePoint sites?
Yes. Most work starts in your current tenant and sites, and we follow your existing structure and naming.
SharePoint Developers: Do you cover SharePoint Server as well as Online?
Yes. We work on SharePoint Online and on SharePoint Server, including Subscription Edition upgrades.
SharePoint Developers: Can a developer take over a site someone else built?
Yes. We start with a review of the site, its permissions and its workflows, then agree the next steps.
Industries
E Commerce: Do you connect to our online store data?
We can build dashboards on data exported from your store platform or from the Microsoft services that hold it. We confirm the source during the scoping stage.
Have you worked in e-commerce?
The processes in e-commerce are common to many industries: controlled documents, approvals, contracts, audits and reporting. We have built these on Microsoft 365 for clients across 15+ industries. On the first call we tell you honestly how close our existing work is to your case.
Do you only build on Microsoft 365?
Our work is built on Microsoft 365 and the Power Platform: SharePoint, Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate and Copilot. We connect them to your other systems where needed.
E Commerce: Where does our data stay?
In your own Microsoft 365 tenant and your own systems. We build inside your environment and do not copy your data to systems of our own.
Education: Can students and parents use it?
Access is set by role. Students see their own records and staff see what their role allows. We agree the access rules with you before we build.
Have you worked in education?
The processes in education are common to many industries: controlled documents, approvals, contracts, audits and reporting. We have built these on Microsoft 365 for clients across 15+ industries. On the first call we tell you honestly how close our existing work is to your case.
Logistics: Do you build freight reports from our system data?
Yes. We connect Power BI to the data you already hold, such as job and invoice records, and build the reports your operations and finance teams use.
Have you worked in logistics?
The processes in logistics are common to many industries: controlled documents, approvals, contracts, audits and reporting. We have built these on Microsoft 365 for clients across 15+ industries. On the first call we tell you honestly how close our existing work is to your case.
Legal and Professional Services: Can clients and outside parties see their own documents?
Yes. We can set up secure access for clients and partners so each person sees only the files meant for them.
Legal and Professional Services: How do you keep client files confidential?
Everything is built in your own Microsoft 365 tenant, with access set by role and kept under your admin. We do not host your data.
Have you worked in legal and professional services?
The processes in legal and professional services are common to many industries: controlled documents, approvals, contracts, audits and reporting. We have built these on Microsoft 365 for clients across 15+ industries. On the first call we tell you honestly how close our existing work is to your case.
Legal and Professional Services: Where does our data stay?
In your own Microsoft 365 tenant and your own systems. We build inside your environment and do not copy your data to systems of our own.
Healthcare and Life Sciences: Do you handle patient or clinical data?
Clinical and personal data stay in your own systems and your own Microsoft 365 tenant, under your security settings. We agree with you what data a solution needs before we build it, and we do not host your data.
Have you worked in healthcare and life sciences?
The processes in healthcare and life sciences are common to many industries: controlled documents, approvals, contracts, audits and reporting. We have built these on Microsoft 365 for clients across 15+ industries. On the first call we tell you honestly how close our existing work is to your case.
Healthcare and Life Sciences: Where does our data stay?
In your own Microsoft 365 tenant and your own systems. We build inside your environment and do not copy your data to systems of our own.
Financial Services: Can you connect to our core banking or policy system?
Often, yes. We connect Microsoft 365 to other systems through standard connectors, APIs and database access, after we review what your system offers.
Financial Services: How do you handle sensitive data?
Everything is built in your own Microsoft 365 tenant, under your security settings and your admin. We do not host your data.
Have you worked in financial services?
The processes in financial services are common to many industries: controlled documents, approvals, contracts, audits and reporting. We have built these on Microsoft 365 for clients across 15+ industries. On the first call we tell you honestly how close our existing work is to your case.
Financial Services: Where does our data stay?
In your own Microsoft 365 tenant and your own systems. We build inside your environment and do not copy your data to systems of our own.
Infrastructure and Real Estate: Can site teams and outside parties use it?
Yes. We build forms that work on phones and tablets, and set up secure access for contractors, consultants and tenants so each person sees only what they should.
Have you worked in infrastructure and real estate?
Yes, we have worked with clients in this industry. We name clients and projects only with their approval, so we share details on a call or on our case studies page once approved.
Infrastructure and Real Estate: Where does our data stay?
In your own Microsoft 365 tenant and your own systems. We build inside your environment and do not copy your data to systems of our own.
Retail and Consumer Goods: Can dashboards combine data from several systems?
Often yes. Power BI connects to many sources, and we confirm your systems on the first call.
Have you worked in retail and consumer goods?
Yes, we have worked with clients in this industry. We name clients and projects only with their approval, so we share details on a call or on our case studies page once approved.
Retail and Consumer Goods: Where does our data stay?
In your own Microsoft 365 tenant and your own systems. We build inside your environment and do not copy your data to systems of our own.
Media and Entertainment: Can we share files with freelancers and partners?
Yes. We can set up secure sharing for outside people, with access limited to the projects they work on.
Have you worked in media and entertainment?
Yes, we have worked with clients in this industry. We name clients and projects only with their approval, so we share details on a call or on our case studies page once approved.
Media and Entertainment: Where does our data stay?
In your own Microsoft 365 tenant and your own systems. We build inside your environment and do not copy your data to systems of our own.
Aviation: Can shift workers use it on their phones?
Yes. We build intranets and apps that work on phones and tablets, with simple screens for people who are on the move.
Have you worked in aviation?
Yes, we have worked with clients in this industry. We name clients and projects only with their approval, so we share details on a call or on our case studies page once approved.
Renewable Energy: Can you work with the data from our assets?
Often yes. Power BI connects to many data sources, and we confirm yours on the first call.
Renewable Energy: Have you worked in energy and renewables?
Yes, we have worked with clients in this industry. We name clients and projects only with their approval, so we share details on a call or on our case studies page once approved.
Renewable Energy: Where does our data stay?
In your own Microsoft 365 tenant and your own systems. We build inside your environment and do not copy your data to systems of our own.
Oil and Gas: Can it work for teams at remote sites?
Yes. We design for the devices and connections your sites have, including mobile use, and agree what must work offline when we scope the project.
Have you worked in oil and gas?
Yes, we have worked with clients in this industry. We name clients and projects only with their approval, so we share details on a call or on our case studies page once approved.
Oil and Gas: Where does our data stay?
In your own Microsoft 365 tenant and your own systems. We build inside your environment and do not copy your data to systems of our own.
Automotive: Can outside partners such as dealers or suppliers access it?
Yes. We can set up secure access for outside users, with permissions that show each person only what they should see.
Have you worked in automotive?
Yes, we have worked with clients in this industry. We name clients and projects only with their approval, so we share details on a call or on our case studies page once approved.
Manufacturing: Can staff on the plant floor use it from a phone?
Yes. We build apps and pages that work on phones and tablets, and can keep screens simple for people who work on their feet.
Have you worked in manufacturing?
Yes, we have worked with clients in this industry. We name clients and projects only with their approval, so we share details on a call or on our case studies page once approved.
Which industries do you work with?
Manufacturing, automotive, oil and gas, energy and renewables, aviation, media and entertainment, retail and consumer goods, infrastructure and real estate, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, legal and professional services, among others.
Can you name clients in my industry?
We name clients and projects only with their approval. We share details on a call, and on our case studies page once approved.
Support and maintenance
Can you support something you did not build?
Yes. We start with a short review of what you run, fix what is urgent and then support it.
Which platforms do you support?
SharePoint, Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate and Copilot solutions on Microsoft 365.
How do we raise a request?
We agree the way with you, for example by email or a shared channel, as part of the plan.
Still have a question?