More Agile IT Processes with the Power Platform

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Eckerd Connects was founded in 1968 by Jack and Ruth Eckerd with a single purpose and mission: “It’s the kids.” Five decades later with a presence in 20 states, Eckerd’s family of services has expanded to include foster care, adoption, workforce development, aid for the homeless and transitional services.

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Streamlined Service Requests

Automated Computer Provisioning

With staff spread over 20 states across multiple service programs, keeping track of computer equipment overall and needs for new employees is quite a dynamic task for Eckerd Connects. The custom-developed Power Platform automation provided a request form through the modern SharePoint intranet, routes requests and provides Finance- and IT-specific screens to review, update and respond to steps.

User Account Request Automation

By virtue of Eckerd’s business model, some contractors bring their own hardware to the job and instead need access to internal networks and an email address. While such account creations do not require finance approval or equipment logistics, it does require security review and IT action. Using a simple Power Apps-driven form, a manager can request an account for their employee and the request is automatically routed for fulfillment following IT review and approval.

Mobile Device Request Automation

In our modern day and age the use of mobile devices is part and parcel of knowledge work and at Eckerd, smartphones and laptops are a key tool in doing the job. Cellular devices are managed by a dedicated MSP and while the nature of mobile device requests vary from that of a computer or laptop, MercuryWorks was able to deliver a device provisioning automation process optimized for mobile devices utilizing the Power Platform.

Built Using

“You want support from partners who are agile, insightful, and savvy. That’s what we get with Mercury. As a result, we lean on them heavily, whenever possible.”
Terrence Gee
Chief Information Officer

Built Using

"What a fantastic solution! Our new IT automated provisioning system has proven to be such a core part of our operations. Thank you MercuryWorks for both bridging the business and technology elements but also delivering a rock-solid IT system."
Ray Wright
Chief Information Officer

Low-Code Solutions Reduce the Time from Idea to Results

The low-code aspect of the Power Platform is a strategic advantage in that Eckerd Connects IT staff and power business users can make needed adjustments to the process without being software developers. Tactically, the use of Power Automate and Power Apps enabled Mercury to spin up a small team of consultants and deploy a solution in a span time of time measured in weeks rather than months.

With the new automated request and provisioning process, all steps are automated and fire as each required and validated set of information is provided. Because Power Automate and Power Apps provide a largely drag-and-drop/visual design surface both non-programmer IT staff and power business users are able to modify and update the interface and business flow at will.

With the Power Platform, organizations can dramatically reduce the time from idea to business results!