Help! my Research group has outgrown spreadsheets
Peter Embleton1 1University Of The Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
Abstract
Situation
A research group started out with a single researcher using a spreadsheet to manage their data, as the research group grew they struck all the usual problems with multiple people accessing a single spreadsheet. The group is now at a stage where they need multiple non-technical people entering and querying the data simultaneously so need a database and an interface.
Task
Find a cost effective, low code solution that will give the research group flexibility and a degree of autonomy in the configuration, while considering Information Management requirements. Ideally this solution will be scalable and form a template for other groups to reuse.
Action
The University has recently upgraded its Microsoft licencing to allow premium connectors from the Power Platform, use the low code front end offered by Power Platform to provide an interface that connects to databases and data hosted in the National research cloud, Nectar
Result
The Microsoft Power Platform provides a secure, low code environment for the researchers to interact with their data that is stored in Nectar, for no additional cost to the research group. The research group can modify the interface to suit their changing needs and can collaborate with other groups, both through the application and through Nectar.
Biography
Peter is an IT professional with over 20 years experience in large IT infrastructure environments and is currently the coordinator of the Specialist Technologies team at the University of the Sunshine Coast.