Coding Light, Scaling Right: A Tale of SPA Magic with Azure Storage, Knockout.js, and Power Automate

Fast and affordable solutions are more important than ever in the fast-paced world of customer demands within the corporate world. In this feature we'll showcase how to build a low-cost Single-Page Application (SPA) with local storage, JavaScript, Knockout.js, and Azure Storage Blob as the webserver to produce an engaging and dynamic user experience. The solution effectively handles AJAX calls by utilizing Power Automate, particularly its HTTP request triggers, allowing for smooth communication between the SPA and the backend.

As over-architected and bloated solution designs become commonplace by outsourced partner resources with the full intention of developing solutions as complex as possible in order to set the vendor-hooks it is important for organizations to realize that committing to a KISS (Keep It Stupidly Simple) mindset is always a preferred approach and proven way to minimize technical debt and ensure organizations control their own destiny.

Architecture Overview

Azure Storage Blob as Webserver

Azure Storage Blob serves as an excellent and cost-effective option for hosting static web pages. By utilizing Azure Storage, you eliminate the need for a traditional web server of the likes of an Azure App Service, reducing operational costs while still providing a reliable and scalable platform for your SPA.

JavaScript and Knockout.js for User Interaction

JavaScript, a versatile scripting language, is used to enhance the interactivity of the SPA. The integration of Knockout.js, a JavaScript library, facilitates the development of dynamic user interfaces with automatic UI refreshes based on underlying data changes. This combination enables a smooth and responsive user experience.

Local Storage for Client-Side Data Storage

Local storage within the browser allows the SPA to store data on the client side, reducing the need for constant server requests. This enhances the application's performance and responsiveness, as it can quickly retrieve and update information without relying solely on server-side interactions.

Power Automate for Automation and Integration

Power Automate plays a pivotal role in this solution, providing the necessary automation and integration capabilities. Its HTTP request triggers enable the SPA to communicate with backend services seamlessly. 

Not only does Power Automate provide the HTTP communication layer, but it also acts as the scheduled batch processing agent extracting data from the ERP application and formatting such in a custom JSON format that is easily made available to the SPA for some knockout.js data binding.

Real-World Scenario: Inventory Management

The described solution specifically addresses the challenges of managing inventory based on advanced forecasting models. Batch processes (powered by Power Automate) run these models, predicting item demand and generating real-time min/max inventory settings. The JSON output from these models is staged via Power Automate, allowing the SPA to retrieve and present the data through Knockout.js.

The application allows for inventory personnel to review the suggested min/max levels for each item, and from there manually override the value and marking the min/max settings are signed off and ready for update in the ERP (once again powered by Power Automate). For the more autonomous leveling of inventory levels another feature is to mark the item's min/max values to automatically sync up as new values are calculated thereby flexing up or down in quasi real-time with item demand. 

Benefits of the Solution

Rapid Development

The solution was developed in approximately three days, showcasing the agility and efficiency of the chosen technologies. Azure Storage Blob and Power Automate significantly expedited the development process, allowing for quick prototyping and iterative enhancements.

Cost-Effectiveness

By leveraging Azure Storage Blob and Power Automate, the solution maintains a lean cost structure. The elimination of traditional web server costs and the use of serverless Power Automate HTTP triggers contribute to a cost-effective and scalable architecture.

Scalability and Extensibility

Azure Storage Blob and Power Automate provide a scalable foundation for the SPA. As demand increases, these services can effortlessly scale to accommodate growing user bases and evolving business requirements. The solution's modular architecture allows for easy extensions and modifications, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Minimal Technical Debt

Choosing lightweight and scalable technologies minimizes technical debt. By avoiding unnecessary services and infrastructure, the solution reduces complexity and long-term maintenance costs.

Power Up Wisely by Ditching Power Apps/Power Pages

Building an inexpensive and scalable SPA using Azure Storage Blob, Knockout.js, and Power Automate demonstrates the power of combining lightweight technologies to address specific business challenges. In this scenario, the solution efficiently manages inventory settings based on advanced forecasting models, providing a real-time and interactive experience for users. 

As a comparison to other methods of consumption of the aforementioned user experience, we can see the only provisioning of Azure services was the storage account, whereas other more elaborate solutions would call for committing to an Azure App Service with corresponding database storage needs.

The emphasis on speed, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and minimal technical debt positions this solution as a robust alternative to more resource-intensive and tightly controlled and regulated approaches that are commonplace with low-code/no code options like Power Apps, which is easily the pillar of least value within the Power Platform family.