Prerequisites
The ability to use HTTP connector calls in https://make.powerautomate.com (Some admins DLP block these)
Introduction:
QR (Quick Response) codes have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and versatility in various applications. One of the exciting possibilities is using QR codes to trigger workflows in Power Automate, Microsoft's powerful automation platform. In this blog post, we will explore the process of creating a QR code that invokes a Power Automate workflow by utilizing the HTTP connector. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Generating a URL with the HTTP Connector: To trigger the workflow via a QR code, we need to create a unique URL that encapsulates the necessary information. The HTTP connector in Power Automate allows us to generate custom URLs easily. Here's a simplified example of how you can accomplish this:
Create a new cloud flow and select Instant Cloud Flow.
Now scroll down till you see add When an HTTP request is received trigger action and click Create
Let's now configure the necessary parameters
Click on show advanced and change the method to GET
Now let's add a compose component in for now so Power Automate will allow us to save. Your workflow should now look like this.
Once saved Power Automate generates a URL that can be copied from the HTTP connector above Copy this code ready for the next step.
Step 3: Integrating the QR Code: To create a QR code with the generated URL, you can use a variety of QR code generators available online. These generators typically provide options to customize the design, size, and format of the QR code. Input the generated URL as the data source for the QR code generator, and let it generate the code for you.
Step 4:
Scanning the QR Code: Once you have the QR code image, users can easily scan it using their smartphones or QR code scanning applications. These applications are readily available for various mobile operating systems. Users can open the scanning app, aim it at the QR code, and let it capture the code automatically.
Step 5:
Triggering the Workflow: Once the QR code is scanned, the scanning app will interpret the code and extract the URL embedded within it. This URL should contain the necessary details to invoke the Power Automate workflow (The URL we copied earlier). The scanning app will open the URL using the default browser or prompt the user to choose a browser if multiple options are available. The browser will send a request to the URL, triggering the workflow in Power Automate.
What can be done with this?
This is just the start or trigger of a workflow. You could use this for checking in an item to your assets app for example or even displaying information back to the device that scanned the QR code. (More on this in the next blog post). The possibilities are endless as you can expand the workflow to suit your needs with other connectors.
Conclusion: By leveraging the HTTP connector in Power Automate, we can generate custom URLs that can be embedded in QR codes. Scanning these QR codes then invokes the associated workflow, automating various tasks and processes seamlessly. This integration offers a powerful and efficient way to trigger workflows on the go. So, start exploring the possibilities of using QR codes and Power Automate to simplify your automation efforts today!
Extra TIP
You can display web like pages in the response so your output acts like a webpage!
Stay tuned to my blog site for Part 2 where I will show you how to display HTML from scanning QR code.