Microsoft 365 (M365) provides a robust ecosystem for building self-service tools that empower users to perform common tasks independently, reducing reliance on IT or administrative teams. Below are 10 practical self-service examples using M365 features and functions, designed to enhance efficiency and user autonomy:

1. Request a New Microsoft Teams

Description:

Enable users to request the creation of a new Microsoft Teams workspace through a Power Apps form. The request triggers a Power Automate workflow that:

Validates the user's permissions.

Checks naming conventions and compliance policies.

Automatically creates the Teams workspace or routes the request for approval.

Benefits:

Streamlines the Teams creation process.

Ensures compliance with organizational policies.

Reduces IT team involvement.

2. Self-Service Password Reset

Description:

Integrate Microsoft Entra ID's Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) feature into your tool. Users can securely reset their passwords by verifying their identity through multi-factor authentication (MFA) and updating their credentials without IT intervention.

Benefits:

Reduces IT helpdesk workload.

Provides 24/7 availability for users.

Enhances security with MFA.

3. Create a New User Account

Description:

Provide HR or managers with a tool to onboard new employees. Using Power Apps, they can fill out details like name, department, and role. Power Automate workflows:

Create the new user in Entra ID.

Assign default licenses (e.g., M365, Teams).

Notify IT to provide access to additional resources.

Benefits:

Accelerates user provisioning.

Ensures consistency and compliance.

Centralizes onboarding steps.

4. Request a New M365 License

Description:

Develop a form in Power Apps where users can request additional licenses (e.g., Power BI Pro, Project Online). The request triggers an approval workflow in Power Automate, which:

Checks available license quotas.

Sends the request to the approver.

Automatically assigns the license upon approval.

Benefits:

Simplifies license allocation.

Provides transparency in approval processes.

Tracks license usage efficiently.

5. Request Access to Teams Apps

Description:

Allow users to request access to third-party or custom Teams apps via a self-service portal. A Power Automate workflow validates the request against app governance policies and either grants access or escalates the request for approval.

Benefits:

Ensures compliance with app governance.

Reduces manual app installation requests.

Tracks app adoption across the organization.

6. Request a Shared Mailbox or Distribution Group

Description:

Users can request shared mailboxes or distribution groups through a form in Power Apps. A workflow automatically validates naming conventions, checks membership criteria, and creates the requested mailbox or group in Exchange Online.

Benefits:

Simplifies collaboration setup.

Automates repetitive tasks for IT.

Ensures compliance with organizational naming standards.

7. Update User Information

Description:

Provide users with a tool to update their profile information, such as phone numbers, job titles, or departments, in Microsoft Entra ID. A Power Automate workflow updates the directory after validating changes and notifying HR.

Benefits:

Keeps user profiles up to date.

Reduces HR dependency for minor updates.

Improves directory accuracy.

8. Request a New SharePoint Site

Description:

Allow users to request SharePoint team sites or communication sites. A self-service tool captures site details (e.g., purpose, owner, permissions) and triggers a workflow to create the site, apply the appropriate template, and assign permissions.

Benefits:

Ensures standardized site creation.

Tracks ownership and purpose of SharePoint sites.

Reduces IT workload.

9. Request Guest Access for External Users

Description:

Enable users to request guest access for external collaborators. A Power Automate workflow validates the guest’s email domain against security policies, sends an approval request to the sponsor, and grants access upon approval.

Benefits:

Enhances collaboration with external users.

Enforces security and compliance.

Automates guest account provisioning.

10. Assign a Device to a User

Description:

Build a self-service tool for IT or department managers to assign devices like laptops or phones to users. The tool integrates with Intune to:

Register the device to the user.

Apply the appropriate compliance and security policies.

Notify the user with setup instructions.

Benefits:

Simplifies device assignment.

Automates security policy enforcement.

Tracks device ownership.

Summary

These self-service tools leverage Microsoft 365 features, including Power Apps, Power Automate, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Entra ID, and SharePoint, to empower end users. They automate routine tasks, enforce compliance, and free up IT resources for strategic initiatives.

Would you like detailed implementation guides or templates for any of these examples?