FundQuest | Devpost

Dashboard
New Request Module
Approval Module
Departmental Budgets

Use Case

Most organizations currently rely on printed paper for fund requests, which leads to delays in approval and lacks a mechanism to track expenditure for approved funds. To address these challenges, some may want to modernize their fund requisition process by implementing a digital system for fund approval and accounting.

Solution

FundQuest is a digital solution which enables employees to submit fund requests electronically. The digital system incorporates an automated workflow for fund approval. Upon submission, the request is automatically routed to the relevant approver(s) based on predefined rules and hierarchies. Approvers can review the request, provide comments if necessary, and approve or reject the request digitally.

How we built it

The FundQuest system was built using a combination of Microsoft Power Platform tools, including Power Apps and SharePoint. Here is an overview of the system's architecture and workflow:

User submits a request through the Power Apps interface. The request includes details such as the amount being requested, specific date by which the funds are needed, the project the requester is currently engaged on, the reason behind the requisition of funds and a comprehensive breakdown of the funds.
The request is stored in a SharePoint list.
Upon submission of a fund request the approver is notified through an email which contains a link to the app. On click of the link, the approver is directed to the Approval Screen.
An approver can either approve or return. If they return, they must indicate a clear reason.
After action by approver, the requester should be emailed on the request's progress.
A request that is returned can be resubmitted by the requester.
Once a previous approver approves a request, the next approver receives an email informing them to view the request and act.
An approver will access all requests that they need to approve (pending requests) and those they have already approved.
Power Apps will be connected to Outlook to send reminders through mail requesting actions like approval and informing on the request's progress.
If the request is finally approved by the last approver, the requester receives confirmation and instructions for reimbursement via mail.

Challenges we ran into

We faced the following challenges:

Technical Expertise:Power Platform has a vast array of features and capabilities, and it can be overwhelming for beginners to grasp how all the components fit together. Navigating the platform's interface, understanding the purpose of each tool, and knowing when to use them appropriately can be a daunting task.

Integration Challenges:Power Platform often needs to integrate with other systems, databases, or services to accomplish specific tasks. Understanding how to connect to different data sources, configure APIs, handle authentication, and troubleshoot integration issues was complex.

What’s Next for FundQuest

Moving forward, there are several potential enhancements and improvements that we could make to the Transport approval system. These include:

1.Machine Learning and AI-driven Insights: Utilize machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze data patterns, detect anomalies, and provide predictive insights. This can help identify potential fraud, optimize fund allocation strategies, and automate decision-making processes

2.Mobile Accessibility: Develop a mobile application or optimize the existing system for mobile devices. This allows users to submit fund requests, approve requests, and track expenditures conveniently on their smartphones or tablets, increasing accessibility and flexibility.

3. Budgeting and Forecasting:Integrate budgeting and forecasting capabilities into the system. This allows organizations to set budget limits, track expenditure against budgets, and generate forecasts based on historical data, enabling proactive financial planning and decision-making.