Today, companies are under more pressure than ever to make business processes more efficient, digital and flexible. Low-code platforms such as Simplifier and the Microsoft Power Platform promise exactly that – faster application development, more automation and the opportunity to involve specialist departments more closely in digitalization.
In practice, however, it is clear that the two platforms have different strengths. While Power Apps is seamlessly embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem and offers rapid added value for simple applications, Simplifier impresses with in-depth SAP integration, high flexibility in hosting and the ability to implement even complex, business-critical applications.
The key insight: it’s not a case of “either/or”. If you want to set up a sustainable digitalization strategy, you should not view the platforms as competitors, but as complementary components of a 360° digitalization strategy. This is because true added value is created when the respective strengths are cleverly combined – for example, when fast front-end prototypes from Power Apps interact with stable, integrated processes from Simplifier.
The 5 most important comparison dimensions in detail
- SAP integration
For companies with a strong SAP landscape, integration capability is crucial.
- Simplifier scores points here with native connectors and deep SAP certification – even for complex end-to-end scenarios such as EWM or Ariba.
- Although Power Apps can be connected to SAP via interfaces, it often requires additional premium licenses and quickly reaches its limits with more complex processes.
Conclusion: Those who use SAP as their core system will find Simplifier a more stable and seamless solution.
- Complexity of the applications
Not every application is the same – the spectrum ranges from small forms to business-critical workflows.
- Power Apps is ideal for quickly implementing simple applications such as forms, small automations or queries in the Microsoft environment.
- Simplifier combines low-code with pro-code so that even highly complex applications can be created that orchestrate multiple systems and are scalable in the long term.
Conclusion: Power Apps shines in the quick-win area, Simplifier in strategic projects.
- Hosting & Governance
Control and flexibility are particularly important in the context of sensitive data.
- Simplifier offers hosting options on-premise or in the cloud, enabling precise customization to meet compliance and security requirements.
- Power Apps is primarily tied to the Microsoft Cloud. This is convenient, but often a disadvantage for industries with strict regulation.
Conclusion: Companies with high governance requirements benefit from the flexibility of the Simplifier.
- License model & costs
In addition to technology, the cost structure is also decisive.
- Simplifier works with user-based licenses – regardless of how many apps are developed. This means that planning and TCO remain stable even with 50 or 100 applications.
- Power Apps requires premium licenses as the scope grows and also incurs additional transaction-based costs (e.g. for SAP integrations). This can quickly become expensive for many apps.
Conclusion: Simplifier has clear cost advantages as the app portfolio grows.
- Ecosystem & Usability
The user experience and anchoring in existing tools are key success factors.
- Power Apps is perfectly integrated into the Microsoft universe (O365, Teams, SharePoint, Power Automate) – a clear advantage for companies with a Microsoft focus.
- Simplifier brings strong SAP Fiori compatibility and is ideal for users who expect an SAP-centric UX.
Conclusion: Microsoft-heavy organizations benefit from Power Apps, SAP-oriented companies from Simplifier.
The strengths of the two platforms therefore lie in different worlds. Those who think Microsoft-first will love Power Apps. Those who are SAP-first will find Simplifier hard to ignore. But the greatest opportunity lies in the interaction: Best of Both Worlds as a genuine 360° digitization strategy. In other words, Power Apps is ideal for companies that primarily operate in the Microsoft ecosystem and are looking for quick, simple solutions for Office processes or small workflows. Simplifier is particularly suitable for companies with a strong SAP backbone or hybrid system landscapes that require complex, scalable and future-proof applications – especially when data sovereignty, on-premise options or TCO control are crucial.
Today, companies do not have to choose between Simplifier and Power Apps – the true strength lies in the combination of both platforms. While Power Apps enables rapid success in the Microsoft environment, Simplifier ensures in-depth SAP integration, complex applications and sustainable governance. A clever combination of the two creates a 360° digitalization strategy that combines speed, flexibility and future-proofing.
Our tip: Critically examine in which scenarios Power Apps can be used quickly – and where Simplifier as a strategic platform lays the long-term foundation. Combining the two not only accelerates the digital transformation, but also makes your company fit for the next leaps in innovation.
