Notifications
Announcements
hi,I have a database created by my developer in MS Access. I would like to connect it with Dataverse and automate API calls to update the dataset. Currently I have to open the file, click on two separate buttons to update the records names and then I'm making another call to update number values. I would love to upload it to Dataverse and automate the whole process. Is it doable? Thanks in advance!
Hello, @indygoflow, you can use the Dataflows to connect and load data from Access to Dataverse. The dataflows can be used to migration or scheduled integration.
If my reply helped you, please give a 👍 If it solved your issue, please give a 👍 & accept it as the Solution to help other community members find it more.
Visit my Blog: ahmedsalih.blog
Visit my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@powerplatformplace/videos
Microsoft Business Application MVP
Thanks @AhmedSalih I know I can connect it and use it with all power apps but I couldn't find any information on automating MS Access API calls, and that was my original question.A lot of people have MS Access connected to external data sources and Dataverse seems to be only mirroring this data. In other words I would like to upload MS Access to Dataverse and automate manual API calls.
anyone?
There is a capability to migrate MS Access to Dataverse, which i'd highly recommend as MS Access likely doesn't have much lifespan left.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/data-platform/migrate-access-to-dataverse
Now your API question - can you elaborate what you mean by automating API calls? Is MS Access making API calls to retrieve data from external data sources or is it providing an API where other data sources can get data from it?
Making API calls - that's what power automate can do for you easily. There are many pre-built connectors to retrieve data for you and you can make them run on a schedule and import the data into dataverse. You can also create a custom connector to connect to any other data source that doesn't already have a connector created.
Receiving API calls - you can define an API in dataverse so that others can cal it. You can create app registrations that can handle authentication for the requesting party and give them access to the API.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/developer/data-platform/custom-api
Virtual Tables and Data Gateways are also ways of getting data from outside of Dataverse, but perhaps not 'external' enough for your use case.
hi @ivan_apps Thanks for your answer. Regarding API calls - when you have any API connected either to Excel or MS Access you have to manually update the database by clicking. This requires me to launch my desktop, open Access and then click on the API call to trigger it. It won't happen by itself so I thought it would be cool to automate this on the cloud.
Yes i think in your case you would basically replicate what that API call is doing in Power Automate and have it run on a schedule.
You can then import your MS Access database directly into Dataverse so that Power Automate can run the API call, and update your dataverse tables automatically.
That way you can still run your MS Access interface when needed with a Dataverse backend, no need to call API button and work towards creating a new UI in Power Apps 😀
Thanks @ivan_apps
Will give it a try
Under review
Thank you for your reply! To ensure a great experience for everyone, your content is awaiting approval by our Community Managers. Please check back later.
In our never-ending quest to improve we are simplifying the forum hierarchy…
We are honored to recognize Ajay Kumar Gannamaneni as our Community Spotlight for December…
These are the community rock stars!
Stay up to date on forum activity by subscribing.
WarrenBelz 717 Most Valuable Professional
Michael E. Gernaey 329 Super User 2025 Season 2
Power Platform 1919 268
