How to Use the New Dataverse “Prompt Column” to Automate Categorization with AI

Source: Dev.to

Prompt column

The new Dataverse feature, Prompt column, is a column where generative AI automatically populates values by referencing information from other columns in the table. Demonstrating it in action is faster than explaining it, so the following verification shows its behavior.

Preparation

Assume we have an Inquiry table. We want to add a Category column to automatically categorize items into “Request,” “Question,” “Consultation,” etc. Previously this was done with Power Automate and AI Builder; now it can be achieved using the Prompt column.

Configuration

1. Select New column, choose Prompt for the Data type, and click Add new prompt.
2. Configure the prompt as needed (see screenshot in the original article) and save it.
3. Save the column to complete the configuration.

Verification

1. Add the Category column to the form.
2. Enter a title and body in the form, then click Save.
3. The AI categorizes the record automatically.
   • If the title and body indicate a “Question,” the Category becomes “Question.”

This is convenient! Note that the Prompt column uses AI Builder credits, so be cautious when applying it to tables with a large number of records to avoid unexpected costs.

Bonus 1: Structured output (JSON mode)

Structured output is also possible, which is useful when you need to strictly constrain the output.

More on structured output:
https://ippu-biz.com/en/development/powerplatform/ai-builder/change-prompt-output/

Bonus 2: “PromptColumnExtension” error

If users without an AI Builder trial license run this, or if the environment has no credits, a PromptColumnExtension error will occur.