Automation Anywhere进阶培训-2. Working with Developer & Runtime Clients

1. 1. How to record - simple, object and web Task and run it?

Automation Anywhere provides several ways to create automation tasks. To ensure that we create a reliable task, you should select the right method. When planning your automation task, be sure to select the Recorder (or Task Editor) that best matches the behavior of your task.

• Record - It provides the easiest way to create simple automation tasks. After recording a task using the Standard Recorder, you can make changes to it by using the Task Editor.
• Web Recorder - It understands all web controls. Therefore it is applicable only for recording web based automation tasks. If website controls on a page move location, the program can locate the correct controls and adjust the task to run without error. If the properties of the web controls change, the automation task can be updated to ensure that the task runs successfully.
• Object Recorder - Use it to capture Windows control actions such as text in drop-down menus, list boxes, and buttons; the status of radio buttons and check boxes, click actions, capturing tree views, and more. Refer Using the Object Recorder for details.
• Task Editor - Use it to create tasks manually. You can assign relevant actions to the task using the commands provided in the editor. Refer Using the Task Editor for details.

Once recoding of a Task is completed you need to Save the Task with a proper relevant name.

                             

Running Your Recorded Tasks

You can run the task that you recorded by choosing one of the following methods:

• Select the task in the Task List and  click on button.

OR

• Double-click on the task in the Task List.

 

 

 

1. 1. How to edit an automation task?

After initially creating an automation task, you can edit the task using the Task Editor to add, modify, or delete actions and steps to the process.

For example, you might want to remove all built-in delays to increase the speed of the task when it is run.

You can open a task in the Task Editor in the following ways:

• Select (highlight) the task  and click the button.

OR

• Right-click on the task, and select Edit from the pop-up menu.

                                        

Below is the Task Editor Window in which selected task is ready for editing.            

 

 

1. 1. What are task activities, schedule and trigger?

The Automation Anywhere Scheduler enables you to schedule automated tasks to run at preferred times, without requiring supervision or intervention.

Scheduling Tasks

Automated tasks and process workflows can be scheduled to run as shown:

Schedule a task using the Scheduler by following these steps:

1. Select the task that you want to schedule.
2. Click the Schedule tab.
3. Set the scheduling information for time, date, and frequency.
4. Click on Save.
5. Provide your Windows user name and password.
6. Schedule a task to run, multiple times. To add more scheduled times, click the Add button.

Automation Anywhere provides scheduling options for running tasks with the following frequencies:

• Daily (for example, every day, only weekdays, or every 2 days)
• Weekly (specific days of the week; for example, Mondays)
• Monthly (specific days of the month; for example, January 1 and October 5)
• One time only
• When the computer is started
• When you log onto the computer
• When the computer is idle

Entering Windows Login Information

For security reasons, when scheduling tasks to run using the Scheduler, you may be required to enter the Windows user name and password. This security check ensures that only the machine owner can schedule tasks to run.

 

 

 

Triggers to a Task 

Trigger automatically runs a task in response to an event that occurs on your computer. You can use triggers to run a task when, for example, a new window opens or a specific file is created.

Automation Anywhere provides the following types of trigger events:

1. Using Window Triggers

Window triggers launch an automated task when an application window action takes place. Automation Anywhere provides the list of open applications on your computer and enables you to refresh the list at any time.

1. Using File Triggers

Folder triggers launch an automated task when events affect folders on your computer.

1. Using Folder Triggers

Folder triggers launch an automated task when events affect folders on your computer.

1. Using Performance Triggers

Performance triggers launch an automated task when particular computer resources reach a threshold or certain criteria are met.

You can select from the following options as the trigger event:

• CPU Usage: The computer CPU usage reaches a level that you specify (in %).
• Free Disk Space: A certain amount of free disk space is reached that you specify in megabytes (MB).
• Process Count: When a particular number of processes that you specify are running.

 

 

1. Using Process Triggers

Process triggers launch an automated task when a system process starts or stops. Automation Anywhere provides the list of available processes for your computer and enables you to refresh the list at any time.

You can select from either of the following options as the trigger event:

• When a process starts running
• When a process stops running

1. Using Email Message Triggers

Email Message triggers launches an automated task when an email is received in the email account that you specify.

 

 

To specify a trigger for new incoming email messages on a mail server, specify the following:

• Host name
• Port details
• User name
• Password
•  A time interval to use between checking for new messages
•  If the email account uses SSL, check the "Server Uses Secure Connection (SSL)" check box.

 

 

 

 

1. 1. How to push/pull tasks to/from control room?

This topic describes how to use the Server Communication feature to move automation tasks to and from the server. The Automation Anywhere client provides an easy-to-use facility for communicating with the server.

To launch the Server Communication facility, click on the Server Communication tab on the main client screen.

Make sure that the client is already registered with the server.

You can use the Server Communication facility to perform the following tasks:

• Exchanging tasks between the client and server systems.
• View the date and time that a task was last modified on the client or the server.
• View any new tasks that have been created on a client or uploaded to the server.
• Compare task files to identify differences between versions of the files that reside on the client and server.

Uploading a Task to the Server

You can upload tasks to the server or the Control Room Repository Manager following below process:

1. Selecting the task from the Server Communication window:

1. Click on Upload button in the Server Communication window.

Figure: Server Task Repository (before upload)

Figure: Uploading selected task

Figure: Server Task Repository (after upload)

• When the task is successfully uploaded, a confirmation window is displayed. Click OK.
• The task is displayed in the Server Repository Manager.

Downloading a Task from the Server

To download a task from the Server (or Control Room Repository Manager), you must use the Server Communication facility. Follow these steps:

• In the main Automation Anywhere window, click on Tools -> Server Communication or Ctrl+S. The Server Communication facility is displayed, with a split screen showing files that reside on the server as well as the client.
• Highlight the task file that you want to download to the client in the Server section of the window.
• Click the Download button. The task is copied to the client.

Note: Be aware that files that are downloaded to the client with same names will be overwritten. Before downloading files, be sure that the latest version of the task is on the server.

1. 1. How to create and run a workflow?

Workflow Designer helps you build process flow diagrams in a graphical environment. You can subsequently use these workflows to build and run automated processes using Automation Anywhere. The Workflow Designer provides an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface to help you quickly design your workflows.

Creating a Workflow

Click on the Tools menu and select Workflow Designer. The Workflow Designer provides the following design objects:

Start: The starting point for the workflow. Each workflow can have only one.

Run Task: Runs a previously built task (.atmn file). Before proceeding to the next workflow step, the process stops until the Run Task command is completely finished.

When you insert a Run Task object, it displays one Successful arrow and one Unsuccessful arrow.

If you accidentally delete one of these arrows, move the mouse over the Run Task object and pull another arrow over to connect it with the desired object.

Note: You can edit a task from the Run Task list by right-clicking the task and viewing the menu.

Conditional (If): Provides an event condition on which the subsequent steps in the workflow depend. Based on the result of the condition (True or False), the workflow moves along the appropriate path to next steps.

When you insert a Conditional object, it displays one True arrow and one False arrow. Both arrows are required. If you accidentally delete one of the arrows, move the mouse over the object and pull another arrow over to connect it with the desired object.

End: The end of the workflow. When the workflow reaches this object, execution is stopped.

Arrows: Connects objects and pathways in the workflow. To insert an arrow from any object, move the mouse over the object until the mouse icon changes to a hand icon.

Running a Workflow

To run a workflow from the Workflow Designer, click on Run or double-click the workflow file in the Task List.

When you run the workflow within the Workflow Designer, Automation Anywhere indicates the path followed in the workflow. For example, you can easily see whether a True or False condition occurs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. 1. Some other important AA Commands.

Below are the commands which were used in demo automation Task. Each of the command will be dealt in detail during demo walkthrough.

1. Windows Action

One can use this command to automate a Windows-based action, such as minimizing, maximizing, or closing an application window and getting current window etc.

1. Log To File

One can use the Log to file command to create a log file in which task information can be stored as the task runs.

Logging detailed task information is an important aspect of optimizing and debugging your automation tasks. Automation Anywhere provides an easy was for you to create a log file that is full of useful data about the events that occur as your task runs.

Log files can be saved in the several file formats, including .csv and .txt files. Encoding is provided for log files with options for ANSI, UNICODE, and UTF8.

1. Manage Window Controls

One can use this command to capture Windows control properties, such as buttons, list box items, text boxes, menu tabs, combo boxes, check boxes, and tables.

Using this command, you can perform actions on these controls or assign the captured properties to variables.

 

You can also use this command to simultaneously record actions that you perform.

1. Object Cloning

In order that you can create and play tasks that use technology specific applications, Automation Anywhere offers the Object Cloning Command. The Object Cloning Command is specifically useful if you wish to capture objects within windows that use technologies such as Flex, Silverlight, Java and Html etc.

Using this command, you can capture objects, its co-ordinates and images. You can then select an action that can be performed on the captured object(s).

1. If/Else

One of the most powerful features of Automation Anywhere is the IF/ELSE command. You can use the sub-commands to perform actions when certain conditions exist.

 When using most of the conditional sub-commands, you can specify how long to wait for the condition to be true before taking another action.

1. Loop

You can use this command to create loop structures in your automation task to automate repetitive tasks. This command is used for iteration and has different variations as per uses.

1. Web Recorder

The Web Recorder helps you to automate Internet-related task actions. Using the Web Recorder command, you can record tasks to extract data from the web, download data, test web sites, extract source code, and more.

Use this command to edit and enhance an automation task that you build using the Web Recorder.

1. Web Service

The Web Service command is used to access and exchange information over the internet. By using this command, you can:

• Consume reusable application components as services. Examples are currency conversion, weather reports, and language translation.
• Connect to different existing applications and different platforms, irrespective of any underlying infrastructure requirements.

The Automation Anywhere Web Service establishes complete inter-polarity between clients/applications and the Web, supporting XML-based open standards, such as WSDL (Web Services Description Language), SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), and UDDI (Universal Description Discovery and Integration).

1. Send Email

Automating email processes is one of the most powerful uses of Automation Anywhere. Sending repetitive emails can bog down the most productive organizations.

Using the Send Email command, you can:

• Send multiple emails at once. Use a semi-colon between each email address.
• Include attachments with the email.
• Format the message in HTML.

1. Read From CSV/Text

You can use this command to automate the process of reading data from various files and file formats. You can do the following:

• Read comma or tab-delimited data from a CSV file.
• Read multiple lines in CSV or text files
• Use encoding options: ANSI, UNICODE, and UTF8.

1. Excel

The Excel command is one of the most powerful commands provided by Automation Anywhere. Microsoft Excel is one of the most highly used applications in the world today. Most operations that involve using spreadsheets require repetitive tasks that can be automated.

Many Excel automation scenarios have been implemented by companies worldwide. Some common scenarios include:

• Copying data from one Excel spreadsheet to another.
• Extracting data from an application to an Excel spreadsheet.
• Extracting data from a website to an Excel spreadsheet.
• Moving data from an Excel spreadsheet to another application.
• Transfer data from Microsoft Access to Excel.
• Transfer Excel data to a website form.
• Delete rows or columns in Excel.
• Compare two columns or two cells in an Excel spreadsheet.
• Sort data in Excel spreadsheets and delete duplicate rows.

Note: Excel command is supported from Microsoft Office 2000 and later.

1. Database

Automation Anywhere enables you to transfer data between a database and other applications. You can import or export data, in various formats, and convert data from one format to another. For example, you might want to transfer and convert data while completing a data migration project.

You can also transfer data from a custom database to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or from one database to another in predefined formats.

Restriction: For the Database command, Microsoft Access 2007 and Access 2010 users are required to use Microsoft Office 12.0 Access Database Engine OLE DB Provider.

1. Variable Operation

The Variable Operation command has been designed for allowing you to assign or reinitialize user specified variables (user variables).

The type and source of variables used dictate the assignment and reinitializing. These are applicable during task execution thus allowing the user to reuse the user variables.

1. String Operation

String operations are very useful when automating business processes. For example, you might want to extract a portion of a text block from an email, a website, or an application window.

You can also manipulate strings after capturing them. You might search the string for particular phrases, compare two strings, convert a string to upper or lowercase, or obtain the length of a string.

1. Error Handling

By using the Error Handling commands, you can isolate errors that occur when running your tasks. It is used to handle errors while running a task, to aid in debugging the task.

When an error occurs, you can continue the task after the error, or stop the task.

1. Image Recognition

Image recognition command provides a visual approach to make your automation task work with the applications and interfaces with stunning accuracy. It acts as a "human eye" would act, accounting for the various parts of the image. Thus, Image Recognition command makes it easy to divide and manipulate images.

Use this command to quickly search for a desired image within a source image and to readily automate any application that uses visual elements. Another major benefit of using image recognition is to locate an image after the image might be moved, for example, from one location on a web page to another.

1. App Integration

Automation Anywhere makes it easy for you to integrate any application with your automated tasks using simple drag-and-drop operations. The App Integration command supports a large number of applications, including Java and Windows applications.

 

 

1. OCR

OCR (optical character recognition) is a common technology for reading an image as a text file.

Use this command to capture an image or picture, convert it to text, and transfer the data to another application.

Note:

• The OCR command requires that Microsoft Office 2003 or later be installed on the computer.
• For Microsoft Office 2007, ensure that the sub-component "Scanning, OCR, and Indexing Service Filter" (under Microsoft Office Document Imaging) is selected during installation.
• If using Microsoft Office 2010 and above, you will be required to install the component separately.

1. Email Automation

You can use this command to intelligently automate your mail server functions and handle incoming email messages. Specifically, you can automate the following activities:

1. • Manage your incoming email messages and download attachments to specific folders.
   • Clear unwanted email messages.
   • Communicate with your mail server and monitor email activity.
   • Extract email data (such as Subject, Message, From:, To: , CC:, and attachments) to applications (Excel, Word, Notepad, and others) or folders on your computer.
   • Select either IMAP or POP3 servers.
   • Organize email messages while downloading them, based on status (All, Read, and Unread).
   • Select either HTML or Plain text formats for your email messages.
2. PDF Integration

The Automation Anywhere PDF Integration command takes process automation to a new level. PDF files are pervasive on the web, in email, and across all sizes and shapes of business. It's become critical to automate routine tasks that involve manipulating and uploading these documents to databases, websites, and other repositories.

 All sub-commands provide an option for overwriting existing output files. If you check the Overwrite check box, and the file name exists, the file is overwritten.

Note: It is recommended that you use variables with the command as many fields support variables.