Automation Process Activities
Sequencing the Workflow
A sequence is the simplest type of workflow in RPA. It allows processes to be executed in
a linear manner, step by step.
Sequencing the Workflow: It helps in organizing tasks in a well-defined order. Ideal for
processes with a predictable flow where each step follows the previous one.
Linear Flow: Activities are executed one after another in a straight line.
Branching: The flow of execution splits based on conditions.
Looping: A set of activities is repeated multiple times.
Activities
Input: Gathering data from various sources (e.g., user input, files).
Processing: Manipulating and transforming data (e.g., calculations, formatting).
Output: Presenting or storing processed data (e.g., displaying results, saving files).
Decision: Making choices based on conditions (e.g., if-else statements).
Loop: Repeating a sequence of activities until a condition is met (e.g., for loops,
while loops).
Call Activity: Invoking a reusable set of activities.
Flowchart
A graphical representation of the workflow using symbols to represent different
activities.
Common symbols:
o Start/End: Oval
o Process: Rectangle
o Decision: Diamond
o Input/Output: Parallelogram
o Flow: Arrow
Control Flow for Decision Making
If-Else Statements: Execute different code blocks based on a condition.
Switch Statements: Select from multiple options based on a value.
Conditional Loops: Repeat activities while a condition is true.
Data Manipulation
Variables:
o Variables are used to store data during automation. They hold different data
types like String, Integer, Boolean, etc., depending on the operation.
Collection:
o A collection can store multiple values, like arrays or lists, and is useful for
handling groups of data within workflows.
Arguments:
o Arguments allow passing data between workflows. Unlike variables,
arguments can be set as In, Out, or In/Out, controlling how data flows into
and out of workflows.
Data Table:
o A Data Table stores tabular data (rows and columns). It's commonly used
when automating processes involving structured data like spreadsheets or
databases.
Clipboard Management:
o RPA tools can interact with the system clipboard to copy and paste data,
which is useful when automating tasks that require transferring information
between applications.
File Operations:
o This involves automating file handling operations like opening, reading,
writing, and manipulating files. Common file types include text files, CSVs,
Excel files, and PDFs.
Controls
Finding the Control
Identifying UI elements (buttons, text boxes, etc.) within an application.
Methods:
o XPath: A language for locating elements based on their structure.
o CSS Selector: A way to select elements based on their CSS properties.
o Accessibility ID: A unique identifier assigned to elements.
Waiting for a Control
Ensuring that a control is visible or enabled before interacting with it.
Avoids errors and improves reliability.
Acting on a Control
Performing actions on UI elements (e.g., clicking buttons, entering text).
Methods:
o Simulating user interactions.
o Triggering events.
UiExplorer
A tool for inspecting and analyzing UI elements.
Helps in identifying controls and generating selectors.
Handling Events
Responding to user actions or system events.
Examples:
o Button clicks
o Text changes
o Timer expirations
Automation Process Activities
Sequencing the Workflow
Linear Flow: Activities are executed sequentially.
Opens in a new window
www.zenflowchart.com
linear flowchart
Branching: The flow splits based on conditions.
Opens in a new window
www.researchgate.net
branching flowchart
Looping: A set of activities is repeated.
Opens in a new window
www.zenflowchart.com
looping flowchart
Activities
Input: Gathering data (e.g., user input, files)
Opens in a new window
www.twinkl.co.uk
input activity
Processing: Manipulating data (e.g., calculations, formatting)
Opens in a new window
dataprivacymanager.net
processing activity
Output: Presenting or storing results
Opens in a new window
www.researchgate.net
output activity
Decision: Making choices based on conditions
Opens in a new window uml.blauw.me
decision activity
Loop: Repeating activities
Opens in a new window
stackoverflow.com
loop activity
Call Activity: Invoking reusable activities
Opens in a new window
forum.camunda.io
call activity
Flowchart
A graphical representation of the workflow.
Opens in a new window www.visual-
paradigm.com
sample flowchart
Control Flow for Decision Making
If-Else Statements:
if (condition) {
// Code to execute if condition is true
} else {
// Code to execute if condition is false
}
Switch Statements:
switch (expression) {
case value1:
// Code to execute if expression equals value1
break;
case value2:
// Code to execute if expression equals value2
break;
default:
// Code to execute if expression
doesn't match any case
}
Data Manipulation
Variables
Named storage locations for data.
Types: numeric, text, boolean, date/time.
Scope: local, global.
Collection
A group of elements stored together.
Types: array, list, dictionary.
Arguments
Values passed to a function or activity.
Data Table
A structured collection of data.
Clipboard Management
Copying and pasting data between applications.
File Operations
Reading, writing, and manipulating files.
Controls
Finding the Control
Identifying UI elements.
Methods: XPath, CSS Selector, Accessibility ID.
Waiting for a Control
Ensuring a control is visible or enabled.
Acting on a Control
Performing actions on UI elements.
UiExplorer
A tool for inspecting UI elements.
Handling Events
Responding to user actions or system events.
