Start Process

The Start Process activity is used to launch a specified application, executable, script, or file during an automation workflow. It can pass optional arguments to control how the application starts. This activity is commonly used to open required applications or run external tools required for the automation, with the option to either wait for the process to finish or continue the workflow immediately.

Properties

INPUT

Application path: Specifies the full path of the application or executable to be started. You can either enter a value as a string or provide variables in string format.

Arguments: Defines command-line parameters to pass to the application. You can either enter a value as a string or provide variables in string format.

Waits for Exit: Specifies whether the activity waits for the launched process to exit before continuing the workflow. This property accepts a Boolean value.
True: Waits until the process completes.
False: Continues the workflow without waiting.

Window style: Defines how the application window appears when the process starts. It controls the visibility and state of the launched application.

Normal: Opens the application in its default state.
Minimized: Starts the application minimized in the background.
Maximized: Opens the application in a maximized window.
Hidden: Runs the application in the background without displaying a window.

Window wait timeout: Sets the maximum time (default: 30000 ms) to wait for the application window to be ready.

Working directory: Specifies the folder path from which the process starts. You can either enter a value as a string or provide variables in string format.

MISC

DisplayName: Displays the name of the activity. The name can be customized for better readability and troubleshooting.

SkipOnError: Specifies a Boolean value (True or False):
True: Continues the workflow even if an error occurs.
False: Stops the workflow if an error occurs.
None: If left empty, the default behavior is False.

Version: Displays the version of the activity. This field is auto-populated and read-only.

OUTPUT

Process ID: Returns the unique identifier (ID) of the launched process.

Result: Indicates the execution status of the activity. Returns a Boolean value:
True: The activity completed successfully.
False: The activity failed due to an error.