Desktop Automation

Robility® offers an intuitive and interactive feature that allows users to automate desktop-based applications. Commonly automated desktop applications include ERP systems, CRM tools, file management systems, Microsoft applications, and more. Desktop Automation enables the robot to capture elements and perform specified actions within the application. These activities are similar to web automation, with the key difference being that the robot operates on desktop/Windows applications.

Integration with Desktop Automation UIA3

Desktop Automation will be installed and integrated alongside the Desktop Automation UIA3 feature. Both features offer the same list of activities, with UIA3 providing more advanced technology. Desktop Automation UIA3 is more compatible and accurate in capturing the “Automation ID,” which Desktop Automation may sometimes struggle to detect.

Neither feature supports SAP applications unless “GUI scripting” for SAP has been enabled. But don’t worry—we offer another feature that helps you automate SAP applications. Click here to learn more.

Common Activities

Desktop Automation and Desktop Automation UIA3 share few common activities, such as “Launch Application,” “Get Attributes All,” and “Get Full Window Title.” These activities do not have any dependencies and can be easily combined and automated with other activities.

Dependencies

Desktop Automation may not support some applications, or specific elements might not be detected; in such cases, only the application itself will be detected. For better accuracy in detecting and identifying elements, Desktop Automation UIA3 may be necessary for certain applications.

In other scenarios, neither feature may support automation if the “Automation ID” attribute is indicated as “Not supported” in the application. The “Automation ID” is crucial for automating both desktop UIA and UIA3 activities. You can use the “Spy Explorer” option or the “UIA3 Spy Window” to check whether the element has an automation ID.

The robot will perform the specific action only if the “Automation ID” is supported for the element in the application.

Use Case

Here are some practical scenarios where Desktop Automation can be effectively utilized:

Report Generation: Automate the creation of reports in various formats (e.g., Excel, PDF) by extracting and consolidating data from multiple desktop applications.

Data Validation: Ensure data accuracy by cross-referencing information from different sources and flagging any discrepancies or inconsistencies.

HR and Employee Onboarding: Streamline employee onboarding processes, including account creation, document submission, and completion of training modules.

Data Entry: Automate repetitive data entry tasks, such as transferring information from one section to another within an application.