When it comes to creating robust automations across Windows, Java, and web applications, the Universal App Connector (UAC) in RPA Desktop Design Studio stands out as a game-changer. Instead of juggling multiple individual connectors, UAC allows you to configure and capture application screens and elements from a single, unified connector, streamlining your automation development process.
Why Choose UAC?
UAC supports automation for:
- Windows applications
- Java applications
- Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browser-based applications
This versatility ensures you can configure screens, capture controls (like checkboxes and buttons), and interact with these elements seamlessly. By leveraging UAC, you’ll enhance efficiency and simplify the development lifecycle of your automation projects.
Getting Started with UAC
Before You Begin ensure that the applications you intend to automate (Windows, Java, Chrome, or Edge) are open and active on your machine.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Add the Universal App Connector to Your Project
- In the Toolbox pane, navigate to Connectors.
- Drag Universal App Connector to Global Objects in the Project Explorer.
- This adds the connector as a UniversalApplication object under Global Objects.
- (Optional) Rename the object by right-clicking and selecting Rename.
- Configure Screens and Elements
- Right-click the UniversalApplication object and select Configure.
- In the "Configure screens and elements" window:
- Select an application screen from the Choose from an open window dropdown.
- (Optional) Filter applications by type (e.g., Windows, Chrome) for easier navigation.
- Click Add screen to include the selected application screen.
- Capture Elements
- Right-click the added screen under the Screens and elements pane and select Capture Element.
- Use the Capture element dialog to capture controls like checkboxes, buttons, and text fields.
- Refine Match Rules
- Edit screen match rules to uniquely identify the application screen during execution. Attributes such as titles or URLs help pinpoint the screen.
- Similarly, refine element match rules to uniquely identify captured elements.
- Use Locators for Elements
- UAC provides various locator types, such as XPath, ID, CSS Selector, and more, to find elements on the screen. Choose the locator that best fits your automation requirements.
- Finalize Configuration
- After capturing screens and elements, click Done. The configured screens and elements appear under the UAC object in Global Objects.
Key Methods in UAC
UAC offers several powerful methods to help you build and execute automations effectively. Below are some commonly used ones:
Start Method
- Launch a browser or application before interacting with its screens or elements.
- Add the Start method to the Design surface and set parameters such as application type (Chrome, Edge, or Windows application).
WaitForAnyScreen Method
- Wait for one or more application screens and their child elements to appear within a specified time before taking further actions.
ExecuteJavaScript Method
- For web applications, use this method to run custom JavaScript code on captured screens or elements.
Best Practices for UAC
- Use Unified Automation: UAC is the recommended connector for automating Windows, Java, and web applications. While RPA Desktop Design Studio continues to support individual connectors, UAC simplifies automation and reduces development complexity.
- Match Rules Optimization: Fine-tune screen and element match rules to avoid ambiguity and ensure the plugin interacts with the correct elements.
- Test Configurations: After configuring screens and elements, validate the automation by testing it against various scenarios.
Additional Options and Advanced Features
UAC provides a range of additional options for validating and managing captured screens and elements. Some examples include:
- Viewing iframe paths for web elements.
- Using advanced locators like XPath and custom JavaScript.
- Performing additional operations, such as refreshing captured screens or renaming elements.
For more detailed instructions, refer to documentation on specific connector methods for Windows, Java, and Chromium applications.
Final Thoughts
The Universal App Connector is a powerful tool that brings simplicity and efficiency to your automation projects in RPA Desktop Design Studio. By using UAC, you can:
- Create unified automations across diverse application types.
- Streamline the process of capturing and configuring screens and elements.
- Build robust and scalable automations without the hassle of managing multiple connectors.
So why wait? Start leveraging UAC today to transform your automation development experience.
