Automating File Processing with Robotic Process Automation

Automating file processing tasks can save significant time when dealing with multiple files across different municipalities. This article explores how to implement a robotic process automation solution for processing multiple files in a structured workflow.

Setting Up the File Path

The first step in automating file processing is to define the path where your files are located. By storing the file path in a variable, you create a flexible solution that can be easily modified for different environments.

Once you’ve identified your path, you need to verify that the files exist. The system can be configured to look for specific file types, such as Excel files with extensions like .xls or .xlsx.

Creating a File List and Iteration Process

After establishing the path, the next step is to create a list of all the files in that directory. This allows you to iterate through each file systematically:

• Generate a list containing all files from the specified directory
• Create a loop to process each file individually
• Pass each filename to a variable that will be used in subsequent processing steps

This approach provides complete information about each file and makes your automation more robust.

Browser Automation for File Processing

For web-based processing, creating a browser instance is essential. The automation can be personalized based on your specific requirements, including package selection and other configuration options.

When dealing with web interfaces, it’s important to understand that what appears to be a button might actually be a link. Proper element identification ensures accurate automation:

• Focus on the target element
• Click on appropriate web elements to initiate file upload
• Handle explorer screens that appear for file selection

Uploading and Processing Files

Once the file explorer is open, the automation can:

1. Input the file path into the appropriate field
2. Click the open button to initiate the upload
3. Verify that the file was successfully uploaded
4. Add appropriate wait times or verification steps to ensure processing completes

For more reliable automation, implementing verification checks is crucial. The system can verify that a file appears on the screen before proceeding to the next step in the process.

Error Handling and Process Flow Control

Robust automation includes proper error handling mechanisms:

• Checking if files are successfully loaded before proceeding
• Implementing breakpoints or stops when errors are detected
• Adding appropriate wait times between operations
• Managing keyboard inputs when necessary

The speed of automation may need adjustment based on the system, application, or process requirements. In some cases, limitations related to file size, folder permissions, or system constraints might require additional handling.

Conclusion

By implementing a thoughtful robotic process automation workflow, you can efficiently process multiple files across different municipalities without manual intervention. The key is to build a flexible system that handles various scenarios, verifies each step, and includes proper error management.