Often, there are many people that feel lost when it comes to creating a windows automation script or macros for their repetitive work. And this is mainly because they just can't visualize how automation can be applied to their workflows.
Let me show you a simple exercise to aid you in getting you moving on your first automation job.
First you have to understand what can be automated and what can't.
If it involves a creative process, whereby human intervention is needed on the spot, you can't automate it. An example is when you are needed to identify the image of a captcha. Or if you want to come with a unique design.
If the windows process is well-defined, and you know in advance what the steps are, then 99% of the time, it can be automated or semi automated. There are many good windows automation and macro software you can use to automate most of your tasks on Windows XP and Vista.
Alright, let's get started on the simple exercise...
1. Take a notepad with you and go about your daily routine like you normally would.
2. Stop at every hour and recall the work you just did. And have it noted down.
3. Repeat this frequently.
4. Revisit what you have just written. And you notice a pattern emerging. You will soon realize that quite a number of tasks that you do computer are repetitive. Certain part of the steps may change. Perhaps the data will be different each time. But as long as the general process is the same, then these jobs will qualify for automation.
5. Note down these jobs. And when you want to create your first automation job, use a macro recorder to record down your entire workflow.
6. Play back the recorded jobs and check if there are any errors. Tweak them accordingly and have adjusted to an optimum speed. Remove any unnecessary steps that may prolong the process. Good windows automation software will come with a GUI platform whereby you can quickly re-arrange and edit all the "recorded" steps.
7. The last step is to do a test-run to check if everything is running smoothly. Once that is done, you are done!
Congratulations! You have just created your first automation macro script. It's not as difficult as you think, isn't it?
Working smarter and getting more things done have never been easier.
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