Overview
Tutorials are designed to offer a guide to complete common objectives, while also acknowledging that individual developers need to respond to individual needs of their own solutions. Tutorial frameworks provide blueprints for these solutions and should be adapted to fit individual needs.
Analytics with Birst
API Gateway
Application Development with Mongoose
Artificial Intelligence
Data Fabric
Digitical Assistant
Document Management
Integration with ION
Robotic Process Automation
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Security & User Management
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- Overview
Analytics with Birst
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- Analytics with Birst
API Gateway
API Gateway is a software system for brokering requests from API consumers, such as web and mobile applications, and API providers, such as Infor enterprise or third-party services. As a broker sits between consumers and providers (technically it is a reverse proxy), it can provide many benefits to both consumers and providers.
On this page
- API Gateway
Application Development with Mongoose
Go beyond basic fit and customize your cloud experience with extensibility tools that leverage no-code, low-code, and full-code frameworks.
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- Application Development with Mongoose
Artificial Intelligence
Use Machine Learning to build an AI into your business processes.
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- Artificial Intelligence
Analytics & Reporting in CloudSuite Service Industries
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- Analytics & Reporting in CloudSuite Service Industries
Analytics & Reporting in M3 Cloudsuites
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- Analytics & Reporting in M3 Cloudsuites
Backend as a Service (BaaS)
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- Backend as a Service (BaaS)
Data Fabric
Manage data on the platform so that humans and systems can securely access information from anywhere.
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- Data Fabric
Digital Assistant
Streamline the user experience with a digital assistant that helps your employees navigate and access information by voice or chat.
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- Digital Assistant
Document Management
Leverage Infor's central document repository to manage your enterprise document in the cloud.
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- Document Management
Governance, Risk and Compliance
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- Governance, Risk and Compliance
Integration with ION
Create a unified application topology using the integration hub in the Infor Platform.
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- Integration with ION
Portal and Workspaces
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- Portal and Workspaces
Robotic Process Automation
RPA automates repetitive tasks and empowers your team to focus on what they do best.
Overview
Infor Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a set of software components that provides the ability to automate business processes with the help of Bots to perform a sequence of meaningful activities that can mimic human behavior or perform other system activities.
Infor RPA also includes the cloud-based Multitenant component called the Mastermind, which orchestrates and allows the deployment of the workflow processes, configuration, scheduling, and monitoring capabilities.
Key Concepts and Definitions
RPA | Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a technology that uses software robots or bots to automate rule-based, repetitive tasks in business processes, reducing manual effort and human error. |
Bot | A bot or robot in RPA refers to the software program or agent that performs tasks in an automated manner. It can mimic human interactions with computer systems. |
RPA Flow | A sequence of activities or steps that an RPA bot follows to complete a specific business process. |
Process | A list of all published RPA flows. |
Job | An execution instance; it is specific to a Process. |
Device | A physical machine where the agent (which executes the RPA process in unattended mode) is installed. |
Orchestration | The management and coordination of multiple RPA bots and processes to work together seamlessly, often through a central control system. |
Attended Mode of Execution | Attended automation involves bots working alongside human operators to assist with tasks in real-time. |
Unattended Mode of Execution | Unattended automation runs independently without human intervention, often in batch processing mode. |
Key Components
RPA Studio | A desktop application that Infor Employees, Customers, and Partners can use to build workflow processes for their business use cases. Studio allows workflow authors to design, develop, and publish RPA Processes. |
RPA Mastermind | An Infor RPA Engine that communicates between the on-premise installation and Multi-tenant cloud RPA Management to trigger the run of RPA processes. |
Agent Runtime and Robot Service | Desktop applications installed as part of unattended installations.- Agent: A Windows service that communicates with Mastermind and processes automation requests configured by the user in the RPA Management UI in an unattended mode.- Runtime: Executes the workflow processes that users have authored in Studio.- Robot Service: Communicates with the Agent inside a Windows user session and triggers Runtime. |
RPA Management API | A multitenant microservice deployed in the cloud that serves as the backend entry point for the RPA Management UI, Agent, and Tray Assistant. |
RPA Management UI | A multitenant application hosted in the Infor OS Portal. Provides a user interface for RPA users to add extra configuration for their workflow processes, including:1. Job configuration (scheduling, device assignment)2. Adding variable values3. Giving consent for workflow processes to access resources behind IONAPI4. Device registration5. Robot registration (Windows login credentials for automation)6. Task Monitoring |
RPA Tray Assistant | A desktop plugin application installed to execute processes in an attended mode.1. Gives users control to automatically trigger any of the workflow processes they have access to in Mastermind.2. Add variable values.3. View workflow process details. |
Recorder | A Chrome-based extension allowing users to record a set of activities in the Chrome browser, generating an RPA flow of activities. |
Workflow Elements
IDP | Infor Document Processor is a service designed to recognize and extract text from images or documents. |
JQ Transformation | JQ is a JSON processor used to slice, filter, map, and transform JSON data with ease. |
JSON To DataTable | Takes a flat JSON array containing the required columns for transformation and outputs a DataTable. |
ForEach | Executes the activity contained in its Body for each item in a specified Values collection. By default, the loop iterator is named |
Try Catch | An exception-handling activity that works in conjunction with the “Continue on Error” property of the activities. If |
GET OCR text | An automation activity in RPA Studio that extracts text from documents or images. |
Extract Document Key-Value | An automation activity in RPA Studio which extracts values based on provided keys. |
Extract Data | An automation activity in RPA Studio that can perform template-based text extraction. |
Want to learn more?
Quick Reference
There is a lot to learn in the Infor Technology Platform. A quick reference sheet is always helpful. Check out this RPA Cheat Sheet.
Topical Videos
Need information on a specific feature, function, or a quick overview? These short videos may be just what you are looking for. Check out our Infor Robotic Process Automation playlist on YouTube.
Written Guides
Product documentation is the go-to reference for how specific parts of the product work. For online, searchable, easy-to-understand docs, see our documentation portal.
Community
Collaborating with others in your industry is a great way to learn and help others. Start participating in the Infor RPA Community today.
Courses
Infor U Campus offers learning tracks that combine video-based and instructor-led training. If you are an Infor customer, then check out courses on Infor U Campus.
Written Guides
Product documentation is the go-to reference for how specific parts of the product work. For online, searchable, easy to understand docs see our documentation portal.
Community
Collaborating with others in your industry is a great way to learn and help others. Start participating in the Infor RPA Communitytoday.
Courses
Infor U Campus offers learning tracks that combine video based and instructor-led training. If you are an Infor customer then check out courses on Infor U Campus.
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Getting started with RPA: Installation, basic flows, and publishing
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- Getting started with RPA: Installation, basic flows, and publishing
How to create a basic RPA flow
Overview
A simple automation workflow to automate repetitive tasks can be a significant time saver.
In this tutorial, we'll delve into the demographics of various panels, ribbon controls, variables, arguments, and other essential components in Infor RPA Studio to create a simple RPA workflow.
Components
- RPA Studio
Requirements
- The user needs access the cloud tenant via login.
Tutorial
Difficulty: Easy Estimated Completion Time: 10 minutes
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- How to create a basic RPA flow
How to create an RPA flow to invoke an ION API endpoint
## Overview
This tutorial will show you how to create a flow allowing for calling an ION API endpoint to retrieve the list of the applications your user has access to with Infor OS portal and write this list to an excel file. Two flows will be created, first one will be a simple flow allowing to get the list and write it into the Excel file. The second flow iterates through the list and writes each in a row in an excel file.
* * *
### Components
* RPA Management * RPA Studio * Microsoft Excel application
### Requirements
* Before you can start building the flow, you’ll need to install the latest version of RPA Studio on your machine and set up a connection between the RPA Studio and RPA Management. Check the _[Infor RPA Studio User Guide](https://docs.infor.com/inforos/latest/en-us/useradminlib_cloud/default.html?helpcontent=rpasg/nts1702965214813.html#) _for the steps on how to do it. * Also, you may need to create the following artifact to set up the RPA flow: * Create excel spreadsheet path C:\RPA\Test.xlsx * An extended and a simple list of applications can be downloaded below:
[ExtendedListOfApplication Download](https://developer.infor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ListOfApplication_ExtendedFlow_Updated.zip)
[ListOfApplication_SimpleFlow](https://developer.infor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ListOfApplication_SimpleFlow.zip)
* * *
## Tutorial
Difficulty: Medium Estimated completion time: 25 Minutes
1 - Open RPA Studio on your machine. If you are not signed in already into the cloud tenant, you would be asked to sign in before proceeding to RPA flow designer screens.
2 - On the Home page of RPA Studio click Create New Project and specify the following properties in the pop-up window:
1. Name: _List of Application_ 2. ProjectLocation: 3. Description: _Get a list of application your user has access to_ 4. Language: _VB _
3 - First, we will add the activity _IONAPI Request_ which will allow us to call a particular API Endpoint exposed on API Gateway application part of Infor OS. The activity can be accessed in Activities panel under IONAPI category. Drag and drop the activity on the design canvas and click on it. The properties of the selected activity will appear in the properties panel. Let’s configure its properties in a following way:
* for Method, which is the method of the API Endpoint we will be calling, select _GET_ as the Endpoint we will be calling is of a GET method type. * for URL, which is the whole URL of the API Endpoint we will be using, let’s create an Argument called _ getapplicationlistapi _ of type _string_ and default value for the Endpoint of Infor OS Suite: * " TenantURL +/OSPORTAL/admin/v1/user/applications" where TenantURL is your CloudSuite tenant URL which typically follows the format: "https://mingle-ionapi.inforcloudsuite.com/ TENANTNAME /" * for Content Type , select _application_json_ * File Attachment, Headers, POST Data, Query Parameters should stay empty for this particular endpoint. * for Response output property which will hold the API response BOD, let’s create the variable: * _Response_ of type _RequestObject (Infor.RPA.Utilities.ResponseObject)_ * to find RequestObject data type expand the Variable Type and select _Browse for type._ In the Type name cell type _RequestObject_ and select _RequestObject_ under the _Infor.RPA.Utilities_ domain.
  
4 - Optional: For troubleshooting, you can add a Message Box activity which would allow you to check the Request body get from calling the API. For that let’s define the following properties:
* for Input Text define the following VB expression _Response.ReadasJSON.tostring_ which allows to read the provided body as JSON and transform it to _String_ data type. It is done because Input Text property allow only values of data type _string._ * Message Box Title, Button Selection, Response Code can stay empty.
5 - Next, we will create a variable which will be storing the called API response body in the _String_ data type variable. For that let’s add Assign activity and define it properties as followed:
* for To, which is a new variable which will be created and to which we will assign the payloadcreate a variable: * _responseString_ of type _String._ * for Value we will define the same VB expression as we used for the Message Box activity, Input Text property: _Response.ReadasJSON.tostring_ * On the design canvas as part of this activity you will see the following _responseString = Response.ReadasJSON.tostring_
6 - Now we need to transform the received payload so that it changes it type form _String_ into _JToken Object._ For that we need to use Deserialize JSON activity and define its properties as follows:
* for JToken String , define _responseString_ which is the output variable of previous activity Assign * for JToken Object, let’s define a variable: * called _JQ_ of type _JToken (Newtonsoft.Json.Linq.Jtoken)_ * to find _JToken_ data type expand the Variable Type and select _Browse for type._ In the Type name cell type _JToken_ and select _JTokenand_ under the _Newtonsoft.Json.Linq_ domain.
7 - Now it is time to filter out the provided JSON response from API Endpoint to get just the list of the applications which is one of the retrieved properties. For that we will use the activity JQ Transformation and define its properties as followed:
* for JSON Input create a collection of a single iteam key: _key1_ and value: _JQ_ * for Filter we need to create a JSON payload filter to get specific value from JSON output - the list of the application. In order to do it you should start from the JSON Input defined _key1_ following by payload filter which would look like: _".key1.applications[].name"._ * Note: the Filter property data type is _string_ so the provided filter should be within the ““ (quotation mark) * for JSON Output , which will store the values filtered out from JSON payload, let’s create the variable: * called _JSONoutput_ of type _JToken._
8 - Optional: For troubleshooting, you can add Message Box activity after the JQ Transformation which would allow you to check if we retrieved the desired values from JSON payload. For that let’s define the following properties:
* for Input Text define the following VB expression _JSONoutput.tostring_ which allows to read the provided JSON and transform it to _String_ data type. It is done because the Input Text property allow only values of data type _string._ * Message Box Title, Button Selection, Response Code can stay empty.
9 - Next, we need to again transform the received _JToken_ type variable into _string_ data type. For that we will use again the Assign activity and define it properties as followed:
* for To, which is a new variable which will be created and to which we will assign the payloadcreate a variable: * _applicationlist_ of type _String_ * for Value we will define the same VB expression as we used for the Message Box activity, Input Text property: _JSONoutput.tostring_ * On the design canvas as part of this activity you will see the following _applicationlist = JSONoutput.tostring_
10 - Once we get the values we need from the API Endpoint, we will write the into the .xls spreadsheet. For that, we will use the activity Write Cell part of Excel activities categoryand define the following values:
* for Cell Address provide the exact cell address where the list of the applications can be input, for instance “A1“ * Note: the Cell Address property data type is _string_ so the provided cell address should be within the ““ (quotation mark) * for Cell Value provide the exact value(s) which should be written into it, specify _applicationlist._ * for Workbook, which is the exact .xls file where the values will be written specify the following argument: * called _Excel_ of type _string_ and default value with .xlsx workbook created as part of the pre-requisites “C:\RPA\Test.xlsx “ * for Worksheet Name, which is the name of the workbook within the .xlsx file, for that let’s create the argument: * called _Workbook_ of type _string_ and default value e.g. “ _List1_ “ * Note: the exact name of the workbook of the part of the .xlsx file create, the workbook default name maybe different depending on the used language on your working station.
The flow will write all the applications names your user has access to into a single cell. To input them into the columns, you would need to first split the values into columns. Next, copy all the cells’ columns and paste as transpose.
## Flow Improvements:
Now you can improve the flow, by adding few activities in order to put each of the retrieved application into a different row in a single columns. For that let’s follow the below steps:
1 - After the Deserialized JSON, remove JQ Transformation, and in its place, add the Assign activity and specify the following values:
* for To define the varibale _JSONoutput_ already defined in the variable list as part of the previous flow. * for Value we will define the same VB expression to get the array of values under the _application_ property _JQ(“applications“)._ * On the deign canvas as part of this activity you will see the following _JSONoutput = JQ(“applications“)._
2 - The Message Box activity can stay as it was so that we can see if we got the JSON Array with list of application and additional values.
3 - The activities after the Message Box can be removed as well: Assign and Write Cell. Or you can live them and move as part of the While look you would be asked to add later and change the properties.
4 - Next, we need to specify the variable for which we would count the number of the object within the retrieved array. For that adde For Each activity and specify the following values:
* for TypeArgument select the data type corresponding to the object _JToken (Newtonsoft.Json.Linq.Jtoken),_ use _Browse for type_ option to find this data type * for Value define the _JSONoutput_ which is the output from the previous activity
5 - Inside of the For Each activity body add Assign activity and specify the following values:
* for To, define the variable: * called _count_ of type _int32._ * for Value, define the following VB expression count + 1: * this logic will allow us to count all application within the retrieved payload the user has access to.
6 - Optional: For troubleshooting, you can add Message Box activity after the For Each which would allow you to check how many applications are listed in the payload
* for Input Text define the following VB expression _count.tostring_ which transform the _count_ variable into _String_ data type. It is done because Input Text property allow only values of data type _string._ * Message Box Title, Button Selection, Response Code can stay empty.
7 - Next, we will create a While loop to help us write the values one by one until the array finished and write the values into the Excel Workbook. For that less add While activity and define:
* Condition _count > 0, _it allows us to run the loop until the count is more than 0.
8 - Next, add the Sequence, and within it, add the JQ Transformation activity to get a single application name from the payload. It will be configured in a similar way as in the first basic flow:
* for JSON Input create a collection of a single iteam key: _key1_ and value: _JQ_
* for Filter we need to create a JSON payload filter in order to get specific value from JSON output - the list of the application. In order to do it you should start from the JSON Input defined _key1_ following by payload filter which would look like: _".key1.applications["+counter.tostring+"].name"._ * for _counter_ create the varibable _counter_ of type _Int32_ * _+counter.tostring+_ \- allow us to insert the counter value so that a specific object _name_ key value from an array is retrieved * Note: the Filter property data type is _string_ so the provided filter should be within the ““ (quotation mark) * for JSON Output , which will store the values filtered out from JSON payload, let’s create the variable * called _singleapplication_ of type _JToken_
9 - Next add the Assign activity which would allow us to create a counter which after each interaction will be increased by 1. For that defined the following:
* for To define _counter_ variable * for Value define _counter + 1_
10 - Next add again the Assign activity which would allow change the _application_ variable of type _JToken_ into _string. For that defined the following:_
* for To create the variable: * _application_ of type _string_ * for Value define _singleapplication.tostring_ where _singleapplication_ is the variable output from JQ Transformation activity
11 - Now we can start writing the retrieved application name into Spreadsheet by adding Write Cell activity and define the following properties:
* for Cell Address provide the exact cell address where the list of the applications can be input _"A"+counter.tostring_ * Where _counter.tostring_ is the number of the sell where we will write a single application name * Note: the Cell Address property data type is _string_ so the provided cell address should be within the ““ (quotation mark) * for Cell Value provide the exact value(s) which should be written into it, specify _application_ * for Workbook Path, which is the exact .xls file where the values will be written specify the following argument: * called _Excel_ of type _string_ and default value with .xlsx workbook created as part of the pre-requisits “C:\RPA\Test.xlsx “ * for Worksheet Name, which is the name of the workbook within the .xlsx file, for that let’s create the argument: * called _Workbook_ of type _string_ and default value e.g. “ _List1_ “ * Note: user the exact name of the workbook of the part of the .xlsx file create, the workbook default name maybe different depending on the used language on your working station.
12 - Once the write to cell action happens we would need to decrease the count. For that let’s add Assign activity again. For that defined the following:
* for To define _count_ variable * for Value define _counter - 1_
Now you can test the flow and see if it allows you to write the each of the application name to a different cell and you are able to see the payloads in the Message Box.
## Activities List
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How to create an RPA flow using an OCR activity
## Overview
Data extraction is an essential benefit of the RPA platform, especially for OCR(Optical Character Recognition) activities.
This tutorial will show you how to create a flow allowing to extract the key values such as Customer # (Customer Number) and Order # (Order Number) from a financial document called Pick Ticket and write those values into the excel spreadsheet.
* * *
### Components
* RPA Management * RPA Studio * Microsoft Excel application
### Requirements
* Before you can start building the flow, you’ll need to install RPA Studio on your machine and set up a connection between the RPA Studio and RPA Management. Check the _[Infor RPA Studio User Guide](https://docs.infor.com/inforos/latest/en-us/useradminlib_cloud/default.html?helpcontent=rpasg/nts1702965214813.html#)_ for the steps on how to do it. * Also, you’ll need a few artifacts to set up your RPA flow: * Create Excel spreadsheet with the path example “C:\RPA\OCR.xlsx” * Save the Pick Ticket image below representing the following path "C:\RPA\signedpickticket.png
* * *
[PickTicket image](https://developer.infor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PickTicket.png)
## Tutorial
Difficulty: Medium Estimated completion time: 25 Minutes
https://youtu.be/93E4nvsfzrQ?feature=shared
In this tutorial, we demonstrate how to create and execute an Infor RPA flow to extract key values from documents, transform the payload, and write them into a local Excel spreadsheet.
1 - Open RPA Studio on your machine. If you are not signed in already into the tenant, you would be asked to sign in before proceeding to RPA flow designer screens.
2 - On the Home page of RPA Studio click Create New Project and specify the following properties in the pop-up window:
* Name: _OCRGetKeyValuestoExcel_ * Project Location: * Description: _OCR Get Key Values to Excel_ * Language: _VB _
3 - First, we will add the activity _Extract Document Key-Value_ which will allow us to extract the values based on the provided key. The activity can be access in Activities panel under OCR category. Drag and drop the activity on the deign canvas and click on it. The properties of the selected activity will appear in the properties panel. Let’s configure its properties in a following way:
* for OCR Document, which is the path of a specific document from which we would like to extract the data, let’s create an Argument: * called _OCRpath_ of type _string_ and default value of the OCR document path _"C:\RPA\sigedpickticket.png"_ * for List of keys, which the list of keys for which we would like to extract the values, in List Editor create the following keys: * _Customer #_ * Order # * and save the list. * for Response, which will be storing the extracted values in JSON format, let’s create the variable * called _joutput of type JToken (Newtonsoft.Json.Linq.Jtoken)_ * to find _JToken d_ ata type expand the Variable Type and select Browse for type. In the Type name cell type _JTokenand_ select _JToken_ under the _Newtonsoft.Json.Linq_ domain _._
  
4 - Optionally JUST FOR TROUBLESHOOTING RESONS you can add Message Box activity which would allow you to check if we retrieved the desired values from document which will be in JSON format. For that let’s define the following properties:
* for Input Text define the following VB expression _joutput.tostring_ which allows to read the provided JSON and transform it to _String_ data type. It is done because Input Text property allow only values of data type _string_ * Message Box Title, Button Selection, Response Code can stay empty.
5 - Now it is time to filter out the provided JSON response from API Endpoint to get key-values with few extra properties like coordinates and the confidence parameter. For that we will use the activity JQ Transformation and define its properties as followed:
* for JSON Input create a collection of a single item key: _key1_ and value: _joutput_ * for Filter we need to create a JSON payload filter in order to get specific value from JSON output - the list of the application. In order to do it you should start from the JSON Input defined _key1_ following by payload filter which would look like: "_.key1.ExtractionData"_ * Note: the Filter property data type is _string_ so the provided filter should be within the ““ (quotation mark) * for JSON Output , which will store the values filtered out from JSON payload, let’s create the variable: * called _JQout_ of type _JToken_ * To find _JToken_ data type, expand the Variable Type and select _Browse for type. I_ n the Type name cell type _JToken_ andselect _JToken_ under the _Newtonsoft.Json.Linq_ domain _._
6 - Optionally JUST FOR TROUBLESHOOTING, you can add Message Box activity which would allow you to check if we retrieved the desired values from JSON payload. For that let’s define the following properties:
* for Input Text define the following VB expression _JQout.tostring_ which allows to read the provided JSON and transform it to _String_ data type. It is done because Input Text property allow only values of data type _string._ * Message Box Title, Button Selection, Response Code can stay empty.
7 - Let’s add JSON for DataTable activity part of system activities which allows to transform the JSON array into data tabel.Let’s configure its properties in a following way:
* for JSON array, which is the input value for this activity, define _JQout_ * for DataTable , which will store the data table with values from JSON array, let’s create the variable: * called _dt_ of type _DataTable (System.Data.DataTable)_ * to find _DataTable_ data type expand the Variable Type and select _Browse for type._ In the Type name cell type _DataTable and_ select _DataTable_ under the _System.Data_ domain _._
 
8 - Now we will write datatable the into .xls spreadsheet. For that we will use the activity Write Range activity part of Excel activities categoryand define the following values:
* for Data Table provide the exact data table which should be written into it, specify _dt._ * for Stating Cell provide the exact cell address from where to input the data table for instance “A1” or you can create the argument: * called _cell_ of type _string_ and default value for instance “ _A1”_ * Note: the Cell Address property data type is _string_ so the provided cell address should be within the “” (quotation mark) * for Workbook path, which is the exact .xls file where the values will be written specify the following argument: * called _excelpath_ of type _string_ and default value with .xlsx workbook created as part of the pre-requisites “C:\RPA\OCR.xlsx“ * for Worksheet Name, which is the name of the workbook within the .xlsx file, for that let’s create the argument: * called _workbook_ of type _string_ and default value e.g. “ _List1_ “ * Note: the exact name of the workbook of the part of the .xlsx file create the workbook default name maybe different depending on the used language on your working station.
The flow will write the extracted values as well as extra properties into the excel spreadsheet.
## Activity List
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How to create an RPA flow using email activities to read emails and save attachments
## Overview
This tutorial will show you how to create a basic flow using RPA mail automation activities to read mail and store attachments. We will build an RPA flow which first reads mails from an account, after which the attachments will be saved for each mail.
You need to read emails and save attachments, but your email application is not stored on your local desktop.
* * *
### Components
* RPA Management * RPA Studio
### Requirements
* This specific flow should be used while the outlook application is not installed on the machine either for attended or unattended flow. Currently, this flow cannot be used from the Infor domain account due to security configurations. * Before you can start building the flow, you’ll need to install RPA Studio on your machine and set up a connection between the RPA Studio and RPA Management. * You may also need to create a few artifacts: * Create a folder to store the attachments “C:\RPA\Attachments”
* * *
## Resources
Download the project for reading outlook files and saving the attachments:
[ReadOutlookAndSaveAttachments](https://developer.infor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/saveattachments1.0.1.zip)
* * *
## Tutorial
Difficulty: Medium Estimated completion time: 25 Minutes
1 - Open RPA Studio on your machine. If you are not signed in already into the tenant, you would be asked to sign in before proceeding to RPA flow designer screens.
2 - On the Home page of RPA Studio click Create New Project and specify the following properties in the pop-up window:
(a) Name: _MailAttachementFlow_
(b) Project Location:
(c) Description: _Save the attachments from a mail_
(d) Language: _VB _
3 - Let’s first focus on setting up the mail sever. For that we need Email Server Setup activity and specify the following properties:
* Email Address \- which is the mail server we would like to access. Specify the argument: * called _: mailaccount_ of type _string_ and default value for your mail account. * Password \- which is the password to you mail server accounts. This is a protected value; you should specify the argument and used its name within the field value. You can also type the password directly into this field yet once published you won’t be able to change it. * called:_password_ of type _string_ and default value for your account password. * Email Server \- which is the value which will be storing the sever details such as e-mail and password. Specify the variable: * called: _server_ of type _ExchangeService (Microsoft.Exchange.WebServices.Data.ExchangeService)_ * to find _ExchangeService_ data type expand the Variable Type and select _Browse for type._ In the Type Name cell type _ExchangeService_ and select _Exchange Server_ under the _Microsoft.Exchange.WebServices.Data_ domain.
  
4 - Next, we need to specify the activity for reading the mail, for that we need to add Read Emails activity and specify the following properties:
* Email Server _ - _ which is the variable which points to the output of Email Server Setup activity. Specify here _sever_ variable. * Optionally you can specify: * Number of Emails Read * Sender Filter * Subject Filter * Unread Only * Emails _-_ its output value will store the emails read from the server. Specify the variable: * _emails_ of type _List ( System.Collection.Generic.List< Microsoft.Exchange.WebServices.Data.EmailMessage>_ * To find the List <_EmailMessage_ > data type, expand the Variable Type and select _Browse for type._ In the Type Name cell type _List_ and select _List_ under the System.Collection.Generic domain. Once selected, below the _System.Collection.Generic.List_ from the dropdown select _Browse for type_ and in the new dialog window in the Type Name cell type EmailMessage and select _EmailMessage_ under _Microsoft.Exchange.WebServices.Data_
 
5 - Later we will create a loop which will allow us to save an attachment from each read mail. For that we need to add For Each activity and specify the following:
* for Type property as _EmailMessgae ( Microsoft.Exchange.WebServices.Data.EmailMessage)_ which is same as a single object type from the _emails_ variable * for value property define _emails_. * In the activity on Design Canvas, you will see the following text “Foreach _item_ in _emails”_ the item signify the single object in this example mail within the list of object, here list of mails
6 - Within the Body add Save Attachments activity which will allow us to save the attachment from each of the read mails. Specify the following properties:
* For Email property specify _Item_ as in _For Each_ activity * For Path which is a path of the directory where the attachment should be stored, create variable: * called _attachementpath_ of type _string_ and default value "C:\RPA\Attachements" * For Attachments output property create a variable * called _savedfiles_ of type _List _ * To find the List data type, expand the Variable Type and select _Browse for type._ In the Type name cell type _List_ and select _List_ under the System.Collection.Generic domain. Once selected, below the _System.Collection.Generic.List_ from the dropdown select the _String_ and click ok.
 
Now we can run this flow to see if all if working as expected. In case of any errors check the Output panel to see where the error may have occurred.
### Activities List
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How to create an RPA Flow using FTP activities
## Overview
This tutorial will show you how to create a flow allowing to read the files from FTP server and store it in your local system.
* * *
### Components
* RPA Management * RPA Studio * FTP Server
### Requirements
* Before you can start building the flow, you’ll need to install RPA Studio on your machine and set up a connection between the RPA Studio and RPA Management. Check the _[Infor RPA Studio User Guide](https://docs.infor.com/inforos/latest/en-us/useradminlib_cloud/default.html?helpcontent=rpasg/nts1702965214813.html#) _for the steps on how to do so. * Set up a (s)ftp server account * Store multiple different files in the (s)ftp server folder * create a file directory to store the files "C:\Data\RPA\RPAFTP\FTPDownloads
* * *
## Tutorial
Difficulty: Medium Estimated completion time: 25 Minutes
1. Open RPA Studio on your machine. If you are not signed into the Tenant already you will be asked to sign in before proceeding to RPA flow designer screens. 2. On the Home page of RPA Studio click Create New Project and specify the following properties in the popup window: 1. Name: _FtpActivities_ 2. Project Location: 3. Description: _Downloading the files from Ftp server and storing in local directory_ 4. Language: _VB _ 3. First add the activity _ FTP list directory _ which will allow us to list the files in the FTP directory. Let’s configure its properties in a following way:
* for Remote Directory Full Path, which is the path to the directory in the (S)FTP server , let’s create an Argument: * called _RemoteDirectoryFullPath_ of type _string_ and default value (S)FTP directory e.g. "/local/InforRPA" * for Retrieved Directories, which the list directories in the (S)FTP server. let’s create an Variable: * called _DirectoryList_ of type _List <_ _string > _without any default value * for Retrieved Files, which the list directories in the (S)FTP server. let’s create an Variable: * called _FileList_ of type _List <_ _string > _without any default value _._ * for Password, which is the password to the (S)FTP server, provide the password which will be hidden behind the * * for Protocol, select SFTP or FTP depending which is being used * for User Name, which is the user of the (S)FTP server , let’s create an Argument: * called _User Name_ of type _string_ and default value of user name in (S)FTP * for Host, which is the Host of the (S)FTP server , let’s create an Argument: * called _Host_ of type _string_ and default value of host in (S)FTP * for Port, which is the port of the (S)FTP server , let’s create an Argument: * called _Port_ of type _string_ and default value of port in (S)FTP
4. Next we will create a loop which will allow us to download the (S)FTP file one by one. For that we need to add For Each activity and specify the following:
* for each _ftpitem_ * for Type property as _String w_ hich is same as a single object type from the _FileList_ variable * for value property define _FileList_. * In the activity on Design Canvas You will see the following text “Foreach _ftpitem_ in _FileList”_ the item signify the single object in this example file within the list of object, here list of FileList
5. Next Add Assign to assign the single file path to a variable.Let’s configure its properties in a following way:
* for To, which is the variable to which we will assign the value, let’s create an Variable: * _File_ of type _string_ * for Value, which is the value which will be assigned to a variable define the following VB expression:_ftpitem.tostring_
6. Optionally JUST FOR TROUBLESHOOTING RESONS you can add Message Box activity which would allow you to check the File path
* for Input Text define the following VB expression "File(s) present in remote location: " + File __ which allows to see the file path * Message Box Title, Button Selection, Response Code can stay empty
7. Now we can add Download FTP File, which will allow us to downaload the files from (S)FTP directory. . Let’s configure its properties in a following way:
* for File Name, which is the name under which the file should be saved, let’s use _File_ * for File Path, which is the file directory path where it should be saved. let’s create an Argument: * called _LocalFilePath_ of type _String_ with a default value “C:\Data\RPA\RPAFTP\FTPDownloads" * for Remote File Full Path which is the path to the file in the (S)FTP server folder, let’s specify the following VB expression _RemoteDirectoryFullPath+"/"+File_ * for Password, which is the password to the (S)FTP server, provide the password which will be hidden behind the * * for Protocol, select SFTP or FTP depending which is being used * for User Name, which is the user of the (S)FTP server , let’s specify _User Name_ argument * for Host, which is the Host of the (S)FTP server , let’s specify _Host_ arguement * for Port, which is the port of the (S)FTP server , let’s specify _Port_ argument * for Output File which is the full path of the file which was downloaded, let’s create the varaibile: * called _DownLoadedFile_ of type _string_
8. Optionally JUST FOR TROUBLESHOOTING REASONS you can add Message Box activity which would allow you to check if the file was stored.
* for Input Text define the following VB expression “ _File(s) downloaded into location local: "+DownloadedFile_ which allows to see the file path * Message Box Title, Button Selection, Response Code can stay empty
Now, upon running the flow the files are read from the FTP server and will be written in your local system.
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How to create an RPA Flow using Invoke Method activity with System.Xml.XmlDocument
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How to create an RPA flow using Invoke Workflow to invoke a sub workflow
## * *Overview
In Robotic Process Automation (RPA), invoking a subflow from a main flow is a common way to organize tasks and reuse logic within processes. Subflows act as modular components that can be called within a main flow to perform specific tasks, making the automation workflow more organized and maintainable. For example, you can define the data validation or data entry part of the flow as a subflow to be invoked during the execution of the main flow.
In this tutorial, we will show you how to create a basic flow using _Invoke Workflow_ activity to invoke a subflow part of a different _.xaml_ file in the project folder within the main flow . We will create a flow to pass the variable / argument from the main flow into the subflow and get the arguments from the subflow back to the main RPA Flow.
* * *
## Components
* [RPA](https://developer.infor.com/components/robotic-process-automation/) * RPA Management * RPA Studio
## Requirements
* You need to install the latest version of RPA Studio on your machine: * Download the connection files * Download RPA Installer from RPA Management. For this tutorial you need to install: * IDE Studio * Establish a connection between the RPA Studio and the RPA Management * You can check the _[Infor RPA Studio User Guide](https://docs.infor.com/inforos/latest/en-us/useradminlib_cloud/default.html?helpcontent=rpasg/nts1702965214813.html#) _for the details
* * *
## Tutorial
Difficulty: Easy Estimated completion time: 20 Minutes
### 1\. Open RPA Studio
Open RPA Studio on your machine, and sign in, if required.
### 2\. Create a new project
On the Home page of RPA Studio click Create New Project and specify the following properties in the popup window:
* Name: _InvokeWorkflow_ * ProjectLocation: * Description: _Demonstrates how to invoke a sub flow inside of the main flow_ * Language: _VB _
### 3\. Define Assign activity
We will start the flow by adding _ Assign _ activity into the canvas. You can find the list of activities by clicking Activities in the left-hand side bar or from the View menu in the top bar. Use search to find the activity you want.
The Assign activity allows us to assign a value to a particular variable. Let's create a variable that can later be referenced in the activity properties. We will call the new Variable _input_ and it will have the type _string_ and will not have a default value.
* The To Property contains the variable that we will assign the value to. * For the Value Property, we will simply use the string "Hello".
### 4\. Add a SubSequence
We create a new sequence in a different file. Click on +New from the action ribbon and select _ Sequence. _
A popup window will appear to specify the name of the sequence as _SubSequence.xaml_. Make sure you are saving it under the InvokeWorkflow folder and click Save. A new sequence file will be created and visible in the Project panel and will be open on the main design canvas.
Next add _ Assign _ activity into the canvas of the new _Subsequence_. We will first create arguments which later can be referenced in the activity properties.
* For To property create an Argument called _output_ of type: _string_ without default value and direction _OUT_ * For Value we will create an Argument called _inputargument_ of type _string_ with direction _IN_ * Click the Assign activity and fill in the To and Value properties: * To: output * Inside of the Value property we will specify _inputargument_ \+ “ World“ * The names of the arguments specified in the subsequence should be remembered, as you will be using them in the “main flow” - the one “Set as Main“ - which name is Bolded as part of the Project panel. * It is important to specify the direction for the arguments, while IN are the arguments which are coming from Mainpage.xaml and OUT are the ones as output from the Subesequence.xaml; The arguments from the subflows will not be visible in the RPA Management in Process Details to be configured.
### 5\. Add and configure Invoke Workflow
Next we come back to the _MainPage.xaml_ project and add an _ Invoke Workflow _ activity. Configure it in the following way:
* For Workflow file property which contains the actual file path of the subsequence ._xaml_ file, create a variable: * called _filepath_ of type: _string_ with default value of the file path for instance: “C:\Users\nkostuch\AppData\Local\InforRPA\InvokeWorkflowExample\SubSequence.xaml “ * Note: to get the subsequence file path right click on the _Subsequence.xaml_ file in the Project panel and select _ Open containing folder _. That will open the folder where the ._xaml_ file is stored. Right click on the _Subsequence.xaml_ and select _properties_ there you will find the full file location which has a prefix with “/” e.g. /Subsequence.xaml. * Make sure your file is saved within the open project, as only those files will be published when the project is published.
* For Input Argument we will specify the VB expression for the dictionary of the values which should be passed to the subsequence in a following way: * _New Dictionary (Of String, Object) from {{"inputargument", input}}_ * _inputargument_ is the argument from _Subsequence.xaml_ file and _input_ is the variable from the _Mainpage.xaml_ which value will be past to subsequence and assign to _inputargument_ argument in _Subsequence.xaml_
* For Output Argument which will hold the value of the argument passed from the _Subsequence.xaml,_ we need to create a variable with the same name as the one in the _Subsequence.xaml,_ but different data type. * Let’s create another variable called _output, with_ variable type _IDictionary_ _< String, Object>_ (Variable type/Browse for Types)
 
### 6\. Add a Message Box
To see if the values were being passed between the _Mainpage.xaml_ and _Subsequence.xaml_ we will add _Message Box_ activity. For Input Text let’s specify the following VB expression to see the value of _output_ variable which was input to the flow:
* output("output).ToString
Note: output is a variable of type _idictionary_ so it holds the dictionary of output values from the sub-sequence.
Save the flow and click Run to execute it.
## Flow Improvement
In order to output multiple arguments from the sub-sequence, you could:
Inside of the _Subsequence.xaml_ add the next activity Assign and configure it in a following way create a new arguments:
* for To, let’s create the arguments: * called _Output2_ of type _string_ and direction _Out_ * for Value, Let’s just add a random string “extra value“
Next go back to _MainPage.xaml_ and update the Message Box activity by specifying the following expression to the Input Text: _output("output).ToString +" "+ output("output2).toString_ so we can see all the arguments which were passed from the sub-sequence
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How to create an RPA flow using OneDrive activities to download files
## Overview
This tutorial will show you how to create a basic flow using few of the OneDrive Activities. We will create a flow to download the documents/ files from OneDrive Folder and moving them to a different folder.
* * *
### Components
* RPA Management * RPA Studio * OneDrive access (Office365)
### Requirements
* Before you can start building the flow, you’ll need to install RPA Studio on your machine and set up a connection between the RPA Studio and RPA Management. Check the _[Infor RPA Studio User Guide](https://docs.infor.com/inforos/latest/en-us/useradminlib_cloud/default.html?helpcontent=rpasg/nts1702965214813.html#)_ for the steps on how to do it. * Meet the prerequisites for using the MS Office 365 graph activities: * Create the RPA Application in Azure tenant following the steps listed in: [Register an application with the Microsoft identity platform - Microsoft Graph | Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/auth-register-app-v2) * Create the MS Office 365 Oauth provider in RPA Management * Authorize the application in RPA Management * Note: All the above steps are part of the RPA User Guide * Create a folder on your local disc called _e.g. Attachments_ having the following path: C:\RPA\Attachments * Create 2 OneDrive folder: * 1st called : Demo_RPA_OneDrive_Move * 2nd called: Demo_RPA_Onedrive_Write * In the Demo_RPA_OneDrive_Write add few files which will be downloaded.
* * *
## Tutorial
Difficulty: Medium Estimated completion time: 25 Minutes
1. Open RPA Studio on your machine. If you are not signed in already into the Tenant you would be asked to sign in before proceeding to RPA flow designer screens. 2. On the Home page of RPA Studio click Create New Project and specify the following properties in the popup window: 1. Name: _OneDrive Download Move_ 2. ProjectLocation: 3. Description: _OneDrive flow to download the Files from the OneDrive Folder and move the to a different one._ 4. Language: _VB _
3. We will start our flow by getting the files from the OneDrive Folder which we will be downloading. For that look for _ Find Files or Folders _ activity part of the One Drive Category and drag and drop it on the design canvas and set up its properties. For that we will first create few arguments which later/ variables can be references in the activity properties.
* Note: To use this activities and OneDrive activities you need to create Oauth provider MS Office 365 as listed in pre-requisites. * For Subfolder property which should contain the name of the folder from where we will read the files. let’s create an Argument: * called _ReadFolder_ of type: _string_ and default value: "Demo_RPA_Onedrive_Write" * Note: If left empty bot will read the files from the Root Folder. if you which to read a files from a folder which is nested specify the following path “Folder/SubFolder/ …” * Query property should stay empty * For Item, we can create a variable instead of the argument, it will store the first item id found the read folder * called _Item1_ of type _OneDriveItem_ * For Results we can create a variable instead of the argument. This variable will store the list of items id found in the folder. * called _Itemlist_ of type: _OneDriveItem[]_ without any default value, which translates to Array of OneDriveItem * to find _OneDriveItem[]_ data type expand the Variable Type and select _Array of [T]._ Next in the Select Types pop’up expand the dropdown under T value and click Browse for Type, and in the Type Name cell type _OneDrive_ and select _OneDriveItem_ under the _Infor.Activities.OneDrive.Mode_ l domain Click OK and Clikc OK again.
4\. Next, we will get the folder where the files should be moved. For that we will use the same activity as previously Find Files and Folder , but configure it differently.
* For Query which is a filter for finding the exact Folder to read we will create an Argument: * called _MoveFolder_ of type: _string_ and default value: _"Demo_RPA_OneDrive_Move" _ * Subfolder property should stay empty as we will be looking for the folder inside of the root folder of OneDrive. * For Item, we can create a variable instead of the argument, it will store the first item id found the read folder * called _Move1_ of type _OneDriveItem_ * For Results we can create a variable instead of the argument. This variable will store the list of items id found in the folder. * called _Movelist_ type: _OneDriveItem[]_ without any default value, which translates to Array of OneDriveItem * to find _OneDriveItem[]_ data type expand the Variable Type and select _Array of [T]._ Next in the Select Types pop’up expand the dropdown under T value and click Browse for Type, and in the Type Name cell type _OneDrive_ and select _OneDriveItem_ under the _Infor.Activities.OneDrive.Mode_ l domain Click OK and Clikc OK again.
 
5\. Next, we will create the loop to store each of the read file and move it to the different OneDrive Folder once downloaded. For that we need to add For Each activity and specify the following:
* for Type property as _OneDriveItem_ which is same as a single object type from the _Itemlist_ variable * for value property define _Itemlist_. * In the activity on Design Canvas You will see the following text “Foreach _item_ in _Itemlist”_ the item signify the single object in this example mail within the list of object, here list of file paths
6.Inside For Each Block we will add a few activities. A Sequence activity is needed inside of the For Each block in order to be able to do that.
7\. Inside of the Sequence block let’s add Download File activity to Download the OneDrive Folder and saved them in the File directory on the local system by specifying the following properties of this activities;
* for Download location, where the file(s) should be downloaded, we can create the argument, * called _DownloadFolder_ of type _string_ and default value e.g. "C:\RPA\Attachments" * for File To Download, which is the path of the downloaded file or folder, define item which is the one specified in the For Each block
8\. As the last step we will define the activity o Move the downloaded file do a different OneDrive folder. For that look up Move File or Folder activity and drag and drop it inside to if the Sequence block inside For Each activity and specify its properties in a following way:
* for File or Folder to move specify the _item , _ same variable as in the For Each activity * for Destination Folder specify the variable _Move1_ which is the output from the Find Files or Folders activity
## Activities List
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How to create an RPA Flow using OneDrive activities to upload documents
## Overview
This tutorial will show you how to create a basic flow using few of the OneDrive activities. We will create a flow to upload the documents/ files into OneDrive Folder by reading them first from the outlook account. We will be using For Each File or Folder in combination with Get Files or Folders to upload the document to an already existing folder.
Note: The For Each File or Folder in combination with Get Files or Folders can be also replaced by Find Files or Folder as shown in this tutorial: [How to Create an RPA Flow Using OneDrive Activities to Download Files](https://developer.infor.com/?page_id=5369).
* * *
### Components
* RPA Management * RPA Studio * OneDrive access (MS Office 365) * Outlook email account
### Requirements
* Before you can start building the flow, you’ll need to install RPA Studio on your machine and set up a connection between the RPA Studio and RPA Management. Check the _[Infor RPA Studio User Guide](https://docs.infor.com/inforos/latest/en-us/useradminlib_cloud/default.html?helpcontent=rpasg/nts1702965214813.html#)_ for the steps on how to do it. * Create the RPA Application in Azure tenant following the steps listed in: [Register an application with the Microsoft identity platform - Microsoft Graph | Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/auth-register-app-v2) * Create the MS Office 365 Oauth provider in RPA Management * Authorize the application in RPA Management * Note: All the above steps are part of the RPA User Guide * Create a folder on your local drive called _Attachments_ having the following path: C:\RPA\Attachments * Create OneDrive folder called: Demo_RPA_Onedrive_Write
* * *
## Tutorial
Difficulty: Hard Estimated completion time: 45 Minutes
1\. Open RPA Studio on your machine. If you are not signed in already into the Tenant you will be asked to sign in before proceeding to RPA flow designer screens.
2\. On the Home page of RPA Studio click Create New Project and specify the following properties in the popup window:
1. Name: _OneDrive Upload Share_ 2. ProjectLocation: 3. Description: __OneDrive flow to get the mails from mail outlook and upload to OneDrive Folder__ 4. Language: _VB _
3\. We will start the flow by adding a _ Sequence _ block to create a small sub-flow to read the mails from the outlook account and store the attachments. Drag and drop the _ Sequence _ activity from the Activities side panel _ . _
4\. Next in the Activities panel, look for _ Get Outlook Emails Graph _ , which allows to read the mails from Outlook Account in MS Office 365. Click on the activity on the design canvas and set up its properties. Create few arguments which can be references to the activity properties.
* Note: To use this activity and OneDrive activities you need to create OAuth provider MS Office 365 as listed in pre-requisites. * Select the Include Attachments property * Mail Folder Name property should contain the name of the mailbox folder from where we will read the email. Create an Argument called _MailFolderName_ of type: _string_ and default value: ”demo” * Select the Mark as Read property. * For Retrieve Top N Mails you can specify e.g. 3 * For Email List we can create a variable instead of the argument. This variable will store the list of the email read from the outlook account. * called _mailList_ of type: _List _without any default value * to find List <_Mail_ > data type expand the Variable Type and select _Browse for type._ In the Type Name cell type _List_ and select _List_ under the System.Collection.Generic domain. Once selected, below the _System.Collection.Generic.List_ from the dropdown select _Browse for type_ and in the new dialog window in the Type Name cell type Mail and select _Mail_ under _Infor.Activities.Email.Mail_.
  
5\. Now, we will create a loop which will allow us to save an attachment from each read mail. For that we need to add For Each activity and specify the following:
* for Type property as _Mail ( Infor.Activities.Email.Mail)_ which is same as a single object type from the _mailLis_ t variable * for value property define mailList. * In the activity on Design Canvas You will see the following text “Foreach _item_ in _mailList”_ the item signify the single object in this example mail within the list of object, here list of mails
6\. Within the Body first add a Sequence .
7\. Next, add Download Email Attachment Graph activity which will allow us to save the attachment from each of the read mails. Specify the following properties:
* For Email property specify _Item_ as in _ For Each _ activity * For Save Destination which is a path of the directory where the attachment should be stored, create argument: * called _attachmentFiles_ of type _string_ and default value "C:\RPA\Attachments" * For File Paths output property create a variable * called _paths_ of type _List _ * to find List data type expand the Variable Type and select _Browse for type._ In the Type name cell type _List_ and select _List_ under the System.Collection.Generic domain. Once selected, below the _System.Collection.Generic.List_ from the dropdown select the _String_ and click ok.
 
8. Now, we will add the activity _ Get Files Directory _ which will allow us to read all the attachements we stored on the local system. The activity can be access in Activities panel under System category. Drag and drop the activity on the deign canvas and click on it. The properties of the selected activity will appear in the properties panel. Let’s configure its properties in a following way:
* for Path, which is the path of a specific directory from which we would like to read the files specify _attachmentFiles_ variable which we used for saving the attachements. * for Files, which the list of files path read in the directory, let’s create a variable: * called _FileList_attachements_ of type _List _without any default value * to find _List _data type expand the Variable Type and select _Browse for type. I_ n the Type name cell type _List_ and __ select _List_ under the _System.Collections.Generic_ domain _._ * this variable will store the list of the file paths
9. Next we will add the For Each Files or Folder s , which will allow us to list the ids of one or multiple folders/ files based on the defined Query. Let’s configure the activity in following way:
* For Search Keywords which is the keyword based on which we will be looking up folder(s)/ File(s), create argument: * called _OneDriveWrite_ of type _string_ and default value _"Demo_RPA_Onedrive_Write"_ * For Account which is OneDrive Account from where we will be looking up OneDrives Ids, create argument: * called _AccountMail_ of type _string_ and default value of you mail * For Limit Results specify 1, as we want to only find 1 folder * For Results which will store the array of the retrived IDs, let’s specify the variable * called _resultID_ of type _String []_
10. Next we will add the Get File Or Folder which retrieves a single OneDrive object based on provided Id, you will find it also under One Drive category in activity panel. Select the activity and configure in the following way:
* For OneDrive Item ID which is the id of the id to retrieve specify the variable _resultID_ in a following way _resultID_(0) so only a first item from array will be retrieved * For Account which is OneDrive Account from where we will be looking up OneDrives Ids, create argument: * called _AccountMail_ of type _string_ and default value of you mail * For Item which is the OneDrive item retrived, let’s specify the variable * called _Folder_OneDrive_ of type _OneDriveItem_
11. Now we will be sharing the created OneDrive folder which we found. For that lest add Share File or Folder into the canvas. Click on the activity and configure it in the following way:
* For File or Folder to Share property which should contain the id of the OneDrive Item to share specify F _older_Onedrive_ variable output from Get File Or Folder activity. * For Grantee permissions select which permissions should a person you share the file with get. You can select between _Edit and View._ * For Grantee Type which is the type of the recipient for whom the permission are granted, you can select from dropdown e.g. _SpecificPeople, PeopleInOrganization or Anyone_ * For Recipients which is the list of people with whom we should share the folder, let’s create the argument * called _reclist_ of type _Array of string, String[]_ without a default value(s) written between the “{}” e.g. {“natalia.ptaszek@infor.com“, “john.smith@infro.com“} * For Require sign in select _True_ * For Send sharing invitations mail select _True_
12. Next we will create a loop which will allow us to upload each of the stored attachment into OneDrive Folder For that we need to add For Each activity and specify the following:
* for Type property as _String_ which is same as a single object type from the _FileList_attachements_ variable * for value property define _FileList_attachements_. * In the activity on Design Canvas You will see the following text “Foreach _item_ in _FileList_attachements”_ the item signify the single object in this example mail within the list of object, here list of file paths
Note: Optionally next you can add the Sequence activity inside of the For Each block
13. At the end add Upload File to start uploading the attachments saved in the File directory on the local system and specify the following properties of this activities;
* For File Upload property specify _Item_ as in _ For Each _ activity * For In Case of a Conflict select _Replace_ * for Destination Folder define the variable _Folder_Onedrive_ * for Destination Path, which is the path of the uploaded file or folder, let’s create the variable: * called _attachementDrive_ of type _OneDriveItem_ without any default value
Now the flow is complete and can be run to read the files and upload them to one drive automatically.
## Activities List
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How to create an RPA flow using Outlook Email activities
## Overview
You need to create a basic flow using some of the Outlook automation activities to read mail and store attachments.
We will build an RPA flow which first reads emails from an outlook account. Then for each email, the email text body will be written into the _.txt_ file including the attachments one by one.
* * *
### Components
* RPA Management * RPA Studio * Microsoft Outlook application
### Requirements
* Before you can start building the flow, you’ll need to install RPA Studio on your machine and set up a connection between the RPA Studio and RPA Management meaning. Check the _[Infor RPA Studio User Guide](https://docs.infor.com/inforos/latest/en-us/useradminlib_cloud/default.html?helpcontent=rpasg/nts1702965214813.html#) _for the steps on how to do so. * You may also need to create a few artifacts: * Create a folder to store the .txt file where the mail body will be read into e.g. “C:\RPA” * Create a .txt file within this folder “C:\RPA\rpa.txt” * You can also create a sub-folder inside of your outlook account named “Test” where you can send / save 2 mails with Subject "Test" containing the attachments.
* * *
## Tutorial
Difficulty: Medium Estimated completion time: 25 Minutes
https://youtu.be/uaGsqGLygYQ?si=ZRv0FAC7g9IB12hT
This tutorial explains how to create a basic flow in Infor RPA Studio to read email messages and download their associated attachments by using Infor’s automated email Outlook activities.
1 - Open RPA Studio on your machine. If you are not signed in already into the tenant, you will be asked to sign in before proceeding to RPA flow designer screens.
2 - On the Home page of RPA Studio click Create New Project and specify the following properties in the pop-up window:
(a) Name: _OutlookMails_
(b) ProjectLocation:
(c) Description: _Read Outlook Mails._
(d) Language: _VB _
3 - Let’s first focus on reading the mails from Outlook account. For that we need to add the _Get Outlook E-mails_ activity to the flow and specify the following properties:
* Account _–_ which is the email address from which the email is read. Specify the argument: * _mailaccount_ of type _string_ and default value for your email account * Mail Folder _–_ the exact email folder within selected account. Specify the argument: * _mailfolder_ of type _string_ and default value for your email account * Optional: Filter _–_ use this property to filter the emails which should be read * e.g. “[Subject] = Test” * Note: more examples of the filters can be found in the [_Infor RPA_ user guide](https://docs.infor.com/inforos/2024.x/en-us/useradminlib_cloud/default.html?helpcontent=rpasg/nts1702965214813.html#). * Mark As Read – check if you don’t wish to read the same email * Only unread mails – only unread email would be read it is an explicit filter. Please check this checkbox * Top Number of email which should be read in one go – it is an integer value e.g. 2 * For Output property Emails we need to create the variables * called _emaillist_ which will store the list of mails of type _List _ * To find List data type, expand the Variable Type and select _Browse for type._ In the Type Name cell type _List_ and select _List_ under the System.Collection.Generic domain. Once selected, below the _System.Collection.Generic.List_ from the dropdown select _Browse for type_ and in the new dialog window in the Type Name cell type Mail and select _Mail_ under Infor.Activities.Email.
 
4 - Now let’s start reading the mails one by one. For that let’s look for an automation activity called _For each_ and define
* for Type property as _Mail_ which is same as a single object type from the _emaillist_ variable * for Values property define _emaillist_. * In the ForEach activity on Design Canvas, you will see the following text “Foreach _item_ in _emaillist”_ the item signifies the single object in this example mail within the list of objects (in this example being list of mails).
5 - Add the _Sequence_ activity to specify the flow for reading each mail body and writing to the file. For adding a flow inside the ForEach activity we always need a Sequence activity.
6 - Within the Sequence add activity _Assign_ which will allow us to assign the mail body to a variable of type _string_. On the Properties panel:
* For To property – create a variable called _body_ of type _string_ – in this variable we will store the text of the mail body * For Value property – here specify the VB expression for transforming the read mail body into a _string_ data type by typing: i _tem.body.tostring_
7 - Next add _Append Line_ activity which will allow RPA flow to write the mail body into a .txt file. To specify its properties:
* For Line property – input the variable storing the body of the mail which in this case _body_. * For Source Filepath property - it should be the path of the .txt file where we will write the mail body e.g. “C://RPA/rpa.txt” or you can create a variable called _filepath_ of type _string_ with _default values_
8 - In addition you can also specify the activity to download the attachments if any were sent by adding _Download Outlook Attachment_ activity and specify the following input and output properties:
* For input Email property specify _Item_ as in _For Each_ activity * For input Path which is the directory path where the attachment should be stored, create variable: * called _attachementpath_ of type _string_ and default value "C:\RPA" * For output File Paths property create a variable * called _attachemenfilepath_ of type _List _ * To find List data type, expand the Variable Type and select _Browse for type._ In the Type name cell type _List_ and select _List_ under the System.Collection.Generic domain. Once selected, below the _System.Collection.Generic.List_ from the dropdown select the _String_ and click ok.
 
Now we can run this flow to see if all if working as expected. In case of any errors check the Output panel to see where the error may have occurred.
## Activity List
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How to create an RPA flow using Send Hotkey activity to access M3 popup
## Overview
The Send Hotkey activity in the RPA Studio allows you to send the keyboard shortcuts to an UI element. By simulating keystrokes and keyboard shortcuts, you can streamline processes and interact with applications efficiently.
In the M3 web application, users can navigate to a specific screen by running a transaction code. For example, after logging into the M3 app and pressing _CTRL+R_ , a Search and Start control appears. By entering the transaction code _MFS100_ , users are directed to the _Internal Invoice.Create_ screen.
* * *
## Components
* [RPA](https://developer.infor.com/components/robotic-process-automation/) * RPA Management * RPA Studio * M3 application (target application in our example)
[Download](https://developer.infor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Infor-Tenant-OTP-Authentication1.0.0.zip)
## Requirements
You need to install the latest version of RPA Studio on your machine:
* Download the connection files * Download RPA Installer from RPA Management. For this tutorial you need to install: * IDE Studio * Establish a connection between the RPA Studio and the RPA Management * You can check the _[Infor RPA Studio User Guide](https://docs.infor.com/inforos/latest/en-us/useradminlib_cloud/default.html?helpcontent=rpasg/nts1702965214813.html#) _for the details
### Pre-requisites
* Target Application : Ensure the application or window is active and in focus. * Key Identification : Know the exact keys or key combinations required. * Modifier Keys : Understand how to configure and use modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, Shift). * Application State : Verify the application is in a state to accept the hotkey input. * Timing : Be aware of any required delays between key presses. * Error Handling : Implement error handling for potential hotkey failures.
* * *
## Tutorial
Difficulty: Medium Estimated completion time: 25 Minutes
### 1\. Open RPA Studio
Open RPA Studio on your machine, and sign in, if required.
### 2\. Create a new project
On the Home page click Create New Project and specify the following properties in the pop up window:
1. Name: _M3HotKey_ 2. ProjectLocation: 3. Description: _Demo on M3 HotKey_ 4. Language: _VB _
### 3\. Model the login steps
First we need to model the steps to login into the tenant navigating directly into M3 Home Screen. For the steps on login into the tenant follow the tutorial: _[How to create an RPA Flow using the Get Microsoft OTP Code to login to Infor Tenant](https://developer.infor.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=7952)._
Note: You may want to skip particular steps which are not required in your tenant setup like generation of the OTP code for login and double check the XPATH.
Alternatively, you can import the provided OTP.xaml into this project by importing and unzipping the project from _How to create an RPA Flow using the Get Microsoft OTP Code to login to Infor Tenant_. Then right-clicking on the name of the Project inside of the project panel and selecting import file.
### 4\. Start building the flow
Next we move on to the MainPage.xml. We then add the Invoke Workflow activity. You can find the list of activities by clicking Activities in the left-hand side bar or from the View menu in the top bar. Use search to find the activity you want.
Configure the activity in the following way:
* For the _ Input Arguments _ * Create 3 arguments of type _string_ named: _UserLogin, Password, URL_ with appropriate default values . * Note: to simplify the setup the name of the arguments should be same as in the OTP.xaml * Click on the Invoke Workflow activity and define the _ Input Arguments _ as followed: New Dictionary (Of String, Object) from {{"URL", URL}, {"UserLogin", UserLogin}, {"Password", Password}} * this means that the value of the URL, UserLogin, Password argument will be passed to the subflow
* For the _ Workflow File _ create the variable called SubWorkflow with default value of the OTP.xaml workflow path “….\OTP.xaml“ Note: that the OTP.xaml workflow must be part of this specific project * For _ Output Arguments _ create the variable called _Dictionary_ of type _iDictionary _ (Browse for types/System.Collections.Generic.IDictionary)
### 5\. Check the variables in the imported OTP.xaml
Go to OTP.xaml sequence to validate that you have 3 arguments called: URL, UserLogin and Password with Direction IN without the default values. The values will be passed from the Main sequence.
### 6\. Model the M3 steps
After Invoke Workflow allows us to log into the M3 application, you can model the steps to access the M3 Search and Start panel open while using the “CTRL + R“ hotkey. First, you need to use the To IFrame activity to switch to an iframe, as the target elements are located within it. Configure the activity in the following way:
* for _ Wait After _ let’s add 2000, it means that the bot will wait 2000 MS after executing this activity * for _ Input _ specify the following Xpath value _"//iframe[contains(@name, 'm3h5_')]"_
Now, use the Send Hotkey activity to send the keyboard keys “ _CTRL + R_ ” to the M3 application which will allow the bot to open the “Search and Start“ dialog window. For that let’s configure the activity in a following way:
1. for _ Wait After _specify 5000 2. for _ Wait Before _ specify _5000_ 3. for **_ Modifier _ select _CTRL_ 4. for _ Key _ type _“+ R”_ 5. for _ XPath _ specify _"/html/body"_
When the “Search and Start” control appears, bot should click the input text box within this control. For that add _Web/ Click _ activity, and for _ XPath _ specify "//input[@id='search-and-start-autocomplete']
You can also rename the _Click_ activity to "Click search-and-start- autocomplete
Next we should model the step to send the required program code value _(e.g.MFS100)_ to this input text box. We can do that by using the Send Keys activity. For _ Key _ specify the program code e.g. “MFS100“.
Finally, you should model the step where the bot clicks the ‘OK' button on the “Search and Start” control. For that use the Click activity and configure it in the following way:
* For Wait After add 3000 * For _ Xpath _ specify "//button[@id='oc-btn-ok']
### 7\. Execute the Flow
Now you can save your flow. Click Run to execute and verify that the user is navigated successfully to the required Invoice Creation screen in the M3 application.
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How to create an RPA flow using System activities
## Overview
This tutorial will show you how to create a basic flow using system automation and workflow activities.
Let’s create a flow which will allow a bot to read files and check if they contain any text. The text then would be written into a logfile which would be created upon running the RPA flow.
* * *
### Components
* RPA Management * RPA Studio
### Requirements
* The user needs access the cloud tenant via login. * Before creating the RPA Flow, you need to install RPA Studio on your machine and set up a connection between the RPA Studio and RPA Management meaning the on-premis component and Multi-Tenant component by using the connection files from API Gateway. Check the _[Infor RPA Studio User Guide](https://docs.infor.com/inforos/latest/en-us/useradminlib_cloud/default.html?helpcontent=rpasg/nts1702965214813.html#) _for the steps on how to do it. * Before we start building the flow, let’s first create few artifacts needed to set up an RPA flow * Create one folder called SystemActivities e.g. of the Folder path C:\RPA\SystemActivities * Within the created folder (C:\RPA\SystemActivities) create 3 .txt files e.g. * Test1.txt * Test2.txt * Test3.txt * For Text1.txt and Text3.txt files, add the text “I have text.“ and leave the Test2.txt file empty. * Create a Folder called LogFile e.g. of the Folder path C:\RPA\LogFile.
* * *
## Tutorial
Difficulty: Easy Estimated completion time: 15 Minutes
https://youtu.be/pbmJUC2lGSQ
1. Open RPA Studio on your machine. If you are not signed in already into the Tenant you would be asked to sign in before proceeding to RPA flow designer screens. 2. On the Home page of RPA Studio click Create New Project and specify the following properties in the pop’up window: 1. Name: _ReadFilesinDirectory_ 2. ProjectLocation: 3. Description: _Read Files in Directory_ 4. Language: _VB _
3. Start the flow by creating the log file, where you will store the summary of the action, meaning the read file path and the findings if the file was empty or had any content. From the Activities side panel drag and drop the _ Create File _ activity _ . _Click on the activity on the design canvas and set up its properties. For that we will first create few arguments which alter can be references in the activity properties.
* For Target Filename property which should contain the name of the logfile and this extension, let’s create an Argument: * called _logfilename_ of type: _string_ and default value: ”logfile.txt” * For Target Filepath which is path of the file where the logfile should be stored, let’s create a second Argument: * called _logfilepath_ with default value: " C:\RPA\LogFile"” * For File Output file we will can create a variable instead of the argument. This variable will store the entire path of the created log file (directory it is in + the file name) * called _outputfilepath_ of type: _string_ without any default value
 
4. Configure the flow to start reading the files in the director. For that let’s drag and drop the _ Get Files in Directory _ activity. For this activity let’s define the following values for its properties
* for Path property which will hold the information which directory to access, create : * Argument called _Path_ , of type _string_ with default value "C:\RPA\SystemActivities" * for the Files property, which will hold the list of the files * Variable called _files_ of type List (System.Collection.Generic.List ) * to find List data type expand the Variable Type and select _Browse for type._ In the Type name cell type _List_ and select _List_ under the System.Collection.Generic domain. Once selected, below the _System.Collection.Generic.List_ from the dropdown select the _String_ and click ok.
  
5. Create a loop so that RPA Process can read each of the access files in the loop one by one and perform an action. For that let’s add the activity called F _ or each _and define its type property as _String._ 6. Create a logic that for each “item in list of the files” where files is represented by variable _files_ , we will read the file. In that case in Value property we need to specify _files_ variable
7. Next we would like to add the logic that we would like to read each of the files. In that case we need a new automation activity called _ Read a file _. 8. Specify the following _ Read a file _ properties:
* for Source Filepath property should be item as we defined in the loop component * for the Text property which holds the text read in the .txt file, let’s create a variable * called _text_ of type _string_
9. Now the RPA flow should perform a different action depending if the file had a content or was empty. For that we would need a condition activity if . 10. In If activity property we can defined that:
* if “ _text_ = “” which translates to if the file had an empty text within
Then we would like to write this discovery into the logfile. For that we need to use Append line activity with following properties:
* for Line property specify : item+" this file is empty" * for Source Filepath property specify the _outputfilepath_ variable .
* Else, so if the file contained the text, we will also write it into Logfile using Append Line _activity with following properties:_ * Line property specify: item+" this file has text " * for Source Filepath proprty specify the _outputfilepath_ variable .
Now you can test by trigger it. Click on the Run button in the toolbar above the design canvas.
### Logs
Once the RPA process is run, in the Output Page of the RPA Studio you can check the logs if the activities were executed without throwing any errors. If the activity code is 200 it means that it was executed successfully otherwise if the code is 401, 402, 500 or other it means that there has been an issue while executing a particular activity.
### Flow Improvements
Now you can improve the flow by tackling one possible exception scenario, which is the possibility of logfile being already there.
1. For that we will use the activity __ Path Exist where
* for Path property is the:_ outputfilepath_ * _which we will change to be the Argument_ rather than variable __ as it can be different depending on where the process is run with provide default value: “C:\RPA\LogFile\logfile.txt” * For IsValid property we will create a new variable logfileexists of type Boolean.
2. Now we need to add a condition activity _ IF _and Condition property specify _logfileexists_ , meaning _ _ If log file exists
* IF Then, than do nothing as it is TRUE, * IF Else , create a file, for that just move the Create a text file activity into this body.
Now you can run the flow again to see if it tackles the scenario where the logfile exists.
* * *
## Activity List
The following System and Workflow activities were used in this tutorial:
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How to create an RPA Flow using the Get Microsoft OTP Code to login to Infor Tenant
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How to create an RPA flow using Try-Catch activity
## Overview
Handle exceptions with the Try-Catch activity. This activity can be used with any of the RPA Activities that might throw an exception in a scenario, and is also equipped with handling exceptions thrown by specific RPA Activities, such as OCR, Workflow, Web, etc.
To help us understand the basics of one of the many use cases this activity will help us with, we will take an example of working with Excel. Now, in a lot of scenarios, we will be using our Excel Activities. When you run an RPA flow that uses the Excel activities, if the Excel application is open, the activities won’t be executed, and you will get a 500 error. We will handle this scenario using Try Catch.
* * *
### Components
* RPA Management * RPA Studio * Excel Desktop application
### Requirements
* Before we start building the flow, you’ll need to have an Excel workbook available locally. * Also, you’ll need to install RPA Studio on your machine and set up a connection between the RPA Studio and RPA Management, the on-premise component and multitenant component, by using the connection files from API Gateway. Check the _Infor RPA Studio User Guide_ for the steps on how to do so.
* * *
## Tutorial
Difficulty: Easy Estimated Completion Time: 15 minutes
1 - Open RPA Studio on your machine. If you are not signed in already into the Tenant, you would be asked to sign in before proceeding to RPA flow designer screens.
2 - On the Home page of RPA Studio click Create New Project and specify the following properties in the pop’up window:
(a) Name: _TryCatchExcel_
(b) ProjectLocation:
(c) Description: _Try Catch with Read Range in Excel._
(d) Language: _VB ._
3 - TRY - In our case, any Excel activity will not run if Excel is running. These activities could be anywhere in the RPA Flow but to make things simple, I have just started with drag and dropping Try Catch activity, next I will look up a “Read Range” activity and placed it in the Try block. Now, when this RPA Flow runs, and if Excel is running, this activity will encounter an error. Now for this activity to throw an exception at this point, be sure to uncheck the Continue on Error property in the Properties panel. Any activity will only throw an exception when the Continue on Error is unchecked. Be sure to output the DataTable in a variable. We will use this variable to validate whether the Excel was read or not later. If Excel is running, an exception will be thrown which we will catch in the Catch block.
4 - CATCH - There can be different types of exceptions and they are caught using appropriate Exception classes. In this case we will simply use System.Exception to catch ours.
Along with catching the exception, we can add an activity or a sequence here to handle that exception. Here, we have added a sequence that contains a message box. The message will display the Exception we have encountered and also the further instructions to handle it. “exception.message” will display the exception encountered.
The below input can be given to the “Input Text” property of the Message box: exception.message + "RPA cannot access Excel since it is open. Pls close Excel and click on OK to proceed.
We ask the user to close Excel before proceeding and then click on OK on the message box. We have used a Delay to allow the user to complete these actions.
 
5 - Finally - Finally block executes irrespective of whether an exception was caught or not. We will take advantage of this property to validate whether our Excel was running in the background or not. We will place an IF block inside the Finally and check “dt is Nothing”. This is a check for whether the variable where “Read Range” was giving an output is empty or not. In case, Excel was running, “Read Range” will not work, and nothing will be stored in dt. If there is an output in dt, this means Excel was closed and the activity worked.
If Excel was open at first and then had to be closed, then it means we would need to read it again using “Read Range”.
If Excel was not running, then nothing needs to be done.
6 - Click on “Run” to run you RPA Flow.
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How to get XPath using the Infor RPA Recorder and Inspector
Overview
This tutorial will help you learn how to get XPaths of web elements using the Infor RPA Recorder and Inspector web extension.
What is XPath?
XPath is a Selenium technique to navigate through a page's HTML structure . It enables us to navigate any document's XML structure, which can be used on both HTML and XML documents.
XPath is used in almost all web activities. It is used whenever we have to refer to any element on a webpage. For example, if we have to click on a link on a webpage, we could pass the XPath of that to the Click activity.
Components
- RPA Management * RPA Recorder
Requirements
- Before starting on using the Web activities, we need to install the Infor RPA Recorder and Inspector web extension from the Chrome Store. * Go to Chrome Store * Search “Infor RPA Recorder and Inspector”. The extension will appear. * Add the extension to your preferred browser.
Tutorial
Difficulty: Easy Estimated completion time: 15 Minutes
- Open the Web browser of your choice. Go to the site that you need to be automating. For example, it could be a tenant that we are trying to log into. 2. Click on the Extension icon on the top right corner. On clicking, a list of active extensions appears, click on the Infor RPA Recorder and Inspector to launch the extension. Extension icon can be seen highlighted.
3. On launching, you can see the application has two tabs, Inspector and Recorder. We will stick to the Inspector tab for this tutorial. You can also the see the site the Inspector is currently referring to.
4. Click on the Arrow with the dotted lines around it to get into Inspector more. Now anything you click on the web page will not be registered as click but would rather generate the XPath of that element.
5. In this example we are inspecting the login page of a tenant. After starting the inspection by clicking on the arrow, you would see all the clickable fields highlighted, to indicate that they are clickable fields. In this case, the “Username”, “Password”, “Sign in” button, “Reset/Forgot Password” are all clickable fields that could be used in automation. For logging in though, we only need the username, password, and the Sign in button. When all these three fields are clicked, the XPaths generated can be seen on the Inspector.
6. We now have the XPaths of these elements. They all have a “cross” and a “copy” icon with it. The copy icon can be used to copy the XPath and use it in the RPA Studio. The XPaths of the username and pass fields can be used with the “Set Text” activity, which would allow you to set the required texts in those fields. The XPath of the Sign in button can be used in the “Click” activity to click on the Sign in button.
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How to install RPA in attended mode
Overview
Your team needs access to a powerful yet simplistic tool for designing, testing, and deploying automation workflows, equipped with a user-friendly interface that caters to a diverse range of users, including business analysts, developers, and IT professionals.
Attended installations are best suited for automation of workflow processes that require some user oversight. These installations execute workflow processes in the existing windows user session and are visible to the user while executing.
This tutorial will show you how to install Infor RPA components in an attended mode of execution and how to successfully access the multitenant RPA Management system.
Components
- Web Browsers: Chrome, Edge * Microsoft Office: Office 365 * RPA Management * RPA Studio * RPA Assistant * RPA Runtime
Requirements
- The user needs access the cloud tenant via login. * The attended mode of process execution must be triggered on demand from the RPA Assistant on-prem application and should be supervised by the user during its runtime. * It is recommended to use the attended execution mode in case specified user involvement is required during the process.
Tutorial
Difficulty: Easy Estimated completion time: 5 Minutes
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How to install RPA in unattended mode
Overview
Unattended installations are best suited for workflow process automation that can execute completely without user intervention. These executions are configured in Mastermind via the RPA Management UI and can execute on a device in a chosen windows user session either 'on-demand' or on a selected schedule.
This tutorial will show you how to install Infor RPA components in an unattended mode of execution.
Components
- Web Browsers: Chrome, Edge * Microsoft Office: Office 365 * RPA Management * RPA Agent * RPA Robot Service * RPA Runtime
Requirements
- The user needs access the cloud tenant via login. * Ensure RPA is enabled on the windows device. * Add any windows users on the device that are intended to be used for RPA to the 'Remote Desktop Users' group.
Tutorial
Difficulty: Easy Estimated completion time: 5 Minutes
1 - Download the RPA Installer from the RPA Management UI 'Downloads' section
(a) Launch the Installer
(b) (Optional) Pick the 'Home' and 'Data' locations where RPA will download relevant files during automation
(c) On the Select Features screen choose 'Unttended RPA'
(d) (Optional) Select 'Studio IDE' to install the RPA Studio
(e) Click Next and complete Installation
- It takes some time to complete due to standalone python installation.
2 - After installation you will be prompted to launch the 'Configuration Manager' which will help the RPA Agent establish its connection with Mastermind
- Select 'Yes' and click Finish
3 - Once the Configuration Manager launches, click the '+' button to add a tenant profile
- Select the previously downloaded ionapi file for the RPA Agent
4 - Navigate to the 'Generate Keys' menu and click button 'Generate Keys'
5 - Navigate to the 'Device Settings' menu
- Enter in the number of concurrent RDP sessions you wish to allow RPA to use at any given time (This number must be less than the maximum RDP sessions allowed by the device)
6 - Navigate to the 'Mastermind Connection' menu
(a) Load up a browser and login to the Mingle Portal v2 for your tenant
(b) Load up the RPA Management UI and navigate to the 'Devices' menu
(c) Click 'Add Device' and enter the required fields to create the Device in Mastermind
- FQDN is provided in the configuration manager as 'Device Name' and can be copied by clicking the 'Copy' button (This value is a required input in the Management UI Device Creation form)
(d) After creating the device in the RPA Management UI, Click the copy to clipboard icon next to the new device
(e) Paste the device id into the 'DeviceId' field in the Configuration Manager and click 'Save'
7 - Recommended to restart device
8 - Device should now be connected to Mastermind, and should show up as an available device in the RPA Management UI
9 - (Optional) In the RPA Management UI, navigate to the 'Robots' menu
(a) Robots in Mastermind represent the windows user sessions the automation will be executed in
(b) Create a new robot and on the device section, map the new robot onto the newly created device
(c) You should now be able to create jobs to execute on the newly created device for the new robot
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How to publish and execute RPA flows in attended mode
Overview
Your team wants to view the results of their newly created workflow in the cloud tenant.
In this tutorial, we will walkthrough how to publish an RPA flow to Infor RPA Management and run it from RPA Assistant in an attended mode.
Components
- RPA Management * RPA Studio * RPA Assistant
Requirements
- The user needs access the cloud tenant via login.
Tutorial
Difficulty: Easy Estimated completion time: 15 minutes
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How to upload documents to IDM using RPA
## Overview
This tutorial explains how to upload documents into [Infor Document Management (IDM) ](/components/document-management)using the [IDM API](https://developer.infor.com/tutorials/document-management/how-to-use-idms-apis/) endpoint deployed on [API Gateway](https://developer.infor.com/components/enterprise-integration/). The flow outlined in this tutorial can also be used with the Read Key-Values flow to make the extracted values become the attributes of the uploaded documents.
* * *
### Components
* RPA Management * RPA Studio * Infor Document Management * Infor API Gateway
### Requirements
* Access to a CloudSuite Tenant with RPA. * Security roles: * [IDM-Administrator](https://docs.infor.com/inforos/latest/en-us/useradminlib_cloud/default.html?helpcontent=inforospag/byn1482189123978.html) * [IONAPI-User](https://docs.infor.com/inforos/latest/en-us/useradminlib_cloud/default.html?helpcontent=inforospag/hue1482190929098.html) * [RPA-PROCESS_ADMIN](https://docs.infor.com/inforos/latest/en-us/useradminlib_cloud/default.html?helpcontent=rpasg/cover.html)
* * *
## Before Starting
Before we start building, be sure to complete the following steps:
1. Make a folder for all the files you want to upload (e.g., _C:\RPA\IDM)._ 2. Download the _PickTicket_ image below and save in the following path: "C:\RPA\IDM\signedpickticket.png". 3. Create a new document type in IDM (e.g., _DocumentUpload_ with one attribute: _ScreenID)._
[Pick Ticket Image](https://developer.infor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PickTicket.png)
4. Install RPA Studio and establish a connection between RPA Studio and RPA Management. In the RPA Management you need to also Authorize the IONAPI application to be able to call ION API endpoints. To do so go to RPA Management> Manage> and click Authorize next to ION API.
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## Tutorial
Difficulty: Hard Estimated completion time: 40 Minutes
1- Open RPA Studio on your machine. If you are not signed in already into the Tenant you would be asked to sign in before proceeding to RPA flow designer screens.
2- On the RPA Studio home page, click Create New Project and specify the following properties in the pop-up window:
* Name: UploadDocumentToIDM * Project Location: < default> * Description: Simple document upload to IDM * Language: VB
3- Add the activity Get Files Directory . This allows RPA Studio to read all the files in the selected directory. Then, under System Category , select Activities . Drag and drop the activity on the Design canvas and click on it. The properties of the selected activity will appear in the properties panel. Configure the properties in the following way:
* For Path, direct IDM to the files you want to upload with an argument called _FilePath_ of type _string_ and default value of the directory path _"C:\RPA\IDM"._
* For Files, let’s create a variable that will store the list of the file paths: called _FileList_ of type _List _without any default value.
* To find _List _data type, expand the Variable Type and select Browse for Type _._ For _Type_ name cell, type _List_ andselect _List_ under the _System.Collections.Generic_ domain _._ Then from the drop down menu select _String_ and press Ok.
4- Next, we need to create the logic to call an IDM Endpoint for each of the read files. For that, we need to drag and drop the activity _For Each_ and configure it in the following way:
* Select the _String_ data type for the property type Argument ,since the file path we want to read is represented as a String. * For Value ,specify the _FileList._ * On the main canvas, you should see the following phrase: “For each item in FileList.” It is recommended to change _item_ to _file_ so it is clear what is being read.
5- In the _For Each_ activity Body field, drag and drop the _Sequence_ activity where we will add the next set of activities. Note that without the _Sequence_ activity you can only add one activity as part of the _For Each_ activity body .
6- To send the document to IDM via API endpoint, it must be 64 base encoded. For that, add _File to Base64 String_ * * activity which is part of the System activities category. Configure its properties in the following way:
* For FilePath, specify _file_ which represents the file path read from directory. * For Base64String, create a variable called _filebase64_ of type _String._ It will store the base64 encoded file.
7- Next, we will add the _Assign_ activity and define the logic to store the file name as a variable. Later, we will use this property as a dynamic variable for the Endpoint Request payload. Let’s configure its properties in the following way:
* For To, create the variable _FileName_ of type _string._ * For Value, specify the VB expression to get the file name: System.IO.Path.GetFileName(file).
8- Next, create the payload for the API Endpoint for POST method which will allow the documents to be posted into IDM with specific values. For that, we need to add the _Templating Activity_ part of the System category for the activities. Let’s configure its properties in the following way:
* For the Values property, input the list of the variables used as part of the Template property. In this example it would be FileName and filebase64. To configure the property, click "... " * In the popup window for Key input, enter the name of the variable you will use in the Template property to create the payload for the API Endpoint. For Value input, enter the variable name holding the previously generated value, as defined in the Variable panel. * If a different variable name is used in the Template property, the Key name must be changed accordingly. * For Template, input the payload which would be posted via API Endpoint. Make the following transformations to the payload: * Use single quotation marks (') instead of double quotation marks (), as the value for this property should be a string and enclosed between a set of double quotations. * Encode the dynamic variable in the following way: {{%variablename%}} * If a variable is an integer, write it without single quotation marks ('), otherwise, it will be treated as a string. * In this example, all the values we are passing should be treated as strings, so enclose the variable within single quotation marks ('). * Example payload: * ` "{'item': {'attrs': { 'attr': [ {'name': 'ScreenID', 'value': '1000MR'} ] }, 'resrs': { 'res': [ { 'filename': '{{%FileName%}}', 'base64':'{{%filebase64%}}'} ] }, 'acl': {'name': 'Public' },'entityName': 'DocumentUpload'} }"` * The actual payload is supposed to be in JSON format. However, since double quotations cannot be used, they must be replaced with single quotations. Moreover, the dynamic variables in the payload are " {{%filebase64%}} and {{%FileName%}} * For Text, which will store the payload with the correct values populated, let’s create the variable: _TemplateOutPut_ of type _String._
 
9- To use the created Text property output _TemplateOutPut_ in the ION API Request, we need to transform it into JSON format. For that, drag and drop the _Deserialized JSON_ activity and configure it in the following way:
* For JToken String , input the value created from the Templating activity as the variable: _TemplateOutPut._
* For JToken Object ,create the variable which will store the JSON payload: _IONAPIPayload_ of type JToken. * To select the _JToken_ data type, click on the Variable Type. In the drop down select _Browse for Types_. Then, type “Jtoken” in the Type Name text field and select _JToken_ under Newtonsoft.Json._Linq._
10- Now that we have a variable storing the JSON payload to post part of the API call, we can create the final API request to post the document. For that, drag and drop the _IONAPI Request_ activity part of IONAPI activities’ category and configure the activity in the following way:
* For Method ,select _POST_ * For URL _,_ create the following argument: * Called _EndpointURL_ of type string and default value of endpoint whole URL (e.g. https://mingle-ionapi.inforcloudsuite.com/ TenantName /IDM/api/items). * The default value should be between the quotation marks as it is of _String_ type. * The URL called as part of this activity should point to the same tenant you are logged into. * For Content Type ,make sure _application_json_ is selected. * File Attachments, Headers will stay empty. * For POST Data ,input the variable which was an output of the Deserialize JSON activity, _IONAPIPayload._ * Since this endpoint doesn’t have any Query Parameters, the Query Parameters property will remain empty.
* For Response, you can create the following variable for troubleshooting: * Called _Response_ of type _ResponseObject._ To select the _ResponseObject_ data type, click on the Variable Type. In the drop-down menu, select _Browse for Types_. In the Type Name text input field, type ResponseObject and select _ResponseObject_ under _Infor.RPA.Utilities._
11- As an optional step for troubleshooting, you can add _Message Box_ as the last activity of this sequence to read the API Response and see if the document was uploaded successfully. Let’s configure the activity in a following way:
* For Input Text ,define the VB expression which will read the response from the API call. To do this, use the variable _Response_ which is the output of the previous activity and specify the following VB expression: _Response.ReadAsText._ * The reason for the properties may remain empty.
Now you can run the flow and check the logs and uploaded file!
### RPA Activities List
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Best Practices
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Security & User Management
Tutorials that help you leverage Infor's cloud security and user management capabilities.
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- Security & User Management