Trigger

Triggers enable a task to run automatically in response to an event that occurs on the computer, such as a new window opening or a specific file created.

Automation Anywhere supports the following types of triggering events, also referred to as actions:
Window
Window triggers launch an automated task when an application window action takes place. Automation Anywhere provides the list of open applications and enables refreshing the list at any time. Select from the following options as the trigger event:
  • When an application window opens.
  • When an application window closes.
File
File triggers launch the automated task when a file action takes place. Select from any of the following options as the trigger event:
  • When a new file is created.
  • When an existing file is deleted.
  • When a file is renamed.
  • When a file is modified.
Folder
Folder triggers launch an automated task when events affect folders on the computer. Select from any of the following options as the trigger event:
  • When a new file is created in the folder.
  • When an existing file is deleted in the folder.
  • When a file is renamed in the folder.
  • When a new folder is created.
  • When an existing folder is deleted.
  • When a folder is renamed.
  • When a folder is modified.
Performance
Performance triggers launch an automated task when specified computer resource criteria are met. Select from the following options as the trigger event:
  • The computer CPU usage reaches a level that you specify (in %).
  • A certain amount of free disk space is reached that you specify in megabytes (MB).
  • When a particular number of processes that you specify are running.
Process
Process triggers launch an automated task when a system process starts or stops. Select from either of the following options as the trigger event:
  • When a process starts running.
  • When a process stops running.
Service
Service triggers launch an automated task when a system service takes action. Select from any of the following options as the trigger event:
  • When a service starts running.
  • When a service stops running.
  • When a service resumes running.
  • When a service pauses.
Email Message
Email Message triggers launch an automated task when an email is received in the email account that you specify. To specify a trigger for new incoming email messages on a mail server, specify the following:
  • Host name
  • Port details
  • User name
  • Password
  • A time interval to use between checking for new messages
  • If the email account uses SSL, check Server Uses Secure Connection (SSL) .

Recommendations for Using Triggers

Automation Anywhere recommends these guidelines with using triggers to run tasks:

  • When running a task on a locked computer, use the Auto-login feature to unlock the computer when triggered.
  • Assign a system variable to a trigger action that returns the name of the file, folder, or window that triggered the task.
Note:
  • Triggers do not work on machines when in a logged-off state. However if Auto-Login is enabled, triggers can be executed when the machine is in locked state.
  • Triggers are applicable only in the local instance of the Enterprise Client.
  • Triggers do not get uploaded with the task to the Control Room and cannot be deployed.