Implement subflows in desktop flows

Subflows in Microsoft Power Automate Desktop Flows are a powerful feature that can streamline your automation tasks and make them more modular and reusable. In this article, we will explore how to implement subflows in desktop flows and how they can enhance your automation workflows.

What is a Subflow?

A subflow is a sequence of actions that can be encapsulated and reused within a larger desktop flow. It acts as a reusable component that can be called from multiple places within your flow. By implementing subflows, you can break down complex automation tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, making your flows easier to understand and maintain.

Implementing Subflows: Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to implement subflows in Microsoft Power Automate Desktop:

Step 1: Identify the Actions to be Encapsulated

First, identify the sequence of actions that you want to encapsulate as a subflow. These actions should perform a specific task or set of tasks that can be reused elsewhere in your flow.

Step 2: Create a Subflow

To create a subflow, select the actions you want to include and click the “Extract as Subflow” button in the toolbar. Give your subflow a name and save it. The subflow will appear as a separate component in your desktop flow.

Step 3: Add Inputs and Outputs

Once your subflow is created, you can define inputs and outputs for it. Inputs allow you to pass data into the subflow, while outputs allow you to return data from the subflow back to the calling flow. To define inputs and outputs, double-click on the subflow component and navigate to the Inputs/Outputs tab. Add variables and specify their types as needed.

Step 4: Call the Subflow

To call the subflow from your main flow, drag and drop the subflow component onto the canvas. Connect the inputs and outputs of the subflow component to the corresponding variables in your main flow. You can pass data into the subflow by connecting variables to the input nodes and retrieve data from the subflow through the output nodes.

Step 5: Use the Subflow Outputs

After calling the subflow, you can use its outputs just like any other variable in your main flow. Connect the output nodes of the subflow component to the desired actions in your main flow.

By implementing subflows, you can achieve better organization and reusability in your desktop flows. You can create libraries of subflows, each performing a specific task, and reuse them across multiple flows. This saves time and effort as you can avoid duplicating the same set of actions in different parts of your automation.

Example: Implementing a Subflow

Here’s an example of how you can implement a subflow:

In conclusion, subflows in Microsoft Power Automate Desktop Flows provide a way to encapsulate and reuse sets of actions within your automation workflows. By creating modular subflows, you can enhance the organization and reusability of your desktop flows. Start leveraging the power of subflows to streamline your automation tasks and improve efficiency in your Power Automate RPA Developer exam.