Run and test a desktop flow

Microsoft Power Automate’s RPA (Robotic Process Automation) capabilities allow developers to automate various tasks and streamline processes. One crucial aspect of RPA development is running and testing desktop flows. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in running and testing a desktop flow within Microsoft Power Automate.

Understanding Desktop Flows

A desktop flow allows you to automate interactions with desktop applications and websites. It can perform tasks, such as filling out forms, clicking buttons, and extracting data from various applications.

Steps to Run and Test a Desktop Flow

Let’s dive into the steps to run and test a desktop flow using Microsoft Power Automate:

Step 1: Create a new desktop flow

To get started, open the Microsoft Power Automate desktop app. Click on “Create” and select “Desktop Flow.” You’ll be presented with options to either create a flow from scratch or use a predefined template. Choose the option that suits your requirements.

Step 2: Build the desktop flow

Once you’ve selected your preferred option, the desktop flow designer will open. Here, you can start building your flow by adding actions and specifying the necessary parameters. You can use the available actions to interact with applications, websites, and perform various other operations.

For example, if you want to automate data entry into an Excel spreadsheet, you can add actions to open Excel, navigate to the desired worksheet, and input the data.

Step 3: Configure input parameters

As you build the desktop flow, you might need to configure input parameters to make the flow dynamic and adaptable. Input parameters allow you to pass values to the flow at runtime.

To configure input parameters, select the action or operation you want to parameterize, click on the ellipsis (…) button, and choose “Add input parameter.” Specify the required details, such as the name, type, and default value.

Step 4: Test the desktop flow

Once you have built the desktop flow, it’s essential to test it to ensure it performs as expected. Testing helps identify any issues or errors before deploying the flow to automate tasks.

To test the desktop flow, click on the “Test” button in the top right corner of the desktop flow designer. This will initiate the testing process, and you’ll be able to observe the flow executing each action step by step.

Step 5: Debug and troubleshoot

During testing, if you encounter any unexpected behavior or errors, you can use the debugging features to identify and address the issues. The debugging mode allows you to step through the flow’s execution, set breakpoints, and inspect variable values.

To start the debugging session, click on the “Debug” button in the top right corner, which will run the flow in a debugging context. You can then analyze the flow’s behavior and make necessary adjustments.

Step 6: Refine and iterate

Based on the test results and debugging sessions, refine your desktop flow as needed. You may need to modify actions, adjust parameters, or handle exceptions to ensure robust and reliable automation.

Test the modified flow iteratively to validate the changes and make any further adjustments, if required. This iterative approach allows you to build a robust and efficient desktop flow.

In conclusion, running and testing a desktop flow within Microsoft Power Automate is a crucial step in RPA development. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your desktop flows work as intended and successfully automate your desired tasks.