Automation

This option is intended to increase the flexibility of the application. Automation consists of creating one or several data queries, that is, extracting information from database tables and exporting it to another Excel spreadsheet. Thus, the information contained in the database can be manipulated in the most varied ways, according to the desired objective.

In addition to the information generated by the queries, the application automatically exports some relevant information, one of which is the path of the databases used. In addition, we provide some useful functions for connecting, reading and writing to the database. This allows you to create external spreadsheets for, for example, importing data, updating data and even creating fully customized screens according to each need.

At the end of the data export, the SmartBuilderTool system can execute a specific routine in the external worksheet, starting the logic implemented in that worksheet.

Shortcut button for Automation screen

There are two options for the Excel worksheet that will receive the data as described below:

• New worksheet:
  In this option, the application creates a new worksheet each time the automation is executed, exporting the data to this new worksheet.

• Pre-formatted worksheet:
  As the application will always export the data in the same order, it is possible to format a spreadsheet in advance in order to manipulate the exported data according to the need and desired objectives.

By clicking on the button (*Automation) the following screen is loaded.

Screen (Automation)

The tab (Config) has the following fields to be filled in:

• Index: Sequential number, created automatically.
• Title: Short name in order to give the application user an idea of what automation refers to.
• Screen: Drop-down list type field containing all interfaces created in the application.
  This field is used to associate the automation with a certain interface, that is, the automation is only performed on the selected interface.
• File name: In this field, a previously formatted worksheet can be saved in the database.
  It is in this worksheet where the information extracted from the database will be exported. If this field is empty, a new worksheet will be created each time the automation runs.
• Run Macro on Worksheet: Inform in this field a (public) function existing in the external worksheet. This function will be executed at the end of the data export.

*Avoid creating functions that take a long time to run or that depend on user action (like the MsgBox function, for example).
Remember that the SmartBuilderTool application will be “blocked” until the macro specified in the “Run Macro on Worksheet” field is completed.

• Save data from sheet number: In this field, it is configured from which sheet tab the exported data will be saved.
• Create Shortcut Button: Creates a shortcut button on the screen specified in the Screen field used to run the automation.
• Shortcut Button Text: Used to configure the text that will appear on the shortcut button.

*Use short text to fit inside the button area.

• Note: Fill in this field relevant information about automation.