Introduction
In Robotic Process Automation (RPA), the Excel File Connector extends the functionality of the Microsoft Excel connector, particularly for unattended scenarios where user interaction with the Excel workbook is absent. Available in the Toolbox as the ExcelConnector component, it offers a powerful toolset for handling Excel workbooks without requiring an Excel application installed in the environment.
Key Features of the Excel File Connector
Versatility in Workbook Handling
With Pega Robot Studio™, the ExcelConnector allows you to create, modify, and read Excel workbooks using the Open Office XML format. This capability eliminates the need for the Excel application, enhancing flexibility and accessibility in various environments.
Enhanced Methods for Workbook Interaction
The ExcelConnector provides advanced methods beyond the basic get/set cell values and data import/export available in the Microsoft Excel Connector. It allows for defining specific data ranges, such as tables, either during the design phase in Studio or dynamically at runtime.
Ideal Use Cases
While the ExcelConnector is optimal for unattended RPA scenarios, the Microsoft Excel Connector remains suitable for Robotic Desktop Automation (RDA) applications. For instance, use the Microsoft Excel Connector when automating tasks involving user interaction with Excel workbooks or executing macros.
Benefits of Using ExcelConnector
Integration and Accessibility
Located in the Connectors section of the Toolbox, the ExcelConnector component can be added to automations and is accessible from the Global tab or Global Container. If not present in the Toolbox, it can be added using the Choose Toolbox Items wizard by filtering for ExcelConnector.
Key Properties
Design (Name): Unique identifier for the Excel connector component.
FileName: Specifies the Excel workbook file name and directory path.
SheetName: Lists the workbook sheet names based on the configured FileName property.
Password: For password-protected Excel workbooks.
Guidelines for Optimal Use
When using the Excel File Connector, consider the following guidelines:
Avoid using methods like CopyCells, CopyRows, CopyColumns, MoveColumns, and MoveRows if the destination range contains merged cells or overlaps a merged range.
Methods that read through worksheets or ranges process columns sequentially from column 1 of row 1.
The Excel File Connector supports a wide range of formulas. Refer to the Robotic Automation product page on Pega Community for more details.
The SetCellFormula method cannot be used on table headers, which must have unique, non-empty text to avoid workbook recovery issues.
Defining Excel File Range Objects
Create an Excel File Connector range object to specify a subset of worksheet data for automation. Define the range by setting the sheet name, start address, and end address.
Steps to Add a Range:
Right-click the ExcelConnector component in the Object Explorer.
Select Add Range to create the excelRange object, indicated by an R on the Range icon.
Important Properties of Excel Range:
SheetName: Name of the workbook sheet.
StartAddress: Starting cell address of the data range.
EndAddress: Ending cell address of the data range.
SkipEmptyRows: Boolean value indicating whether to retrieve empty rows on data range load.
Managing Range Changes
To save changes made to a range, use the Commit method in your automation. If changes overlap with an existing range, use the Load method to update the range with new values.
Conclusion
Pega’s Excel File Connector offers robust capabilities for managing Excel workbooks in RPA scenarios without requiring the Excel application. By leveraging this component, organizations can enhance efficiency and streamline automation processes, ensuring seamless and flexible integration with Excel workbooks.
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- Team Enigma Metaverse
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