greg sennema library.wlu.ca/blogs/technolibrarian time saving shortcuts with macro express greg...

Greg Sennemalibrary.wlu.ca/blogs/technolibrarian

www.macros.com

Time Saving Shortcutswith MacroExpress

Greg SennemaElectronic Services Librarian

Wilfrid Laurier University

Session 1912


www.macros.com

• what are macros

• MacroExpress

• why use macros

• workflow of a macro

• is MacroExpress necessary?

• MacroExpress resources


www.macros.com

What are Macros?

A macro is a way to automate a task that you perform repeatedly or on a regular basis.

Macros are script files that send keystrokes toyour keyboard and move and click your mousefor, or instead of you.

It takes time to become accustomedto creating and using macros


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What are Macros?

Macros are not just shortcuts.e.g., CTRL-ALT- W = Microsoft Word


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What are Macros?

• CTRL-A – select all• CTRL-C – copy • CTRL-F – find • CTRL-X – cut • CTRL-V – paste • CTRL-S – save

• CTRL-P – print • CTRL-O – open • CTRL-W – close • CTRL-Y – redo • CTRL-Z – undo

Macros are not just shortcuts


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MacroExpress 3.5

• runs on Windows XP, ME, 2000, NT 4, 98 or 95• $25 - $40 depending on quantity of licenses

If it can be done with a keyboard and mouse…Do it with MacroExpress

No prior programming experience is required


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• More time spent on higher-level activities and less on repetitive pointing and clicking and dragging and dropping tasks

• More consistent execution of work flow

• Potential transfer of tasks to lower-level staff, e.g. student employees

• TUG example

MacroExpress – Why use Macros?


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MacroExpress – Why use Macros?


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1. identify the process

2. look for repetition

3. reorganize process elements for better execution

4. consider alternative ways to complete same task

5. determine necessary information e.g. input from user

MacroExpress – Workflow of a macro


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Define the starting and ending points

e.g., within an ILS system, retrieve Bib record by Bib ID

Starting point: display the BIB ID search screen

• Note what has to happen for process to work• Note the buttons that are clicked• Note the keys that are pressed

Ending point: display of the bib record



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Example – Hélène

Starting point: starting an email message

• Open “Find” utility• Search for “h-e-l-e-n-e”• Find an email with her name, copy name• Open new email, paste her name

Ending point: having Hélène spelt correctly in email

MacroExpress – Example #1 of 4


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1. identify the process

2. look for repetition

3. reorganize process elements for better execution

4. consider alternative ways to complete same task

5. determine necessary information e.g. input from user



www.macros.com



www.macros.com


Example – Hélène

• Similar to Microsoft Word’s Auto Correct feature, except that this works in ANY program running on Windows• use short-forms for often-used long words

• IE7 = Internet Explorer 7• MS = Microsoft• ME = MacroExpress• LL = Laurier Library


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Example – Opening a password-protected web site

Starting point: open browser

• navigate to web site (bookmark, address bar, etc.)• place cursor in id box, type in id• place cursor (tab?) in password box, type in password• click on enter

Ending point: logged into web site



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Macro Express – Example #2 of 3


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Example – Open program, initiate function

Starting point: open Juice

• click Start, Juice• click on “check for new podcasts” button• close program when complete

Ending point: mp3’s downloaded into C:/podcasts



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Example – Process Swets invoice, GST

Starting point

Ending point



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Starting pointEnding point



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<REM2:Once on the invoice screen, hit CTRL-G><TEXTTYPE:<TAB><TAB><TAB><TAB>><DELAY:.5><REM2:tabs you down to the Locations section><TEXTTYPE:<ARROW DOWN><ARROW DOWN><ARROW DOWN><ARROW DOWN>><DELAY:.5><REM2:in Locations, choose the third selection WLU Library Periodicals><TEXTTYPE:<TAB><TAB><TAB><TAB>><DELAY:.5><REM2:tab user to Other Charges under Amounts><MMC><REM2:moves the mouse to where the cursor is><DELAY:.5><MMP2:10,0><REM2:moves the mouse over 10px, since no key combo can do this on this screen><DELAY:1><LCLK><REM2:clicks on the elipses><DELAY:1><TEXTTYPE:<ALT>E><REM2:Click Edit.. to edit invoice fees><DELAY:1><TEXTTYPE:H><REM2:On the Add/edit Adjustment dialogue box, choose H for HANDLING CHARGE in the Charge Type><DELAY:1><TEXTTYPE:<TAB><TAB><TAB>><TEXTTYPE:<TAB><TAB>><DELAY:1><REM2:tab down 2x to the Commit to Fund field><TEXTTYPE:post-s><DELAY:1><TEXTTYPE:<ENTER>><DELAY:1><TEXTTYPE:<ALT>O><DELAY:1><REM2:Click OK><TEXTTYPE:<ALT>O><DELAY:1><REM2:Click OK><TEXTTYPE:<ALT>N><DELAY:1><REM2:Get to Notes tab><TEXTTYPE:<TAB>><DELAY:1><REM2:tab down to notes field><TEXTTYPE:100% GST exempt><REM2:Type this text in the notes field><TEXTTYPE:<ENTER>><TEXTTYPE:Actual invoice total $>




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• it takes time to become accustomed to using macros

• there is an initial time commitment that can seem to

to outweigh the benefits

• how much time do you spend in front of a computer?

• determine the amount/level of repetitive tasks

• determine the complexity of software used

• determine the software’s built-in (macro) tools

Customer list

Is MacroExpress necessary?


www.macros.com

MacroExpress Resources


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Beginner • Setting up and using Macro Express • Using wizards to create macros • Running and Activating macros

Intermediate • Using variables to enhance your macros • Handling Windows and other programs• Using command line arguments

Advanced • Working with the Windows Registry commands • Processing data within files • Handling applications using Window Controls

MacroExpress Resources


www.macros.com

Questions or comments?

Greg SennemaElectronic Services Librarian

Wilfrid Laurier University

Session 1912

greg sennema library.wlu.ca/blogs/technolibrarian time saving shortcuts with macro express greg...

Documents

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shortcuts slide