using autoit for millennium task automation
DESCRIPTION
Co-presented at the Innovative Users Group Conference, April 20, 2010. Program Description: Many libraries already use program-specific macros to automate tasks in Millennium, OCLC, and other programs. While these macros help with task automation, they are limited to their specific programs. Several libraries have turned to 3rd party automation tools, including AutoIt, in efforts to automate tasks in Millennium and other programs. AutoIt is a Windows automation scripting language that has seen successful implementations at various libraries. This presentation will explore the various ways AutoIt is utilized in academic and public library settings as well as the benefits and consequences of using AutoIt for Millennium task automation.TRANSCRIPT
Using AutoIT for Millennium Task Automation
Becky Yoose-Miami University
What to Automate? (shamelessly stolen)
Inconvenient schedule Frequently done Tedious / prone to human error Time consuming Limited set of decisions
How can that be automated?!
Part 1 – Data Entry
Local codes• Locations• Statistics• Status• Etc.
Notes Local fields
Part 2 – Decision Making
Data on screen can be “read”
Data can then be processed• If “a” contains “b” then do
“c”, else do “d” How does AutoIt read
screen data?
Database Maintenance – The Problem
3000+ MARC records, mostly LP music records
Invalid ‡h in 240 field But wait – there’s more!• Corrupted 007 field (consistent)• Outdated 262 and 305 fields (consistent)• Potpourri of other issues (varies)
Database Maintenance – The Solution
Screencast demo• http://www.screencast.com/t/THTw1n9ty
Scripts (.zip file)• http://tinyurl.com/yff3fta
Receipt Cataloging – The Process
All items go through receipt process If item meets certain criteria, it is then fast
tracked to physical processing Examples of criteria (over 40 in total)• DLC, pcc• Item is not an added copy/volume• 008, 050, and 260 ‡c dates match if not a
conference publication
Receipt Cataloging – The Script
Screencast demo• http://www.screencast.com/t/gegg952u8gS
Process Documentation (scripts coming soon)• http://tinyurl.com/ykroact
Ordering Notification Items – The Process
Data entry in ordering process affects receipt cataloging scripts• Incorrect codes lead to incorrect processing
Workflow was not developed around automation like receipt cataloging was
Complex process, but has a core progression for the majority of items• GOBI III OCLC III GOBI
Ordering Notification Items – The Script
Screencast demo• http://screencast.com/t/MDkzZmIxYW
Process Documentation (scripts coming soon)• http://tinyurl.com/yekoc3h
AutoIt Problems with Millennium…
Thank You
Photo CreditsSlide #3 - “Offering” by A30_Tsitika, http://www.flickr.com/photos/frozen-in-time/1838671566/ Slide #15 - “Fail whale” by Twitter.Slide #15 - Logo of Innovative Interfaces lnc.
Other photos from presenter and Microsoft Image Gallery