Multi-Target RPA Workflows for Cross-Platform Reuse
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic process automation (RPA) technologies require multiple versions of workflows and activities for different target platforms, leading to project and library multiplicity, version control issues, and increased development complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-target RPA designer application that allows for the creation of projects and activities that can accommodate multiple target platforms, enabling the specification of target platforms at the automation and activity levels, and automatically configuring activities for respective platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of RPA workflows are developed for different target platforms, then each platform can have optimized automation, but project and library multiplicity increases and version control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal RPA project structure that can accommodate multiple target platforms through a single project file. The system uses platform-agnostic activity definitions that can be configured to execute on different platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile) without requiring separate project versions, thereby achieving multi-functionality while maintaining project unity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the RPA project into platform-independent core activities and platform-specific configuration parameters. This allows the main workflow logic to remain unified while enabling platform-specific adaptations through configurable parameters, resolving the contradiction between platform versatility and project simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of RPA workflows are developed for different target platforms, then each platform can have optimized automation, but maintenance and updates become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a universal project structure that supports multiple platforms simultaneously, the system enables centralized maintenance and updates. Changes to the core workflow logic automatically apply across all target platforms, eliminating the need to maintain separate versions and significantly reducing maintenance complexity.
3Device complexity
If RPA activities do not have functionality to specify target platforms, then activities remain simple and universal, but platform-specific automation capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing RPA activities to have platform-specific properties and configurations while maintaining a unified activity structure. Each activity can specify target platform requirements locally through parameters, enabling platform-specific functionality without complicating the overall activity model.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts activity behavior based on the target platform configuration. Activities can change their execution characteristics, available parameters, and supported operations depending on the specified target platform, providing platform-specific functionality while maintaining a consistent activity interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-target libraries, projects, and activities for robotic process automation (RPA) are disclosed. Some embodiments multiple target platforms can be handled in the same project. The target platform(s) can be specified at the automation and/or activity level in order to provide the supported functionality for each. This may also allow previously built automations to be applied to new target frameworks without starting from scratch.