ms orchestrator read line activity

3 min read 01-10-2024

Microsoft Orchestrator is a powerful tool for automating business processes and workflows. One of the key activities that can enhance automation scripts is the Read Line activity. In this article, we will explore what the Read Line activity is, how it can be effectively utilized, and the best practices for incorporating it into your workflows.

What is the Read Line Activity?

The Read Line activity in Microsoft Orchestrator is used to read input from the user during the execution of a workflow. It allows the orchestrator to pause and wait for user input before continuing with the subsequent steps. This can be particularly useful in scenarios where certain information is required to proceed, such as confirmation of actions, receiving parameters, or entering commands.

Key Features of Read Line Activity:

User Interaction: It creates a prompt that can request input from users.
Flexibility: It can be used in various scenarios, ranging from simple confirmations to more complex data collection.
Error Handling: Properly set up, it can handle unexpected user inputs gracefully.

How to Implement the Read Line Activity

To effectively use the Read Line activity, follow these basic steps:

Add the Read Line Activity: Drag and drop the Read Line activity into your workflow.
Configure Properties:
- Prompt Message: Set the message that will be displayed to the user. For example, "Please enter your confirmation to proceed."
- Output Variable: Assign a variable to capture the user's input. This variable can be used in subsequent activities.
Utilize the Input: After capturing the input, you can use it in conditions or for processing other activities based on the user's response.

Example Scenario

Imagine an automated workflow for processing orders. After an order is received, the system may need a confirmation from the user before proceeding with shipping. Here’s how you could implement it:

1. Order Received
2. Read Line Activity: "Do you want to proceed with shipping? (yes/no)"
3. If Response is "yes":
    - Proceed with shipping process
4. Else:
    - Cancel order

This straightforward interaction ensures that user input can directly affect the workflow's execution path.

Best Practices for Using Read Line Activity

Clear Instructions: Ensure that your prompt messages are clear and instructive, guiding the user on what kind of input is expected.
Input Validation: Implement validation checks on the user input to avoid processing incorrect data.
Timeouts: Consider adding a timeout for the Read Line activity to handle cases where the user may not respond in a timely manner.
Logging: Use logging activities to capture the user’s input for audit purposes or troubleshooting.

Common Questions about Read Line Activity

Q: Can I use Read Line Activity in unattended automation?

A: The Read Line activity is primarily designed for attended automation, where a human operator is present to provide input. In unattended scenarios, consider using pre-defined variables or configurations instead.

Q: What happens if a user enters invalid input?

A: If the input is not validated, it can lead to unexpected behavior. Implement conditional checks post-Read Line to handle invalid inputs properly.

Conclusion

The Read Line activity is an essential component for creating interactive workflows in Microsoft Orchestrator. It allows automation processes to engage users effectively and ensures necessary inputs are captured before proceeding. By following best practices and implementing clear user prompts, you can enhance the usability and reliability of your automated workflows.

Additional Resources

For further learning, check out the official Microsoft documentation and community forums on Orchestrator, where you can discover real-world examples and use cases shared by fellow developers. Here are a few links:

By understanding and utilizing the Read Line activity effectively, you can create more robust and user-friendly automated workflows.

This article is based on community discussions and official Microsoft guidelines. Special thanks to contributors on GitHub for their insights and shared experiences.