IntelliBuddies Process Designer - FAQs

Designing local automation

What is Process Designer?

Process Designer is the visual authoring tool for local automation. Current platform terminology also calls this tool Local Agent Builder. Use it to build workflows for desktop applications, browsers, files, and local resources. See Process Designer and core concepts.

Are a workflow and a process the same?

A process is the local automation definition and can contain multiple workflows. A workflow defines the activities and execution paths within that process. See adding a workflow.

What workflow structures can I use?

The tutorials cover sequences, flowcharts, and state machines. Choose the structure for ordered steps, branching paths, or state-based behavior.

How do I create a process?

Launch Process Designer, select Processes, and choose New Process. Supply the process details and save it in the chosen location. See creating a new process for the available settings.

What is a sequence?

A sequence is a container that runs its activities in order. Give it a descriptive name so its purpose is clear. See the Sequence activity and sequence tutorial.

What are activities, and how do I use them?

Activities are individual workflow steps. Find an activity in the Activities panel, drag it into the workflow, and configure its properties. You only need to learn the activities required by your automation. See the designer panels and basic process tutorial.

How do I pass inputs and retrieve outputs?

Define arguments for data passed into or out of a workflow, and variables for values used within it. Configure each argument's direction and data type to match the caller. See the Arguments panel and Variables panel.

What are snippets, and when should I use them?

Snippets are reusable workflow blocks. Export a block that you use repeatedly, then drag it into another workflow and adjust its configuration. See creating and using snippets.

Running, validating, and publishing

How do I execute a process during development?

Save the process and click Run in the Design ribbon. Execution starts in a Buddy Worker Process on the workstation. See executing a process.

How do I investigate validation errors or a failed run?

Validate the process from the Design ribbon, inspect the Error List for validation errors, and use the Output panel for runtime messages. Review the failed activity's inputs, properties, and dependencies. See the Design tab, Error List, and Output panel.

How should I handle errors inside a workflow?

Use Try Catch around steps that can fail, handle expected exceptions in catch blocks, and use the finally block for cleanup. See the Try Catch tutorial.

How do I publish a process, and what happens to its version?

In Enterprise Edition, publish directly to the connected AI Command Center; each publication creates a new process version. In Professional Edition, publish a NuGet package to the file system and import it into Assistant Buddy. See publishing a process.

How do I execute a process in Professional Edition?

Publish a NuGet package, import it into Professional Assistant Buddy, and execute it there or configure a supported trigger. See publishing and Assistant Buddy operations.

What is the difference between Enterprise and Professional Edition Process Designer?

Enterprise Process Designer connects to AI Command Center for publishing and centrally managed execution. Professional Edition uses local packages and Assistant Buddy for individual desktop automation. See edition differences and publishing behavior.

Application automation

Why does web automation require a browser extension?

The IntelliBuddies extension enables interaction with browser elements. Install and enable it for the browser used by your automation. See browser extensions and web automation.

Why does an element selector stop working?

An application's structure or an element's identifying attributes may change. Inspect the current element, review the selector, and validate it against the target application before rerunning. See web selectors and desktop selectors.

What should I check when desktop automation does not interact with an application?

Check the target window and selector, the interaction mode, and application compatibility with that mode. Some applications have documented limitations with simulated interaction. See desktop automation notes and known limitations.

Can I run Python code from a process?

Yes. Configure the required Python environment before executing Python activities. See Python automation, setup, and virtual environments.

For Buddy accounts, concurrency, and execution logs, see AI Command Center FAQs.