SAP Build Process Automation: Why is SAP Desktop Agent required for all automations?

[adamharkus]

I'm looking at putting together a SAP Build Process Automation project using only cloud services, so no local file storage or Excel / Outlook SDK.  In other words I'm looking to remove the SAP Desktop Agent dependancy.

However, on running the main process, the automaton is never called because it appears SAP Desktop Agent is a prerequisite for any automation, regardless of the dependencies (I'm using the CORE SDK only).

Can anyone confirm the above? Or is there a way of setting up an SAP Build Process Automation without the need for SAP Desktop Agent?

[aman_mittal]

Hi Adam, Did you manage to get any solution where we can completely eliminate Desktop Agent? I have a requirement where BPA needs to read outlook emails along with attachments.

[rohit_singhal]

Hi Adam,

Whenever an automation is first created as an artifact in the project, you would notice that the agent version is determined at that point. This is because, the way the automation works is that it would download the package on the local system where the agent is located. These javascript files are then executed.

If you want an automation to be totally on cloud, the only way that I could think of this happening is to use action projects in conjunction with decisions to create a process flow. However, you would be limited to a lot of dependency on Decisions created, and even then, some functionalities easily achievable through custom scripts might elude you.

Do let me know if the action project + decision + forms (workflow) works for your purpose. It would be quite interesting to note how complex you could make your scenarios while still working totally on cloud based executions.

Best Regards,

Rohit

[adamharkus]

Hi Rohit, thanks for your comment.

I can see that there is limited functionality available directly on a process, (including actions), but we need to access SAP Document Extraction which I've been doing via the SDK which is only available in an automation.

Is there a way around that?

[rohit_singhal]

Hi Adam,

For Document Extraction, you would have multiple steps including handling of file, which would not be possible based on the current functionality to handle on a process level. You would only have the option to manage this through an automation.

[adamharkus]

Hi Rohit. If SAP Desktop Agent is the only solution. Do you have any info on the recommended approach to using them? We are fine using them internally by need to know best practice for Customer implementations.

[aman_mittal]

Hi Adam, Did you manage to get any solution where we can completely eliminate Desktop Agent? I have a requirement where BPA needs to read outlook emails along with attachments.