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Time Saving Shortcuts with Macro Express. Greg Sennema Electronic Services Librarian Wilfrid Laurier University Session 1912. what are macros Macro Express why use macros workflow of a macro is Macro Express necessary? Macro Express resources. What are Macros?.
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Time Saving Shortcuts with MacroExpress Greg Sennema Electronic Services Librarian Wilfrid Laurier University Session 1912
what are macros • MacroExpress • why use macros • workflow of a macro • is MacroExpressnecessary? • MacroExpressresources
What are Macros? A macro is a way to automate a task that you perform repeatedly or on a regular basis. Macros are script files that send keystrokes to your keyboard and move and click your mouse for, or instead of you. It takes time to become accustomedto creating and using macros
What are Macros? Macros are not just shortcuts. e.g., CTRL-ALT- W = Microsoft Word
What are Macros? Macros are not just shortcuts • CTRL-A – select all • CTRL-C – copy • CTRL-F – find • CTRL-X – cut • CTRL-V – paste • CTRL-S – save • CTRL-P – print • CTRL-O – open • CTRL-W – close • CTRL-Y – redo • CTRL-Z – undo
MacroExpress3.5 If it can be done with a keyboard and mouse… Do it with MacroExpress • runs on Windows XP, ME, 2000, NT 4, 98 or 95 • $25 - $40 depending on quantity of licenses No prior programming experience is required
MacroExpress– Why use Macros? • More time spent on higher-level activities and less on repetitive pointing and clicking and dragging and dropping tasks • More consistent execution of work flow • Potential transfer of tasks to lower-level staff, e.g. student employees • TUG example
MacroExpress– Workflow of a macro • identify the process • look for repetition • reorganize process elements for better execution • consider alternative ways to complete same task • determine necessary information e.g. input from user
MacroExpress– Workflow of a macro • Define the starting and ending points • e.g., within an ILS system, retrieve Bib record by Bib ID • Starting point: display the BIB ID search screen • Note what has to happen for process to work • Note the buttons that are clicked • Note the keys that are pressed • Ending point: display of the bib record
MacroExpress– Example #1 of 4 • Example – Hélène • Starting point: starting an email message • Open “Find” utility • Search for “h-e-l-e-n-e” • Find an email with her name, copy name • Open new email, paste her name • Ending point: having Hélène spelt correctly in email
MacroExpress– Workflow of a macro • identify the process • look for repetition • reorganize process elements for better execution • consider alternative ways to complete same task • determine necessary information e.g. input from user
MacroExpress– Example #1 of 4 • Example – Hélène • Similar to Microsoft Word’s Auto Correct feature, • except that this works in ANY program running on • Windows • use short-forms for often-used long words • IE7 = Internet Explorer 7 • MS = Microsoft • ME = MacroExpress • LL = Laurier Library
MacroExpress– Example #2 of 4 • Example – Opening a password-protected web site • Starting point: open browser • navigate to web site (bookmark, address bar, etc.) • place cursor in id box, type in id • place cursor (tab?) in password box, type in password • click on enter • Ending point: logged into web site
MacroExpress– Example #3 of 4 • Example – Open program, initiate function • Starting point: open Juice • click Start, Juice • click on “check for new podcasts” button • close program when complete • Ending point: mp3’s downloaded into C:/podcasts
MacroExpress– Example #4 of 4 Example – Process Swets invoice, GST Starting point Ending point
MacroExpress– Example #4 of 4 Ending point Starting point
MacroExpress– Example #4 of 4 Example – Process Swets invoice, GST <REM2:Once on the invoice screen, hit CTRL-G><TEXTTYPE:<TAB><TAB><TAB><TAB>><DELAY:.5> <REM2:tabs you down to the Locations section><TEXTTYPE:<ARROW DOWN> <ARROW DOWN><ARROW DOWN><ARROW DOWN>><DELAY:.5> <REM2:in Locations, choose the third selection WLU Library Periodicals> <TEXTTYPE:<TAB><TAB><TAB><TAB>><DELAY:.5> <REM2:tab user to Other Charges under Amounts><MMC> <REM2:moves the mouse to where the cursor is><DELAY:.5><MMP2:10,0> <REM2:moves the mouse over 10px, since no key combo can do this on this screen><DELAY:1><LCLK> <REM2:clicks on the elipses><DELAY:1><TEXTTYPE:<ALT>E> <REM2:Click Edit.. to edit invoice fees><DELAY:1><TEXTTYPE:H> <REM2:On the Add/edit Adjustment dialogue box, choose H for HANDLING CHARGE in the Charge Type> <DELAY:1><TEXTTYPE:<TAB><TAB><TAB>><TEXTTYPE:<TAB><TAB>><DELAY:1> <REM2:tab down 2x to the Commit to Fund field><TEXTTYPE:post-s><DELAY:1><TEXTTYPE:<ENTER>> <DELAY:1><TEXTTYPE:<ALT>O><DELAY:1><REM2:Click OK><TEXTTYPE:<ALT>O><DELAY:1> <REM2:Click OK><TEXTTYPE:<ALT>N><DELAY:1><REM2:Get to Notes tab><TEXTTYPE:<TAB>> <DELAY:1><REM2:tab down to notes field><TEXTTYPE:100% GST exempt> <REM2:Type this text in the notes field> <TEXTTYPE:<ENTER>><TEXTTYPE:Actual invoice total $>
MacroExpress– Example #4 of 4 Example – Process Swets invoice, GST
Is MacroExpress necessary? • it takes time to become accustomed to using macros • there is an initial time commitment that can seem to • to outweigh the benefits • how much time do you spend in front of a computer? • determine the amount/level of repetitive tasks • determine the complexity of software used • determine the software’s built-in (macro) tools Customer list
MacroExpress Resources • Beginner • Setting up and using Macro Express • Using wizards to create macros • Running and Activating macros • Intermediate • Using variables to enhance your macros • Handling Windows and other programs • Using command line arguments • Advanced • Working with the Windows Registry commands • Processing data within files • Handling applications using Window Controls
Questions or comments? Greg Sennema Electronic Services Librarian Wilfrid Laurier University Session 1912