Automate - does what it says
April 03, 2017
Automate - does what it says
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Software Version
Automate Desktop
Overall Satisfaction with HelpSystems Automate Desktop
[It's] mainly used as a platform for FTP jobs - approximately 30 vendors. It's also used to check completion of processes and to copy files. It has a very flexible job triggering capability...either schedules or files can trigger a job. While programming knowledge is not required, a knowledge of programming principles is recommended (If/then, loops, etc.).
Pros
- FTP jobs. Flexible scheduling and file watching options (send a file when added to a folder). Also flexible file naming capabilities - when a vendor wants a file with a different format (or vice-versa) Also the new encryption steps are handy.
- File watching capabilities - If you have files that have to be somewhere by a certain time this is very handy. You can pair this with Automate's email capability (easy to use).
- File Copying - If you have a lot of files that have to be sent on a schedule this is the way to go. You can also filter by date so only recent files are copied.
- File Purging - like copying you can use date filters to purge old files - no more clogged folders!
- Conditional statement functionality - If/Then, Loops, etc. Easy to use and makes the tasks MUCH more useful.
Cons
- A reporting capability on tasks: enabled, disabled, by folder, by trigger, etc. Currently there is none.
- An "OR" in their conditional statements - currently there is only "AND".
- Some kind of temporary backup when changing a task - separate from the current back up/restore functionality (which works well).
- Positive: Reliability on FTP jobs - really important on bank files.
- Negative - annual support a little pricey - but not unusual for this level of software.
- Positive: Does not require a dedicated administrator, especially after the jobs are created and tested. I perform other job duties and this rarely interferes with them.
- Positive - Since it is easy to learn and use it makes it easy to have a back up administrator
Comments
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