Automate Logging into a Non-MS Application

[kbverizon]

Hi,

I have reports that I run every morning that take a csv file, output an excel spreadsheet to a network drive then sends an email to the users letting them know the file is ready.

Unfortunately, I am unable to automate the entire process because there is another application (showcase strategy) that runs against a datawarehouse to create my csv file. Although there is batch job in this other application, whenever I run it over night I get logged off and I come in the morning to a sign-on prompt.

My goal at this point would be to write a script in access that will do the following:
1. Open the application
2. Open the path to the query (which is known)
3. Run the query
4. When the App prompts enter the user name and password

If I could do that my the other application will automatically dump the file into a csv which my database could pick up.

Any help with this would be much appreciated as now I have to get up early just to login and kickoff an event.

Thanks!!!!

 

[Blorf]

Not familiar with the application in question, but some options to consier.

Can you odbc to the database, and have access generate your csv?

Can you have access launch your application, and just prior use a macro to log key strokes, so when the log in box appears, it gets auto filled in?

ChaZ

 

[kbverizon]

I could ODBC to the database and have access create the files but the number of records that I would be running through would take forever in access. This other application is more suitable for handling the larger number of records.

I actually was toying around with having access launch the application, open the file and log in for me. I was able to get the shell command to launch the application. The only way I know of to get access to open the file and login would be using the sendkey command. Unfortunately nothing happens when I try to sendkey the file open (ctrl + o) command.

I've looked around and have been told to try and stay away from using sendkeys because they are unpredictable but at this point I'm willing to take my chances.

Thanks!!!!

 

[PHV]

The companion of SendKeys is AppActivate.

Hope This Helps, PH.
Want to get great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at FAQ219-2884 or FAQ222-2244

 

[CautionMP]

I did a couple of searches for Showcase Strategy and it looks like it is a pretty large commercially available suite, have you checked to see if there is a programmers guide or API package for the software?

If there is software loaded on your machine to access the data from Showcase Strategy you might try opening a new module, goto Tools=>References and see if there is a reference for the suite.