Computers

Computers are great with redundant and tedious tasks. They don’t get bored, don’t make mistakes, and are very fast at what they do. So why do we humans end up doing all the work our computers should be doing? Companies are discovering that investing in macro scripting software allows workers to get their jobs done quickly and efficiently.

What Is Macro Scripting Software?

A macro is a recorded series of actions. A simple example is using speed dial on your telephone. You press one number and several numbers are generated.

Macro scripting software takes the concept further than simple data entry. Mouse movement, button clicks and more can all be included in a script that tells the computer what to do. Invoking that script is a mouse click or keystroke away, allowing a worker to reduce dozens or hundreds of steps into one simple command.

The script can perform the same steps faster than a human so production increases. For a long script, the worker can even do another task while the script is running, increasing production even more. The computer types the data the same way every time and that reduces keying errors.

No Technical Expertise Needed

Computer programmers make a lot of money writing custom applications to automate processes for businesses, but often this is far more expertise than the company needs. A cut on your finger needs a bandage, not a thousand dollar consultation with a surgeon.

Some applications like most Microsoft software have macro capabilities built in, but these are limited in scope. An Access macro can work with other Office applications like Excel or Word but will have difficulty reading data from other database software or proprietary business applications.

Macro scripting software is designed to be useful regardless of specific software used. They have been developed with non-technical employees in mind. Actions can be recorded as the employee performs them or the user can build a script with simple commands, drag and drop components or application wizards that know the software being used.

Technical Users Love Scripts Too

People with extensive computer knowledge can do even more with macro scripting software. They can write more sophisticated scripts either for their own use or for distribution within the company.

For example, let’s say the IT department is rolling out a major software distribution. An IT technician needs to go to each client computer and perform a number of actions to pull the new software from the server, install it, set application preferences to company standards, convert data from the old application and so on. Doing so at each computer is going to be tedious, but macro scripting software allows the IT department to build a set of instructions that can be implemented with a click.

Let computers do repetitive tasks like they were meant to. Implement macros in your organization and free up your employees for more important jobs.

Dakota Bressler is an author for EnableSoft, the makers of a powerful macro scripting software package called Foxtrot. For over 13 years they have helped numerous companies become more efficient, including JP Morgan Chase and Fifth Third Bank.