Blue Prism Interview Questions and Answers (2022)

Get Next Item Action should always be followed by Wait stage.

Within the Decision stage, use of IsStopRequest(), an inbuilt Environment function, can help to configure safe stop in the process.

Setting the Priority for a Work Queue item is done when the item is first added to the queue using the Add To Queue action. The Priority of an item cannot be changed after it has been added to the queue.

Business objects have two default pages named Initialize and Cleanup, and these pages cannot be removed or published. They are intended to provide the opportunity to execute logic at the start and end of the life cycle of a Business Object.

• It uses screen coordinates to click on objects. So accuracy will be very low.
• If the target application is not active, there is a possibility of global send keys passing the values to the wrong application.

This can be done by removing the file accessing sequence from the process and putting it in a separate process that will run on a single machine. Another method is to use the Environment Locking feature of Blue Prism to control the access to the file.

These are examples of operations that need an active application. When an application is not front end, then operations will click or type into the active window.

The Active Accessibility interface can be much slower than the default Win32 interface. The Match Index and Match Reverse (explained in a later section) can be used to provide a significant performance improvement.

When using Active Accessibility, multiple matches can be found even though the element seems to be unique. This is because elements may exist even when they are not displayed. Checking the Invisible attribute (which will be set to False) ensures that only elements currently on the screen will be matched.

Blue Prism offers security and audibility at different levels; therefore, it is known as the secure and auditable automation platform. Blue Prism provides a separate run-time environment, which means that the run-time environment is segregated from a process-editing environment. Additionally, several permissions can be assigned to specific users. With these permissions, tasks like designing, creating, editing, and executing processes can be limited only to the assigned and authorized users.

When it comes to auditing, Blue Prism provides a complete audit trail for the processes. It includes a full comparison report of effects that occurred before and after making any change to the processes. Also, it contains a detailed log reports generated at run-time for each process. The log report consists of a time-stamped history of every change provided to automated processes.

The control room is a place where unworked or pending items, locked items, completed items, and exception items are kept.

This is true.

This is a feature which prevents multiple bots from accessing the same path of a process. A token is generated in environmental locking which allows only one bot to access.

There are two main methods of a Blue Prism process getting work from a Workflow System:

• Method 1: Load all work from the Workflow System into a Blue Prism Work Queue at once. Blue Prism robots get items to work from a Work Queue instead of from the Workflow System.
• Method 2: Blue Prism robots get cases to work directly from the Workflow System. For each case, an item is added to the Blue Prism Work Queue and immediately locked for work

The Mark Exception action has flag inputs called Retry and Keep Locked for controlling this feature. If a new item is created, its ID will be returned in the New Item ID output parameter, and if Keep Locked was set to True, the process will have control of the new item.

SDD is a Solution Design Document used to describe the Blue Prism automation process derived in the Process Definition Document (PDD).

FRQ is a Functional Requirements Questionnaire that is used to make a checklist for needed details and provide areas for consideration.

Tags are defined as the keywords of terms assigned to the work queue items. They are generally used when we want to retrieve the next item from the particular work queue. There is also an option to filter these items using the Tag Filter input parameter under 'Get Next item' action. Using this, we can easily retrieve the required item from the work queue in the presence or absence of any specific tag.

Blue Prism has integrated various technologies into its software based on previous years of experiences. These technologies are reliable, robust as well as secure. Blue Prism has developed technology adaptors for all the technologies which are employed with the presentation layer, Green Screen/ Mainframe, Citrix, Java, Web, Windows as well.

Just with a click of a button, we will be able to link with any kind of system after getting coupled with dedicated tools of a wide range. This application orchestration capability is proven, and it ensures that any new process can be designed, tested, and built rapidly without any significant effect on the current systems.

The major differences between robotic automation and screen scraping are as follows:

• Robots are considered to be application orchestrators, as any machine used by man can be used by modern robots also. They could be either web service-enabled applications, legacy applications, mainframe, etc.
• Robots build a shared library by collecting procedural knowledge. This knowledge can be r-used by any other robot or device.
• The applications are read by the robots either through the operating systems prior to application display, through the screen in the context of the native application or through dedicated APIs. In the case where the applications are read through the screen in the context of a native application, the robots read the same way as that of the user. So, while a robot is trained, it is shown how to read the application’s display. Similar to that of a user.

A Process is a flow that we are trying to automate. Blue Prism provide the tool Process Studio to create the flow diagram of a Process. A Process look like a flow diagram and has a Main page where Process starts and continue to other pages. Process Studio is graphical tool that can be used by business users and technical developers. A Blue Prism Process interacts with control room and object studio. Example of Process creation, Suppose you have a Process that you want to automate is - get some data from a site and save that data into text files on your system. Then the process would look like as below.

• open the site
• copy the data
• create text editor instance
• open text editor like notepad
• paste the data
• save the file on your system

The Retry input parameter of the Mark Exception action in the Internal – Work Queues Business Object can then be used to override Max Attempts. When Retry is True, the queue will generate another attempt if the limit of Max Attempts has not been reached. But when Retry is False, it will override Max Attempts and prevent any further attempts regardless of the number of retries available.

The Recover stage is helpful during exception-caching. It allows users to create different types of recovery sequences. Once the exception is caught, the Business object or the process is called to be in the recovery mode and indicating the live state of exception.

Data Items that are visible to all Pages are known as global Data Items. Data Items visible only to their own page are known as local Data Items.

Work Queue in Blue Prism helps to process more than one item in one bot.

The Dynamic Match Type enables the user to identify the value of an attribute from the diagram.

To include a Collection field in an expression, we use what is known as dot notation. All this means is that both the Collection name and the field name must be included in the expression, and to do this you simply together using a full stop, for example [My Orders.Quantity].

A Session can only run once; to run a Process again a new session must be created.

As the name suggests, the Write stage is used to put values into elements and the properties form is laid out with a list of Data Items on the left and the elements on the right. The middle section is where we indicate which values want we want to go into which elements.

Write stage is used to keep the values in the elements. And properties form is attached to the Data Items list on the left and with the list of elements on the right. We decide the middle section for the elements which we want to go with.

A Process can be published to control room by opening the process information box in the main page and checking the box “Publish this Process to Control Room”

There are two flag inputs in Mark Exception action and these are ‘Keep Locked’ and ‘Retry’ use for controlling the features. When a new item is developed, it will return its ID into the output parameter of this New Item. Once keep Locked is set to True, a new item will be under the control of the process.

If you are not able to launch the application, sub-page or action will throw a System Unable Exception. This exception is not related to the Work Queue item issue which might be working presently. You need to unlock the item simply not just marking it as an exception.

It is a spying mode like Win32 and HTML mode. It is an interface originally created for screen reading and speaking applications to assist Windows application users with disabilities, for changing to accessibility simply press the “ALT” key until spy tool turns blue.

Blue Prism provides the Release Manager which allows users to create checklists known as Packages. At various stages during the development cycle, a Release can be exported using the checklist provided in the Package. the file extension will be .bprelease.

Multiple-Part Processes are used when a case needs to be worked in multiple parts at different times. It has a parent-child relationship where each work queue item should be linked to one request.

The Preserve checkbox option is mainly used to disable Exception Type and Exception Details fields within the Blue Prism tool. Besides, when the Preserve checkbox option is selected, the exception is released without the requirement of any other details. That means the existing exception is thrown again. That is why we use the Preserve checkbox option in the Recovery Mode. The recovery mode resides in between the Resume stage and a Recover stage.

In case if we use the checkbox outside the recovery mode, it will provide an exception.

Blue Prism has been designed for flexibility and to meet the most robust IT standards for IT operational integrity, security, and supportability. The software can be deployed either as a front office or back office process, running quite happily on a standard desktop in the front office or on any scale of systems for back-office processing.

Note that the expression functions (found in the properties forms where an expression is required) must only be used during Recovery Mode and will themselves generate exceptions if they are used anywhere else.

• This is a type of exposure in data item where the value of data item can be changed during runtime.
• Session variable can be changed in the control room while running the particular process.

Providing empty fields (like Narrative) when the item is created could provide storage for data collected while the item is being worked.

In Blue Prism, Priority Input Parameter should be set with the Add To Queue Action. Firstly, the items start functioning in order to the lowest priority number. The item which is set with 1st priority will be functioned before the items which are set on the priority 2.

Suppose, the Priority input parameter is still not set, by the default value of 0 which is the highest priority it will be used. The item which is going to function next tends to return in order of priority, and now the date will be loaded to the queue where the oldest will come first.

The process template can be defined as one of the core components of the Blue Prism tool. A process template is mainly designed to allow developers to make automation processes quickly. The process templates include basic activities and structure; hence, developers don't need to create them every time. Additionally, they help developers understand how the work queues are implemented in the created processes in Blue Prism. These templates reduce the overall working steps and ensure that the creation of processes is quick and easy to configure.

The recover stage catches the exception. It gives the user a chance to create different types of recovery sequences.

Once the exception is caught, the business object or the Process is called in the recovery mode. It implies that the exception is live.

Session variable is declared inside the process or object by selecting the exposure to session.

Environment variable is declared in system outside any process or object and once declared, need to select the exposure to environment and select from the drop down available in name of the data item.

Wildcards allow you to perform a fuzzy match on text. Microsoft Word* will match “Microsoft Word – Document1” and any other similar name. Numeric Comparisons – you might be looking for a dialog window which is 300 pixels or fewer in width.Non-Equality – you might want to match a dialog window which does not have the window title “Error”. Dynamic Matches – a match based on a value which might change all the time.

Page reference – To use the page Inside of object or process Action – To call a business object from object or process

The resume function reactivates temporarily paused queues. Therefore, it will not release any item.

The session variable is a type of exposure in data item value can be changed during runtime. The session variable can be changed in the control room while running the Process.

If a process is successfully completed to a conclusion (no more working is required on the case) the work queue item should be tagged as completed, with a brief completion type.

Because tags show up on the Blue Prism Performance Report, tagging completed statuses provides an easy way to keep track of how many cases complete with each completion reason

The Thin client is the application from which we cannot get many attributes of an object. Only region mode can be used in Thin client applications. Ex: Citrix, Oracle-based applications. The thick client is the application from which we can get many attributes of an object. We can use any mode in Thick client applications. Ex: Internet Explorer, Calculator.

Various stages of RPA life cycles are:

1. Discovery phase
2. solution design phase
3. development phase
4. user acceptance tests
5. development and maintenance phase
6. execute bots

Since Robotic Process Automation aka RPA cannot be implemented without the RPA Tools, Blue Prism is one of the most popular RPA Tools is used to design automation scripts for various departments and tasks. Blue Prism supports both internal and external encryption or decryption of keys.

In Control Room an unworked or pending item will be marked with three blue dots. Locked items are marked with a padlock. Completed items are marked with a green check mark. Exception items are marked with a purple flag.

Application Modeller is defined as the embedded capability inside the Object Studio. The application modeller's primary function is to provide an environment to create application models within the Object Studio. It contains several basic configurations that help in interacting and communicating with the existing applications and UI elements. These elements are identified by Blue Prism software robots based on pre-defined attributes. The elements are further configured and updated to make them unique for every single element. The software bots can further interact with these elements and perform specified operations over them.

The Encrypted option is available to ensure any sensitive data held within the queue is encrypted in the Blue Prism database.

The two ways are through a session variable and environment variable. Session variables apply to sessions like running processes. In the Control Room, one can see and change these variables. In the Environment variable, the data item value can be easily changed without using the processor object.

• Step – It executes each and every stage. If it encounters a page, process or an action, it enters inside and executes.
• Step Over – It executes each and every stage. If it encounters a page, process or an action, it does not enter inside but still executes over the page.
• Step Out – It executes everything that is available on the current page.

The Wait stage is used to absorb the system latency and make sure that the process is going through the correct path. Typically, the wait in the starting of any action confirms the correctness of path and results in increased process resilience. The default timeout in the Wait stage is 5 seconds. The process will wait before performing an action until the timeout that the user has specified for the Wait stage upon running the object has passed.

• Always throw an exception on timeout: One should not try to retrieve the process through the Wait stage. Besides, one should try an exception and let the process control and handle it. It may restart the system, or retry after an alert, or retry after some time.
• Always with for the screen to change: One should use the wait stages after navigating to any stage that might be a cause to update screen. It ensures improved speed without absorbing any latency.

The main purpose of using a Large amount of data is loaded and test with Different robots. Four Different staus available. Pending,in-process, exceptions, completed.

Environment variable is a type of exposure in data item in which data item value is easily changed without using the processor object. It is available in the system tab under the process section.

he features of RPA are as follows:

• Accurate: Less prone to errors and work with high precision and uniformity
• Consistent: The RPA software are built in such a way that, all the repetitive tasks are performed in the same manner.
• Cost Cutting Technology: Aims to reduce the manual workforce and thus reduces the cost used to perform any task.
• Productivity Rate: The execution time to perform any task is much faster when compared to the manual approach.
• Reliable Software: This software is reliable, as bots can work 24*7 without a break, with the same efficiency.
• No/Less Coding Required: RPA tools do not require much coding knowledge.

Match Index option is used when we want to search for an element in top-to-bottom order. Besides, the Match Reverse option is used when we want to search for an element in the bottom-to-top order. Once the element is found, the search will be stopped instantly, and all the further duplicates will be ignored.

These two options are beneficial in cases where we require to find any specific element. Additionally, these attributes reduce the overall searching time. However, these options should be used only when we don't want to find duplicate elements or when duplicate elements are unlikely to be present.

Initialize and clean up are conditions that can be executed at the start and end of the object. They cannot be called using any action because it will run automatically when an object is called.

Multiple-Part Processes are used to work in multiple parts at different times. It has a parent-child relationship where individual work queues items should be linked to one request.

An exclusive Process must run on its own and cannot run at the same time as any other Processes. A foreground Process can only run alongside other background Processes, but only one foreground Process can run at a time. A background Process can run alongside other Processes, as long as they are background or foreground Processes.

A simple way to avoid doing this is to make sure a child capable of retries is not used on the retry path of the parent. A slightly more complex technique could be to use an input parameter to dictate to the child the number of retries it is allowed to perform.

The Recover stage attracts, or catches the exception, giving the designer (i.e., you) the opportunity to create some sort of recovery sequence. When an exception is caught, the Business Object (or Process) is said to be in Recovery Mode, meaning the exception is “live”.

Passing through the Resume stage diffuses the exception and enables the diagram to come out of Recovery Mode and continue a normal flow. Importantly, the Resume stage does not fix anything – that is the responsibility of the designer. The Exception Detail value is an expression and need quotes.

Wildcard match type enables us to use the value of an attribute from the diagram rather than which is available in the application modeler.

Work Queues in Blue Prism are generally implemented to break large volumes of work into multiple small volumes. Additionally, it is said to be the most effective way for the deployments of bots. It is because multiple bots are implemented to decrease the overall time consumption during the separation of large volumes of work to small volumes.

Besides, we are required to set the priorities for the work queue item when we are working in queues. To configure the priority, we need to follow these steps:

• We are first required to add an item in the corresponding queue with the help of the existing 'Add to Queue' action.
• Then, we are required to work with the existing queue item. It will set the start-priority of the created process.
• Once the priority of the item is added, we can repeat the same with more items. It should be noted that the item's priority is unchangeable once added to the queue.

OID is Operational Impact Document, and it is a description of the changes that have impacted the operations team after the automation solution is successful.

PDI is Process Design Instruction, and it is a blueprint that helps developers by making the development process clear and easy to understand.

The Stop? decision evaluates session variables after each Work Queue item has been worked. The Controller can now easily alter the running of a process session from within Control Room.

Object studio is an application to create the Visual Business Object. It is abbreviated as VBO and created to interact with other applications.

If Get Next Item fails to get an item, it does not necessarily mean there are no unworked items in the queue; it could be that there are deferred items the queue is yet to release.

It is used as a base for all the processes created in Blue Prism, ensuring that all processes are easy to configure and support. It helps a user understand where the work queues are loaded with the new work and conduct a fast process development by using the examples provided.

We can invoke Javascript into Blue Prism by using navigate stage in object studio.

Process Studio: A process studio is defined as the area in the Blue Prism tool that allows developers to create process diagrams for the processes to be automated. The process studio consists of various options, such as variables, control loops, object calls, and business logic, etc. Every process created here includes the Main Page that is executed first.

Object Studio: To automate most business processes, organizations must establish communication with external software or applications. Since Process Studio does not allow this, Object Studio is included in Blue Prism to perform this functionality. Object Studio allows developers to create VBO (Visual Business Objects).