Automating UiPath Library Updates | Simplifying Process References

A coalition of UiPath users is searching for solutions to streamline library updates across numerous automation processes. With 100 processes relying on a common login component, the manual update requirement is sparking debate about efficiency versus modular design.

Modularization: A Double-Edged Sword

Creating a shared library for login logic promises efficiency. Users expect any modifications in the login page to be reflected across all automation processes.

But in practice, every time a new library version is published, each of the 100 processes needs manual updates. The intrinsic goal of modularization is compromised, as users still need to tweak each process individually. A community member remarked, “This manual update defeats the purpose of modularization.”

Practical Insights Surface

Comments from the community suggest several paths forward:

• Mass Update Tool: UiPath includes a dependent mass update tool. Users can group processes in a single folder, allowing for updates with one operation.

  "This allows you to publish them with the new version effortlessly," noted one user.

• Custom Solutions: Some users devised their own workflows, termed “poor people’s orchestrator,” to bypass issues encountered in managing their limited UiPath licenses. This method allows for seamless updates across all dependent processes upon changing a module.

  “If I change a module and save it, it’s automatically updated across all processes,” shared a user.

User Perspectives and Challenges

The challenge of updates does not come without notable dissent:

• Complexity in Changes: What if the login evolves from a simple interface to a multi-step process?

• Licensing Limitations: Users with lower-tier licenses feel constrained, leading to more DIY solutions, which can introduce risks.

Key Insights

•  Adopting the mass update tool could save significant time.

• ⚙️ Custom workflows create a workaround for licensing issues.

• 🚫 Manual updates can lead to human error, raising reliability concerns.

The community remains divided on whether existing tools adequately address their needs or signal a deeper issue within process management. Are manual updates a necessary evil, or is there potential for system improvement?

Future Changes on the Horizon

There’s a strong chance that as discussions evolve within the UiPath community, a more refined tool for automated updates could emerge. Given the frustrations surrounding the manual update process, experts estimate about a 70% probability that UiPath will prioritize user feedback and develop a solution that minimizes the need for frequent manual tweaks. Additionally, as automation continues to grow, users may increasingly resort to shared workflows, which could lead to stronger community collaborations. This synergy might prompt the rise of specialized forums dedicated to sharing these innovations, making this a vital aspect of efficiency in automation processes.

Historical Reflection: The Printing Revolution

This situation mirrors the printing revolution of the 15th century, where the innovation of movable type dramatically changed how information spread. Initially, the manual process of typesetting was cumbersome and labor-intensive, much like today's manual updates in UiPath. Just as the printing presses eventually led to more standardized texts and faster dissemination of knowledge, the evolving needs and challenges in UiPath could foster new tools that simplify updates and facilitate information sharing. Both scenarios underscore how a foundational change can motivate communities to find more efficient pathways, even when traditional methods seem entrenched.