Application Identification Methods

Application Identification Methods are the ways in which the Nintex RPA Platform identifies the application being used. In order to add an application, you must define at least one identification method.

One or more? AND or OR?

There are numerous methods by which an application can be identified, and it is possible to specify more than one for each application. Additionally, within each method, one or more conditions can be specified.

  • If more than one method is specified, ALL the specified methods must be satisfied in order for the application to be properly identified (i.e., each method is separated by an AND)

  • If more than one condition within a single method is specified, ONLY ONE of the conditions must be met in order for the method to be satisfied (i.e., each condition is separated by an OR)

Adding identification methods and conditions

To add an identification method:

  1. Tick its checkbox.

  2. Enter the details of the condition under that method.

To add a condition under an identification method, click the button

To remove a condition under an identification method, click the button

Recommended identification methods

Best practice is to use one of the following identification methods (depending on whether the application is desktop- or web-based) and add other identification methods only as necessary.

Process name is the recommended identification method for desktop applications.

  • In the condition, enter the application's process name as it appears in the Windows Task Manager > Details tab – without the .exe extension (e.g., outlook)

Application URL is the recommended identification method for web-based applications.

  • To maximize the probability that the web application is properly identified:

    • In the condition, enter the website's URL without the protocol (usually, http or https) and without the path (i.e., the section of the URL following the domain name)

    • Use an operator other than Equals (e.g., Contains, Starts With, etc.)

Additional identification methods

You can use additional identification methods either instead of or in addition to the recommended methods. These additional methods include:

  • Installation registry values

  • Company name

  • Class name

  • Application container

  • Product name

  • Product version

  • Window caption

  • Main module name

  • Registry values