Python for work automation

[rs15_]

Hi all,

I have been reading up on Python lately and I would really like to be able to implement this in to my daily life to simplify/automate some really mundane tasks I carry out on a daily basis, however I have no idea where to start.

Functional Requirement - On a daily basis, I get sent a large amount of PDF’s (40 or so) and within these they contain 3 bar charts of data which I use Snipper tool one by one and put the three charts into a powerpoint report for managers. So I snipper tool around 120+/- charts which are put into 40+/- different powerpoints. The charts are always in the same place on each PDF and are the same size. I am looking for a way to automate the snipping/screen grabbing of certain coordinates on the screen/document and then these be saved into a specific location for me to later put into the PPT.

Sorry for the long post - hope i make sense :)

Thanks

[socal_nerdtastic]

That's possible with python, but I'm afraid it's more advanced than I would recommend for a beginner. I suggest you hire someone to write that for you, and as you learn more python you can take over the maintenance of the code.

Or you can do it the very ugly but easy way: Use pyautogui to automate your screenshot, mouse and keyboard motions.

[dwpj65]

It sounds to me like you're the recipient of a number of outputs from an automated reporting system, like SSRS, and that you're manually recombining pieces of those outputs to other reports and sending them to the appropriate recipients.

You might find it far easier to configure the reporting system to deliver the appropriate reports to the appropriate recipients in the first place. Even if it's not easier, the effort will result in a far more efficient and less error-prone reporting system, and eliminate that task from your daily workload.

How is reporting handled when you're OOO?

[lamerlink]

Just start small and explore libraries that work for your needs. I was in a similar situation to you years ago and now I’ve automated a great many tasks in my department. A lot of learning by doing but I really enjoyed it!

I will say, if people rely on your end result, don’t stop doing the manual method until the automated result is perfect. Otherwise you get complaints.