Executing a task assistant workflow

Executing a task assistant workflow is simply a matter of clicking the steps in the workflow. Depending on the functionality of the step, you will either need to interact with the map or a dialog box or do nothing and proceed with working through the workflow. High-level steps can be expanded or collapsed without executing them.

Task assistant workflow validation

It is recommended that a task assistant workflow always be validated prior to execution to ensure that execution errors are minimized. Validation will identify steps that have configuration type errors (for example, layers referenced in task assistant workflows cannot be found in the MXD) and allow users to fix the workflow prior to execution.

See Validating task assistant workflows for more information about the validation process.

The Tool Palette

The Tool Palette is available on the Task Assistant window. Tools that require interaction can be grouped together in a single step by the designer. When executing the task assistant workflow, the tools are available in the tool palette. For example, performing a trace requires that traced features are preselected. The step may combine the Select Features tool and the Trace tool. You would use the Tool Palette to access the tools accordingly.

Errors in executing a step

There are various reasons why a step that should execute a process may not execute correctly and cause errors. The most common reason is that a step is not enabled (for example, edits cannot be saved outside an edit session).

Other common reasons can include that a layer name has changed, your machine does not have a particular custom command registered, or the step has been executed but there was no data to process and/or output. In addition, depending on how the task assistant workflow was designed, some steps may not execute any process and consequently appear to be in error. It is important to understand the intent of the designer either by reviewing the description of steps or understanding the high-level intent of the tasks.

See Viewing step information for more information about obtaining step-specific help.