Lesson Outcomes
After completing this practical lesson, learners will be able to:
- Debug software robot workflows and source code
- Test workflow connectivity and authentication
- Analyse workflow performance issues
- Validate end-to-end automation execution
- Investigate firewall and configuration problems
- Resolve workflow interruptions and bot failures
Overview
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solutions operating in production environments may experience workflow failures, connectivity issues, authentication problems, performance delays, or configuration errors. Effective troubleshooting ensures that automation workflows continue operating reliably and efficiently within business environments.
This practical lesson introduces learners to debugging techniques, workflow diagnostics, connectivity testing, authentication troubleshooting, configuration management, and performance optimisation within RPA environments. Learners will complete practical activities involving the identification and resolution of workflow and bot performance issues.
Scenario: Troubleshooting an Invoice Processing Bot
A company uses an unattended software robot to process invoices and update financial systems automatically.
Users have reported that the bot is experiencing workflow interruptions, failed connections, authentication issues, and inconsistent performance during execution.
Learners are required to investigate the workflow issues, debug the automation solution, test connectivity and authentication settings, and restore workflow functionality.
PA0101 — Use Software to Debug the Source Code of the Bot
Tools/Resources
- RPA development platform
- Debugging tools
- Workflow source code
- Error logs
Activity Instructions
- Open the affected workflow or bot source code.
- Identify workflow errors or bugs.
- Use debugging tools to trace workflow execution.
- Correct identified workflow or logic issues.
- Save updated workflow changes.
Expected Outcome
The bot source code is debugged successfully and workflow errors are corrected.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of debugging activities
- Screenshot of identified workflow errors
- Screenshot of corrected workflow logic
PA0102 — Test Connectivity of the Bot
Tools/Resources
- Network testing tools
- RPA platform
- Workflow environment
Activity Instructions
- Review workflow connectivity requirements.
- Test the bot’s connection to systems or services.
- Identify failed or interrupted connections.
- Record connectivity test results.
- Verify successful workflow communication.
Expected Outcome
Bot connectivity is tested successfully and communication issues are identified.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of connectivity tests
- Screenshot of network results
- Screenshot of verified connections
PA0103 — Test Authentication as a Possible Problem
Tools/Resources
- Authentication settings
- Workflow credentials
- Security logs
Activity Instructions
- Review authentication configurations and credentials.
- Test user access and authentication processes.
- Identify failed authentication attempts.
- Correct credential or access configuration issues.
- Verify successful authentication.
Expected Outcome
Authentication issues are identified and resolved successfully.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of authentication settings
- Screenshot of failed or successful login tests
- Screenshot of corrected credential configurations
PA0104 — Validate End-to-End User Experience
Tools/Resources
- RPA workflows
- Test datasets
- Monitoring tools
Activity Instructions
- Execute the complete workflow process.
- Monitor workflow performance from start to finish.
- Verify workflow outputs and user interactions.
- Identify interruptions or delays.
- Record workflow observations.
Expected Outcome
The end-to-end workflow experience is validated successfully.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of workflow execution
- Screenshot of workflow outputs
- Screenshot of workflow validation results
PA0105 — Check Firewall Traces on Failed Connections
Tools/Resources
- Firewall logs
- Monitoring tools
- Network configuration settings
Activity Instructions
- Review firewall logs and traces.
- Identify blocked or failed workflow connections.
- Analyse firewall-related workflow interruptions.
- Record identified issues.
- Verify corrected connectivity behaviour.
Expected Outcome
Firewall-related workflow issues are identified successfully.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of firewall logs
- Screenshot of failed connection traces
- Screenshot of corrected connectivity settings
PA0106 — Check Bot Configuration Issues
Tools/Resources
- Workflow configuration files
- RPA orchestration platform
- Environment settings
Activity Instructions
- Review workflow and bot configuration settings.
- Identify incorrect or incomplete configurations.
- Correct workflow configuration issues.
- Save updated workflow settings.
- Verify workflow functionality.
Expected Outcome
Bot configuration issues are identified and corrected successfully.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of workflow configuration settings
- Screenshot of corrected configurations
- Screenshot of verified workflow settings
PA0107 — Check Channel Configuration Parameters or Interrupted Service
Tools/Resources
- Communication channel settings
- Workflow environment
- Service monitoring tools
Activity Instructions
- Review workflow communication channel settings.
- Identify interrupted services or incorrect parameters.
- Correct channel configuration issues.
- Verify workflow communication functionality.
- Save updated configuration settings.
Expected Outcome
Channel configuration issues are corrected successfully.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of communication settings
- Screenshot of corrected parameters
- Screenshot of verified workflow communication
PA0108 — Ensure Configuration Files Were Copied
Tools/Resources
- Workflow configuration files
- File management tools
- RPA platform
Activity Instructions
- Verify required configuration files are available.
- Confirm configuration files were copied correctly.
- Check workflow access to configuration files.
- Correct missing or inaccessible file issues.
- Save updated workflow records.
Expected Outcome
Configuration files are verified and accessible successfully.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of configuration files
- Screenshot of verified file locations
- Screenshot of corrected file access settings
Key Notes
- Debugging identifies workflow and logic errors.
- Connectivity testing verifies workflow communication.
- Authentication problems affect workflow execution.
- Firewall settings may interrupt workflow communication.
- Correct configuration improves workflow reliability.
- End-to-end validation improves user experience and workflow stability.