Generic application is a processor that functions as a stand-in for a third-party hot-folder application.
The third-party application must be configured independently, and its input and output folders must refer to the backing folders of the corresponding flow elements preceding and following the generic application in the flow design.
Files are moved along the incoming and outgoing connections of a generic application under the control of the third-party application (not under the control of Switch). Still, designing the generic application flow element and its connections into the flow at the appropriate place has several key advantages:
Switch ensures that the third-party application's output files receive the appropriate unique name prefix so that internal job ticket information (such as hierarchy info and email info) is preserved.
Switch automatically cleans up files left in the input folder by the third-party application.
If the third-party application runs on the same computer, Switch can launch the application when needed.
Switch is able to gather its regular processing statistics for the third-party application.
The third-party application's function is documented in context of the complete flow.
Because the incoming connection is under the control of the 3rd party tool, the incoming folder, the connection and the generic application tool itself behave different than regular Switch flow elements:
the input folder has no properties to attach hierarchy info, e-mail addresses, e-mail body text or job state, set job priority or show in statistics.
the input folder does have a special property to ignore sub folders.
the input folder can only have one outgoing connection
the connection cannot be set on hold.
the generic application tool can only have one incoming connection.
Keywords
Keywords can be used with the search function above the Elements pane.
The keywords for the Generic application element are:
- hot
- watched
- folder
- third-party
Properties
Property |
Description |
|---|---|
Name |
The name of the flow element displayed in the canvas |
Known application |
Set to yes if you can browse to the third-party application's executable on the same computer system; this allows Switch to launch and monitor the application |
Path |
The absolute file path of the third-party application's executable |
Launch application |
If set to yes, Switch launches the third party application when it is needed and if it is not already running |
Abort application |
If set to yes, Switch aborts the third-party application if it exceeds the time limit specified by the user preference "Abort processes after" (see error-handling preferences) |
Perform cleanup |
If set to yes, Switch removes files left in the input folder left by the third-party application; it is strongly recommended to leave this option turned on unless you are sure that the third-party application removes its input files in all circumstances, including error conditions |
When detecting output files (N) |
Remove a file from the input folder after at least the specified number of output files have been detected for the file; a value of zero means this option is disabled; Switch uses the unique name prefix to match output files with input files, so if the third-party application's output files are not named similar to its input files, this option will not work |
After (min) |
Remove a file from the input folder if more than the specified time has passed; provide sufficient extra time for unforeseen circumstances; a value of zero means this option is disabled |