Workflow Example

Batch Process

In this example you will create a batch process system that will allow you to:

• choose the files for processing via a Finder Plug-in, and then
• perform the batch process via a Script Menu Plug-in.

Furthermore, you will be able to adjust the number of items in each batch and modify the Actions that are performed on each batch.

This Batch Processing example is made up of four Workflows:

• Add Files to Batch Process Workflow: Takes the user selected Finder items and saves them to a list called the Batch Process List. This list is used to identify the files to batch process.
• Batch Process Loop Workflow: Takes a batch (or small group) of files from the Batch Process List and passes them to another Workflow for processing. Once processed, the batch of files is then removed from the Batch Process List. The process is repeated until all the items in the Batch Process List have been removed.
• Perform Actions on Batch Items Workflow: Receives the batch items from the Batch Process Loop Workflow and passes these items to the first Action in this Workflow for processing. Specifically in this example, the batch files are copied to a new folder on the Desktop; a number is then appended to the name of the new folder. You can modify this Workflow to perform whatever Action you would like.
• Do Batch Process Workflow: Triggers the batch process to begin by running the Batch Process Loop Workflow.

Unregistered Actions will only be able to save a maximum of eight Finder items in the Batch Process List. Subsequently, the number of items per batch must remain below eight in order to demonstrate the batch processing technique in full.  Registered Actions have no restrictions enabling unlimited batch processing capabilities. Use the AWA Manager Action to register.