All optional features are installed from the Installation Console.

Installation Console

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The following procedure assumes you have installed and configured the Server & Client feature from the Installation Console.


Installing the BPA Platform Client Only

Note: If the Installation Console detects the Server & Client module has been installed on the same computer, the Client Only feature is made not available as you can only install a single BPA Platform client per computer.

Client Only installations install the BPA Platform client and the ConfiguratorClosed You use the Configurator to install third-party software that may be required by available tools. Connection to required agents are also configured here. Note that you can only launch the Configurator if logged into the machine with Administrator rights. only. This is only needed where the client is used to create and monitor tasks on a remote BPA Platform server.

To install and configure the client, do the following:

Tip: Pending Windows updates can delay the installation. Consider rebooting your BPA Platform computer first to ensure any postponed Windows updates are completed before starting the installation process.

  1. Download the BPA Platform 2024 installation from our Partner Area.
  2. Unzip the file to your preferred location on the BPA Platform computer.
  3. Run self-setup.exe to launch the Installation Console.

    As part of the initial launch process, required installation files are extracted to C:\Windows\Installer. You must ensure this folder is not deleted as the Installation Console requires these files for any further installations, upgrades, or component un-installs.

    Click the image to view full size.

  4. (Optional) By default, all files are installed to C:\Program Files (x86)\Codeless Platforms\BPA Platform. To change the destination folder, click Modify and select the relevant folder.
  5. (Optional) By default, the Installation Console uses C:\iwtemp as a temporary folder during installation. To change the temporary folder, click Modify and select the relevant folder.
  6. Click Install for the Client Only feature.
  7. Enter your BPA Platform product key and click Next.

    Note that the key is case-sensitive.

    If you do not have a product key, contact your account manager or business partner.

  8. Click Yes to start the installation.

    Progress is displayed at the bottom of the console.

  1. When complete, you can choose whether to immediately configure the client or do this at a later stage. If you plan to create tasks using either the Run Crystal ReportClosed The Run Crystal Report tool automates the execution of SAP® Crystal Reports®. Recordsets and variables from other task steps can be consumed to dynamically populate the report at runtime. In addition, where the report requires access to a database, security credentials can be passed from in the Run Crystal Report step., Run Microsoft Reporting ServicesClosed The Run Microsoft Reporting Services tool automates the running of Microsoft Reporting Services (MSRS) reports., or the Run Microsoft Word (Merge)Closed The Run Microsoft Word (Merge) tool is used to create a task step that creates single or multiple documents in common Microsoft Word formats containing mail-merged data. tools you should launch the Configurator now to install the necessary components (click Launch). If these tools are not needed in this particular client instance, click Close.

    No further configuration is required.

For a detailed description of the client interface, see Navigating the BPA Platform Client.


Installing the Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent

The Microsoft SQL Server TriggerClosed The Microsoft SQL Server Trigger tool uses the Microsoft® SQL Server™ trigger functionality to create a trigger on a table of a specified SQL data source. When a specified data modification is attempted, such as an attempt to add or delete a table row, the trigger then causes a task to run. Agent is a service that sits between BPA Platform and SQL Server. It is installed onto any SQL Server instance and is responsible for both maintaining the triggers in SQL Server and for handling the running of a task once a trigger has been fired.

When a SQL Server trigger is fired, a connection is made to the Agent service which then launches the relevant task.

BPA Platform also supports the use of triggers on a SQL Server failover cluster, enabling the firing of triggered tasks from whichever server in the cluster is active at the time. An Agent must be installed on each node, starting with the active node. However, because all are monitoring the same SQL Server instance, the BPA Platform client sees only a single Agent registration.

You install the Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent on the same computer hosting the database you want to monitor.

Note: The installation cannot begin while the BPA Platform client is open if installed on the same computer. Ensure you close it before continuing.

Tip: Pending Windows updates can delay the installation. Consider rebooting your BPA Platform computer first to ensure any postponed Windows updates are completed before starting the installation process.

  1. Download the BPA Platform 2024 installation from our Partner Area.
  2. Unzip the file to your preferred location on the BPA Platform computer.
  3. Run self-setup.exe to launch the Installation Console.

    As part of the initial launch process, required installation files are extracted to C:\Windows\Installer. You must ensure this folder is not deleted as the Installation Console requires these files for any further installations, upgrades, or component un-installs.

    BPA Platform Installation Console

    Click the image to view full size.

  4. (Optional) By default, all files are installed to C:\Program Files (x86)\Codeless Platforms\BPA Platform. To change the destination folder, click Modify and select the relevant folder.

    If you are installing onto the same computer hosting the BPA Platform server, you cannot change the default folder paths so this can be skipped.

  5. (Optional) By default, the Installation Console uses C:\iwtemp as a temporary folder during installation. To change the temporary folder, click Modify and select the relevant folder.

    If you are installing onto the same computer hosting the BPA Platform server, you cannot change the default folder paths so this can be skipped.

  6. Click Install for the Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent feature.
  7. If you are installing onto the same computer hosting the BPA Platform server, this step is skipped.

    Enter your BPA Platform product key and click Next.

    Note that the key is case-sensitive.

    If you do not have a product key, contact your account manager or business partner.

  8. Click Yes to start the installation.

    Progress is displayed at the bottom of the console.

  1. When complete, you can choose whether to immediately configure the Agent or do this at a later stage. It is recommended you configure this now as you cannot create tasks using the Microsoft SQL Server Trigger tool until then.

    Click Launch to start the Configurator.

  2. If any of the Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent prerequisites are not met, the Configurator opens to Event Agents > Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent > Prerequisites so these can be resolved first.
    1. The Configurator checks for software which the Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent requires. If any are missing or not configured properly, a is displayed. Click Install or Modify as appropriate to resolve the problem.
    2. Click Next to move to the Event Agents > Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent > Configuration node.
  3. If all prerequisites are met, the Configurator opens to Event Agents > Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent > Configuration.

    Add the server and database details that this agent is monitoring. You can also have additional Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agents that monitor separate database instances on the same computer:

    1. Ensure Add a new SQL Server Agent Instance is enabled.
    2. If required, provide a new unique Agent Instance Name. Although the database name is appended to the Agent Instance Name, it is useful from a task builder's point of view to have unique names.
    3. By default, the Configurator assumes the local computer where the agent is installed hosts the database to monitor. If not, enter the hostname for the computer hosting the SQL Server databases.
    4. Select the SQL Server Instance for this agent instance to monitor.
    5. Click Save.
  4. The Configurator also checks for software which the Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent requires. If any are missing or not configured properly, a is displayed. Click Install or Modify as appropriate to resolve the problem.
  5. Click Next.
  6. You must register the Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent with the BPA Platform server.

    By default, the Configurator assumes the local computer is also the BPA Platform server. Click Save to complete the configuration.

    If this is a remote agent, do the following:

    1. Enable Change Settings.
    2. Enter the Server hostname where the relevant BPA Platform client is installed
    3. If required, provide a new unique Agent Name. Although the computer name is appended to the Agent Name, it is useful from a task builder's point of view to have unique names.
    4. Click Save.
  7. Enter the Administrator's password to confirm the Agent registration.

No further configuration is required for the Agent in the Configurator so you can close it down.

For a detailed description of how to create tasks using the Microsoft SQL Server Trigger tool, see How to Add a Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Task Step.


Installing the Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent

The Email Trigger (SMTP)Closed The Email Trigger (SMTP) tool triggers a task to run based on the contents of incoming or outgoing mail sent via an SMTP mail server. Agent works with the Email Trigger (SMTP) tool to process incoming SMTP messages. It can run on the same or separate computer to the server. It launches tasks when messages arrive that match filter rules previously configured within a Email Trigger (SMTP) step for a task.

It interfaces with Microsoft Virtual SMTP Server which is part of the Microsoft Internet Information Services. When a message is received by the Virtual SMTP Server, a copy of the message is passed to the Agent which in turn decides if there are any tasks to run.

You install the Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent on the same computer hosting the SMTP server you want to monitor.

Note: The installation cannot begin while the BPA Platform client is open if installed on the same computer. Ensure you close it before continuing.

Tip: Pending Windows updates can delay the installation. Consider rebooting your BPA Platform computer first to ensure any postponed Windows updates are completed before starting the installation process.

  1. Download the BPA Platform 2024 installation from our Partner Area.
  2. Unzip the file to your preferred location on the BPA Platform computer.
  3. Run self-setup.exe to launch the Installation Console.

    As part of the initial launch process, required installation files are extracted to C:\Windows\Installer. You must ensure this folder is not deleted as the Installation Console requires these files for any further installations, upgrades, or component un-installs.

    BPA Platform Installation Console

    Click the image to view full size.

  4. (Optional) By default, all files are installed to C:\Program Files (x86)\Codeless Platforms\BPA Platform. To change the destination folder, click Modify and select the relevant folder.

    If you are installing onto the same computer hosting the BPA Platform server, you cannot change the default folder paths so this can be skipped.

  5. (Optional) By default, the Installation Console uses C:\iwtemp as a temporary folder during installation. To change the temporary folder, click Modify and select the relevant folder.

    If you are installing onto the same computer hosting the BPA Platform server, you cannot change the default folder paths so this can be skipped.

  6. Click Install for the Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent feature.
  7. As part of the installation process, Internet Information Services (IIS) may require a restart if certain features are installed. If you don't want IIS to restart during this installation, click No to end the installation; else click Yes to continue.
  8. If you are installing onto the same computer hosting the BPA Platform server, this step is skipped.

    Enter your BPA Platform product key and click Next.

    Note that the key is case-sensitive.

    If you do not have a product key, contact your account manager or business partner.

  9. Click Yes to start the installation.

    Progress is displayed at the bottom of the console.

  1. When complete, you can choose whether to immediately configure the Agent or do this at a later stage. It is recommended you configure this now as you cannot create tasks using the Email Trigger (SMTP) tool until then.

    Click Launch to start the Configurator.

  2. If any of the Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent prerequisites are not met, the Configurator opens to Event Agents > Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent > Prerequisites so these can be resolved first.
    1. The Configurator checks for software which the Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent requires. If any are missing or not configured properly, a is displayed. Click Install or Modify as appropriate to resolve the problem.
    2. Click Next to move to the Event Agents > Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent > Registration Settings node.
  3. If all prerequisites are met, the Configurator opens to Event Agents > Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent > Registration Settings.
  4. You must register the Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent with the BPA Platform server.

    By default, the Configurator assumes the local computer is also the BPA Platform server. Click Save to complete the configuration.

    If this is a remote agent, do the following:

    1. Enable Change Settings.
    2. Enter the Server hostname where the relevant BPA Platform client is installed
    3. If required, provide a new unique Agent Name. Although the computer name is appended to the Agent Name, it is useful from a task builder's point of view to have unique names.
    4. Click Save.
  5. Enter the Administrator's password to confirm the Agent registration.

No further configuration is required for the Agent in the Configurator so you can close it down.

For a detailed description of how to create tasks using the Email Trigger (SMTP) tool, see How to Add an Email Trigger (SMTP) Task Step.


Creating Multi Server Instances

The Multi-Instance feature enables the creation of multiple instances of the BPA Platform server within a single product installation. This enables partners to host multiple customers on the one Windows Server each with their own BPA Platform database and set of runtime services.

All product features within each instance are isolated and distinct to each other, including users, instance-specific settings, and properties (such as Maintenance, Impersonation and Notifications), tool connections and tasks thus ensuring that each clients’ activity is secure and not accessible from another instance.

During BPA Platform2024 configuration, if your main product licence key permits it, you will be prompted with the option to create addition BPA Platform server instances.

Would you like to create an instance

Click Yes to create a new BPA Platform server instance.

NOTE: Following the completion of the BPA Platform Configuration process, further server instances can be added within Configurator.

Multi-Instance Creation

To create a new BPA server instance, do the following:

  1. In the Server Instance Configuration pane, select the Add a new Server instance option.

Click the image to view full size.

  1. In the Instance Name field, enter a unique name for the new BPA server instance. The Instance Name will be used to identify the new BPA server instance. Once created, it cannot be changed.
  2. (Optional) In the Description field, provide a brief description of the new BPA server instance.
  3. In the Product Key field, enter the BPA Platform product key for the new instance. This key must be unique - reuse of keys in more than one instance is not permitted. If you need to add multiple instances for one customer - for example sandbox and production instances, please contact your partner or Codeless Platforms account manager.
  4. Click Next. The SQL Login Details pane is displayed.

Click the image to view full size.

  1. Enter the hostname, server name, or IP address of the computer hosting the SQL Server. If located on the same computer as this server instance, enable Localhost instead.
  2. By default, the database hosting the store is named using the assigned Instance Name. Leave this as is or enter a new name for the store.
    If an Azure SQL Database is to be used for the instance, then this must have been created separately before it can be used here. This is to ensure that the user maintains control over the initial database creation and configuration.
  3. Enable the correct method of authentication as expected by the SQL Server instance and enter the credentials below, if required.
  4. Click Next. The Store Location pane is displayed.

Click the image to view full size.

  1. If required, you can change the location of the database file and database log file:
  • Select Override Default Database Location and enter the new path for the SQL Server store's .mdb file.
  • Select Override Default Log File Location and enter a new path for the SQL Server store's .ldb file.
  1. Click Save.
  2. You are prompted for new credentials for the BPA Platform Administrator. Enter a new Password and repeat the same password in Confirm to ensure they match.
    For security reasons, ensure that the Administrator account password is different for each instance created.
  3. Click OK. The new BPA server instance is created and displayed in the Configurator tree.
  1. If required, a selected Sever Instance can be deleted by clicking the Remove button.

This procedure so far covers the basic configuration to allow access to the BPA Platform client for the default and additional server instances.

At this point, you can click Close and launch the BPA Platform client for any instance. To do this select BPA Platform Client from the BPA Platform 2024 Program Group in the Windows Start menu.

For the default or main instance enter the server name or IP address into the Server field and then complete the relevant Authentication credentials.

For Client access into an individual instance, enter the server name or IP address into the Server field, followed by the relevant Instance Name. Then complete the Authentication details for that instance.

Click the image to view full size.

All standard tools are available for task creation except for the Event tools and those requiring extra setup in the Configurator (Run Crystal Report, Run Microsoft Reporting Services, Run Microsoft Word (Merge), and Send Text MessageClosed The Send Text Message tool is used to create and send data-driven, personalised text messages to customers, employees, prospects, suppliers, and so on. Sending can be automated to guarantee the timing of the text messages.). You can return to the Configurator at any time to complete the configuration for the other features.


Installing the Workflow Components

Workflow tasks require direct input from a user to affect the outcome, for example, a decision from a manager about whether to put an account on hold.

The workflow components consist of:

Workflow Job TriggerClosed The Workflow Job Trigger tool triggers a task to run when responses from Workflow Jobs match criteria specified in one or a number of filters. Agent

The Workflow Job Trigger Agent is a Windows service which resides on one or a number of Web Server computers. It connects to and monitors all configured Create Workflow JobClosed The Create Workflow Job tool is used to create a task step that dynamically creates Workflow Jobs. A Create Workflow Job step dynamically generates one or any number of web page(s) containing fields for completion by recipients and publishes them to a web site folder on a specified web server. Each of these web pages is called a "Workflow Job" and can be assigned for completion to any number of recipients. and Workflow Job Trigger steps on its associated BPA Platform server. These are retrieved and cached locally.

The Workflow Job Trigger Agent checks the IIS server and verifies that the currently configured folders can handle Workflow Jobs if requested.

myBPAPlatformClosed myBPAPlatform is a web portal providing users secure access to manage their assigned Workflow Jobs.

myBPAPlatform is an ASP.NET web application which can be optionally installed onto any available Web Server.

When Workflow Jobs are created, each one is assigned to a specific User, Users or User Groups for completion and stored on a Web Server. There are then two methods by which they can be made available to the specific user(s) for actioning.

The first method is through the delivery to the user(s) of a hyperlink to the Workflow Job web form URL and this is nominally contained within an email message. When the user clicks on the link the Workflow Job web form will open in a web browser. The only drawback of this method is that users cannot see all of the Workflow Jobs that have been assigned to them.

The second method is to utilise myBPAPlatform. This is a fully featured web application that provides users with a secure login method and through a comprehensive user interface allows users to manage all WorkFlow Jobs assigned to them.

Web Service (Optional)

The Web Service is a programming interface which allows third party applications to publish data gathered from the workflow website. It is not needed for the standard myBPAPlatform web portal and is only intended for embedding workflow into other applications.

You can choose to install a single component, a mix of them, or all.

Note: The installation cannot begin while the BPA Platform client is open if installed on the same computer. Ensure you close it before continuing.

Tip: Pending Windows updates can delay the installation. Consider rebooting your BPA Platform computer first to ensure any postponed Windows updates are completed before starting the installation process.

  1. Download the BPA Platform 2024 installation from our Partner Area.
  2. Unzip the file to your preferred location on the BPA Platform computer.
  3. Run self-setup.exe to launch the Installation Console.

    As part of the initial launch process, required installation files are extracted to C:\Windows\Installer. You must ensure this folder is not deleted as the Installation Console requires these files for any further installations, upgrades, or component un-installs.

    BPA Platform Installation Console

    Click the image to view full size.

  4. (Optional) By default, all files are installed to C:\Program Files (x86)\Codeless Platforms\BPA Platform. To change the destination folder, click Modify and select the relevant folder.

    If you are installing onto the same computer hosting the BPA Platform server, you cannot change the default folder paths so this can be skipped.

  5. (Optional) By default, the Installation Console uses C:\iwtemp as a temporary folder during installation. To change the temporary folder, click Modify and select the relevant folder.

    If you are installing onto the same computer hosting the BPA Platform server, you cannot change the default folder paths so this can be skipped.

  6. Click Install for the Workflow Components feature.
  7. As part of the installation process, Internet Information Services (IIS) may require a restart if certain features are installed. If you don't want IIS to restart during this installation, click No to end the installation; else click Yes to continue.
  8. If you are installing onto the same computer hosting the BPA Platform server, this step is skipped.

    Enter your BPA Platform product key and click Next.

    Note that the key is case-sensitive.

    If you do not have a product key, contact your account manager or business partner.

  9. Click Yes to start the installation.
  1. Choose the type of installation you want:
Standard — This installs all three components listed above
Custom — Allows you to choose a combination of the three components
  1. Click Yes to confirm.

    Progress is displayed at the bottom of the console.

  2. When complete, you can choose whether to immediately configure the workflow components now or do this at a later stage. It is recommended you configure this now as you cannot create tasks using the Workflow Job Trigger or Create Workflow Job tools until then.

    Click Launch.

  3. If any of the Workflow Job Trigger Agent prerequisites are not met, the Configurator opens to Event Agents > Workflow Job Trigger Agent > Prerequisites so these can be resolved first.
    1. The Configurator checks for software which the Workflow Job Trigger Agent requires. If any are missing or not configured properly, a is displayed. Click Install or Modify as appropriate to resolve the problem.
    2. Click Next to move to the Event Agents > Workflow Job Trigger Agent > Registration Settings node.
  4. You must register the Workflow Job Trigger Agent with the BPA Platform server.

    By default, the Configurator assumes the local computer is also the BPA Platform server. Click Save to complete the configuration.

    If this is a remote agent, do the following:

    1. Enable Change Settings.
    2. Enter the Server hostname where the relevant BPA Platform client is installed
    3. If required, provide a new unique Agent Name. Although the computer name is appended to the Agent Name, it is useful from a task builder's point of view to have unique names.
    4. Click Save.
  5. Enter the Administrator's password to confirm the agent registration.

    No further configuration is required for the agent in the Configurator.

Pointing to the Deployed Workflow Website

You must point the Configurator to where the workflow website is deployed to. This is either through myBPAPlatform or a custom web service.

No further configuration is required for the workflow components.

For a detailed description of how to use the workflow components in a task, see How to Add a Workflow Job Trigger Task Step and How to Add a Create Workflow Job Task Step.