Running external processes introduction

One of the simplest ways to integrate two applications is to execute one application from within another.  enables you to include execution of external applications as part of workflow to enhance or supplement the features of .

The reverse case, where another application executes a  client, is also valid.

Beyond simply starting the external application,  provides process-control functionality for these types of integration:

• Data passing and retrieving—When  executes external applications (manually or automatically), information from any form in the  database can be extracted and passed as run-time arguments. You can also retrieve data by using a Run Process command and placing it in a field.
• Client and server execution—External applications can be executed locally on the  client, or remotely on the .
• Synchronously and Asynchronously—Run Process on a filter and escalation is asynchronous. All other Run Process commands (including $PROCESS$ in a Set Fields action) run synchronously.

Executing an external process is done by using the Run Process workflow action (which is available for filters, active links, and escalations) or a Set Fields action with the $PROCESS$ keyword. For additional information, see Defining-Run-Process-actions-to-run-processes-programs-or-commands.