Start Desktop flow with input user and store in variable

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Posted on 9 Jul 2024 07:28:01 by Anonymous34

Hi,

I was wondering if you can start a desktop flow through a sharepoint page with an input from a user (a number they enter) and this number comes along in the desktop flow.

So just an example;

On a sharepoint page of our environment called " automation" there is a page or button/field where you can enter a number in a field. When this number is entered and sent, the desktop flow is started and this number is included in the desktop flow as a variable called %varProjectNumber%.

Or do you have a workaround for the whole process?

I would love to hear about it!

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Deenuji_Loganathan_ 6,206 Super User 2025 Season 2 on 09 Jul 2024 at 12:59:18

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Re: Start Desktop flow with input user and store in variable

@Anonymous34

@Anonymous34 wrote:
On a sharepoint page of our environment called " automation" there is a page or button/field where you can enter a number in a field. When this number is entered and sent, the desktop flow is started and this number is included in the desktop flow as a variable called %varProjectNumber%.

Sure, understand. Based on what you said, when a number is entered into a field, it should be saved in a SharePoint list, right? If that's the case, you can utilize the SharePoint "When an item is created" trigger for this purpose.

Thanks,
Deenuji Loganathan 👩‍💻
Automation Evangelist 🤖
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Anonymous34 94 on 09 Jul 2024 at 12:08:21

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Re: Start Desktop flow with input user and store in variable

@Deenuji

Yes, this is an environment that is not yet live hence it says "Republish"

Thank you!

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Deenuji_Loganathan_ 6,206 Super User 2025 Season 2 on 09 Jul 2024 at 11:41:24

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Re: Start Desktop flow with input user and store in variable

@Anonymous34

After done some changes there, typically you republish it? If yes we can set trigger point for republish or publish I guess.

Thanks,
Deenuji Loganathan 👩‍💻
Automation Evangelist 🤖
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Anonymous34 94 on 09 Jul 2024 at 11:00:06

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Re: Start Desktop flow with input user and store in variable

Hi @Deenuji,

Thanks for your response. I appreciate it.

I have added a picture below. This is a separate Automation page in our area. And I actually want here through an input field to enter a project number and when it is entered that it starts the desktop flow and is also included as a variable.

If that doesn't work, I have to make workaround.

Hope you understand. Thank you!

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Deenuji_Loganathan_ 6,206 Super User 2025 Season 2 on 09 Jul 2024 at 09:16:30

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Re: Start Desktop flow with input user and store in variable

@Anonymous34

Could you please share some screenshot of your page (hide all sensitive info) I will check and guide you accordingly.

Thanks,
Deenuji Loganathan 👩‍💻
Automation Evangelist 🤖
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Anonymous34 94 on 09 Jul 2024 at 08:42:26

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Re: Start Desktop flow with input user and store in variable

Hi @Deenuji,

Hey,

Thanks for your response.

I don't know if it is possible that I enter a project number for example via a field and in the background somewhere this project number is stored in a sharepoint list. And so based on this list let the flow start?

Or is it also possible to directly with a field on a page (our environment is namely a sharepoint environment) directly forward this to power automate desktop flow and let it start?

Thanks for your thoughts

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VishnuReddy1997 2,586 Super User 2025 Season 2 on 09 Jul 2024 at 08:41:54

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Re: Start Desktop flow with input user and store in variable

Hi @Anonymous34 ,

Please find the steps for the process.

1.SharePoint:
Create a new list.
Add a column where users can enter the number. Let’s call this column ‘ProjectNumber’.

2.Power Automate (Cloud Flows):
Go to Power Automate and create a new cloud flow.
Set the trigger to ‘When an item is created’ and point it to your SharePoint list.
Add a ‘Run a Power Automate Desktop flow’ action.
Select your desktop flow and pass the ‘ProjectNumber’ field from the SharePoint list item as an input to your desktop flow.

3.Power Automate Desktop:
Open your desktop flow in Power Automate Desktop.
Go to the ‘Variables’ panel and add a new input variable. Let’s call this variable ‘varProjectNumber’.
Use this variable in your flow wherever you need the number entered by the user.

(Note:- if you got your solution you can mark as solution and gives kudos)

Thanks & Regards
Vishnu Reddy

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Deenuji_Loganathan_ 6,206 Super User 2025 Season 2 on 09 Jul 2024 at 08:29:46

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Re: Start Desktop flow with input user and store in variable

@Anonymous34

If you are referring to a list item on your page, you may want to consider some trigger options as illustrated in the screenshot below.

Thanks,
Deenuji Loganathan 👩‍💻
Automation Evangelist 🤖
Follow me on LinkedIn 👥

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