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Command Scripting

A script is another available action in custom command building. A script action gives the user much finer control over automation, compared to the basic command actions. One can develop scripts in one of two programming languages: VBScript or JavaScript.

VBScript

VBScript is a Windows-specific language developed by Microsoft that is subset of VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). VBScript provides powerful tools for managing computers with error handling, subroutines, and other advanced programming constructs. 3M M*Modal has extended VBScript to also provide access to common Fluency Direct functionality that could work to replace an entire command or an individual command step.

JavaScript

JavaScript is a cross platform language originally developed by Netscape as a language that could be run in a web browser. Like VBScipt, 3M M*Modal has extended JavaScript to also provide access to common Fluency Direct functionality that could work to replace an entire command or an individual command step.

When Scripting is Useful

Custom command actions should meet most needs, however, scripting with Fluency Direct gives more finite control to accomplish the following:

  • Replicating any given command action (ex: text insertion)

  • Creating a single command to perform similar actions for scalability of commands (ex: order entry)

  • Creating a single command to perform similar actions for scalability of commands (ex: order entry)

  • Allowing for deeper interaction with the computer (ex: launch another application)

  • Allowing for discovery of EHR content (ex: navigation through UI)

Script Building

Because VBScript and JavaScript are common programming languages, anyone with knowledge of these languages can write script commands.  Please note that 3M M*Modal does not offer training on programming.  There are courses available from universities and online such as VBScripting Fundamentals and JavaScript from the Beginning.  These courses are not affiliated with or backed by 3M M*Modal and are at the expense of the individual.

Scripting Services

3M M*Modal can build custom scripted commands for an organization.  Ask your Adoption Specialist for more details.  NOTE: 3M M*Modal does not offer services for editing or correcting scripts written by individuals outside of 3M M*Modal.