VBScript Macros

If you haven't done so already, please read the Introduction to Macros and VBScript before beginning this chapter.

As mentioned earlier in the introduction, VBScript Macros are an important element of Active Call Center. This chapter is devoted to providing a detailed discussion of Active Call Center Macros.

Learning Objectives

Learning objectives for this chapter are separated by section. After completing this chapter, you should:

Items covered in "Learning VBScript":

• Understand basic elements of VBScript, including variables and conditional statements.
• Know how to display data with message boxes
• VB Programmers: Understand basic similarities and differences between Visual Basic and VBScript.

Items covered in "VBScript Resouces":

• Know the location of Microsoft's VBScript site.
• Know that an internet user group exists for VBScript, and how to find that group.
• Recognize that VBScript help is available from a number of different resources.

Items covered in "Variables Used in Macros":

• Realize that specific variables pass information between Active Call Center and the Macro.
• Understand the difference between a local variable and a global variable.
• Have summary knowledge of the types of variables that are available.
• Realize that variables used for communication with Active Call Center are processed after a Macro has executed, and not while it is executing.
• Understand how the "Response" variable delivers information about the user's input.
• Know how to use the "GotoNode" variable to control call flow.
• Know how to use the "Speak" variables to deliver pre-recorded content, text-to-speech generated content, or both.
• Understand "SpeakInteractiveWave" variables and how they are used for interactive wave file playback.
• Know how record audio with the "Record" variables and how to save the recorded audio to wave files.
• Understand how to access Caller ID information from a Macro with CallerID variables.
• Know how to classify calls with the Folder variable.
• Know how to use the CalledNumber and PassedValue variables during outbound calls.
• Know that SendModemCommands and TransferCallTo variables can be used to route and transfer calls and recognize which to use in a given situation.
• Understand that each Node has a corresponding global variable.
• Know how to create extra global variables by creating extra Nodes.

Items covered in "Integrating COM Applications":

• Recognize that CreateObject and GetObject functions are used to interface to COM compliant applications.
• Recognize the difference between CreateObject and GetObject functions.
• Know several techniques for speeding up integration of COM software.

Items covered in "Integrating Other Applications":

• Be able to identify several techniques for integrating applications that do not have a COM interface.

Items covered in "Testing and Debugging VBScript Macros":

• Know how to run a macro from the Edit Node window.
• Understand how to use message boxes in the debugging process.

Items covered in "VBScript Built-In Functions":

• Know where to put frequently used VBScript functions and procedures.

Items covered in "Automating Windows Tasks":

• Recognize basic functionality provided through the Windows Script Host object WScript.Shell.
• Know how to send keystrokes to specific windows from a Macro.
• Know how to launch an application from a Macro.

Items covered in "Call Ending VBScript Macro":

• Know where to write a macro that is guaranteed to execute at the end of every call that is processed by a Call Tree.
• Understand that Active Call Center variables like "Speak" and "Record" variables have no impact in the call ending Macro.