The term Macro has evolved much over time. Today, it refers to a computer program that extends the functionality of other software, usually interacting with it like person would.

Macros can conveniently send, retrieve, and process data. They often work together with other applications, databases, or websites. Simple macros can emulate mouse clicks and enter text, and more complex ones can read text and identify objects on the screen. They can do many tasks a person can do on a computer making them a powerful task automation tool.

I produce VBA macros for Microsoft Office (Excel in particular), and AutoHotKey for most other applications.

Macros are often quickly developed, making them an incredibly cost effective method to boost to your business productivity.

Many macros I produce resemble one or more of the following types:

• Text Expansion -- Convert abbrevations or shorthand to longer streams of text. Example: Typing "pp" becomes "Practical Productivity".
• Lookup -- These retrieve data from a database, another app, online, or other source of information. Example: Pressing Ctrl + O looks up a customer's order.
• Function -- Performs a calculation. Example: Pressing Ctrl + k converts the current field from lbs to kilograms.
• Website -- Interacts with a website. Example: Automatically logging into a website and placing orders.
• Shortcut -- Combines mouse clicks and/or keyboard entry into a keyboard shortcut. Example: Pressing Win + F automatically performs the 7 mouse clicks required to complete an order.
• Add-on -- Adds a button, control, form, feature, or screen to an existing application. Example: A new menu item in Excel for printing specialized reports.

I have produced a wide variety of utilities, but most are related to the following:

• Database interaction
• Parsers & format conversion
• Printing
• Image processing & generation
• Remote processing and build tools
• Website updates and updates from websites
• Systems checks and troubleshooting
• Forecasting, graphing, and other business intelligence

I support both Windows and Linux operating systems.

Typically these utilities are developed using one or more of the following languages:

• Lua
• Python
• C/C++
• SQL
• REBOL/Red
• VBA
• PHP
• JavaScript
• AutoHotKey
• PowerShell

My data processing services can address your more unusual needs. These include:

• System migrations
• Database cleanup
• Merging documents & records
• Data parsing and extraction
• Document conversions
• Image conversion and resizing
• Categorization
• Data recovery

For the typical worker an extra 10 minutes a day amounts to an extra week of work a year.

IT departments are inclined to focus on operational needs, bottlenecks, redundancies, and other issues pushed forth by managers and workers. However, certain complex and repetitive tasks are often not viewed as problems, but as widely accepted parts of the job.

Workers may not to complain about complex tasks because they may prize their ability to do it, don't want to appear inadequate, or just believe simplification is not acheivable. Complex tasks, aside from being time consuming, drain mental energy, require more initial training, aren't as easily passed to other workers, and are often more prone to human error.

Repetitive tasks are often overlooked for much different reasons. Workers usually like doing them. Easy, thoughtless, and satisfying work that makes the day go by quickly.

These tasks can be identified and evaluated with a short automation consultation with the manager or worker. Given how commonly task automation can enhance productivity, I recommend automation consulting for everyone I work with.