Browser Automation: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why It Matters

We usually see automation as a really quick way to  handle repetitive tasks in businesses. You’ve also probably heard about how it can save time and reduce errors to help free up your team to focus on more strategic work. But when it comes to browser automation, the possibilities are vast, but not endless because not all tasks are created equal. 

Let's look at what kind of tasks are absolutely perfect for browser automation and which ones you’re better off doing manually.

Let’s go!!!.

What Can You Actually Automate?

1. Data Entry and Retrieval

One of the simplest, most impactful things to automate is data entry and retrieval because if you’re spending hours every month logging into various portals to download invoices or extract transaction data, you would really love how browser automation can help you set up workflows to do this automatically.

For instance, At Skyvern, our AI can easily log into different websites, head over to the relevant pages, and download reports or invoices - and you don't even have to do anything. This is just perfect for routine tasks that don’t really require any complex thinking or decision-making.

2. E-commerce Operations

If you have a business that involves managing inventory or placing orders from multiple vendors, simplifying these processes using automation really is the best thing for you. Let’s say you’re running a marketplace and some of your vendors don’t have APIs for direct integration. Browser automation can help you place orders, track shipments, or even monitor product prices across different platforms.

3. Report Generation

Pulling reports from various dashboards is another task always ready for automation. Instead of manually downloading and compiling data from multiple sources, you can simply automate the entire process. This way, you save time and also ensure consistency and reduce the chances of human error.

4. Multi-Step Workflows

Tasks like applying for insurance quotes or filling out government forms usually involve multiple steps across different pages. You can handle these workflows seamlessly using automation, navigating from page to page, entering data, and even uploading documents.

What’s A Bit More Tricky?

Browser automation can handle a lot, like a whole lot, however; some tasks are kind of tricky. Let's look at examples of such tasks

1. Dynamic Websites

Dynamic websites change all the time. Maybe the layout shifts frequently, or new elements pop up depending on user behavior. Traditional automation scripts that rely on fixed elements like XPaths can easily break when a website changes. Skyvern however, uses AI to understand the visual layout of a page. It identifies elements on the screen much like a human would, which makes it more resilient to changes in website design. So, even if the layout shifts, Skyvern can still find its way.

2. Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security, requiring inputs like one-time passwords (OTPs) or biometric verification. This is really great for security… but can complicate automation.

While it’s difficult to fully automate processes involving MFA, you can still streamline some parts of the workflow. For instance, you could automate up to the point where MFA kicks in, then handle the final step manually.

3. Complex Decision-Making

Some workflows require more than just following steps; they need judgment calls. For example, choosing between multiple options based on some nuanced criteria or interpreting ambiguous data. Skyvern uses LLMs to handle decision-making in certain scenarios. It can process complex instructions and adapt to different situations, which makes it ideal for workflows that might change based on user input or context.

4. High-Security Portals

Some websites have strict anti-bot measures to prevent automated access. They might block IP addresses or use advanced CAPTCHAs that are hard to bypass.

In these cases, it’s best to tread carefully. While a tool like Skyvern can navigate some of these barriers by mimicking human behavior, not all security measures can (or should) be bypassed.

What Should You Avoid Automating?

Not everything is a good candidate for automation. Here are a few types of tasks that are better left to humans.

1. Sensitive Financial or Personal Transactions

Automating tasks involving sensitive data, like financial transactions or legal filings, can be risky. Mistakes in these areas could have serious consequences, both legally and financially. Manual oversight is usually necessary to ensure everything is accurate and compliant.

2. Tasks Requiring Human Judgment

Automation is great for repetitive tasks, but it’s not a substitute for human creativity or judgment. For example, drafting personalized emails or designing a marketing campaign involves nuances that automation tools simply can’t replicate.

3. Unstable Websites

If a website is frequently changing or still under development, trying to automate interactions can becomes a nightmare. Scripts might break every time something changes, leading to constant maintenance.

4. Real-Time, High-Stakes Systems

Automation is not a good fit for systems where split-second decisions are important, such as real-time trading or health monitoring. The margin for error is too small, and the risks are too high.

Best Practices for Browser Automation

Before you dive into automating your workflows, here are a few tips to ensure success:

Start Small: Begin with simple, low-risk tasks. This helps you get comfortable with the tools and identify potential issues early.

Choose the Right Tool: Not all automation tools are created equal. Look for one that fits your specific needs. Skyvern, for instance, is great at handling dynamic and complex workflows.

Regularly Review and Update: Websites change, and so should your automation scripts. Schedule regular reviews to keep everything running smoothly.

Prioritize Security: Ensure that your automation processes comply with security best practices, especially when handling sensitive data.

Test Thoroughly: Run your automation scripts in a test environment before deploying them in production. This helps catch errors and ensures reliability.

Final Thoughts

Browser automation can really help companies save time and reduce errors. But it’s important to know its limits and approach it strategically. By automating the right tasks, you can optimize your workflows without compromising quality or security.

If you’re curious about how automation can work for your business, Skyvern makes it easy to get started with browser automation, and since we're open-source, it means you can customize it to your needs. 

Let’s make automation work for you.