How to Run ASAP Utilities with Power Automate Cloud Flows
Question details
The user needs to execute functions from the ASAP Utilities Excel add-in using Power Automate Cloud Flows.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Automating specific Excel tasks utilizing ASAP Utilities functions triggered from a cloud-based automated workflow.
- Observed behavior
- ASAP Utilities cannot run directly in Excel for the Web or through standard cloud flows because it is a Windows desktop COM/VBA add-in.
Ensure you have access to a licensed Windows machine with desktop Excel, ASAP Utilities, and Power Automate for desktop installed and configured.
Trigger Power Automate for Desktop from a Cloud Flow
Bridge the gap between your cloud flow and the desktop add-in by remotely triggering a local desktop flow.
Because ASAP Utilities is a COM/VBA-based desktop add-in, it cannot be executed natively in Excel for the Web. To automate these functions via the cloud, you must use Power Automate for desktop to control a local Excel application environment where the add-in is installed.
Prepare a Windows machine with Microsoft Excel, the ASAP Utilities add-in, and Power Automate for desktop properly installed.
Open Power Automate for desktop and create a new flow that opens the target Excel file and executes the required ASAP Utilities macro or keyboard shortcut using UI automation.
In your Power Automate Cloud Flow, add the 'Run a flow built with Power Automate for desktop' action.
Set up the action to connect to your local Windows machine using an On-premises data gateway or a direct machine connection.
Replace Add-in Functions with Native Cloud Features
Rebuild the specific ASAP Utilities functions using cloud-compatible Excel features to avoid desktop dependencies.
Looking for a Lightweight Excel Alternative?
Complex cloud automation with legacy COM add-ins like ASAP Utilities can be restrictive and costly. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, featuring robust spreadsheet capabilities, built-in advanced data processing tools, and seamless compatibility with Microsoft Excel formats.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer and open WPS Spreadsheet on your computer.
- 3. Import Excel Files: Open your existing .xlsx workbooks directly in WPS Spreadsheet with full formatting and formula retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run COM add-ins natively in Excel for the Web?
No, Excel for the Web does not support COM or VBA-based desktop add-ins like ASAP Utilities. You must use the desktop version of Excel to run these tools.
Do I need a premium license to trigger a desktop flow from a cloud flow?
Yes, using the 'Run a flow built with Power Automate for desktop' action inside a Cloud Flow requires a premium Power Automate license.
Can Office Scripts fully replace ASAP Utilities?
In many cases, yes. Office Scripts can automate repetitive tasks, data formatting, and calculations directly in Excel for the Web, acting as a modern, cloud-friendly replacement for many legacy VBA macros and COM add-in functions.
