Best Practices

Guidelines and recommendations for successful SAP implementation and deployment

Learn Phase Best Practices

Comprehensive Exploration

Systematically explore all major platform areas. Don't skip sections that seem less relevant—they often contain important interaction patterns.

Document Edge Cases

Pay attention to error states, loading conditions, and premium features. These edge cases are crucial for robust skill definitions.

Use Descriptive Labels

Prefer text-based selectors over IDs or classes. Look for aria-labels, button text, and other stable identifiers.

Avoid Assumptions

Don't assume how features work based on other platforms. Each platform has unique patterns and behaviors.

Time Management

Stick to the 10-15 minute exploration window. Longer sessions lead to diminishing returns and analysis paralysis.

Never Execute Actions

The Learn phase is observation-only. Executing actions can trigger rate limits, policy violations, or unintended consequences.

Translate Phase Best Practices

Atomic Skill Design

Create skills that do one thing well. Avoid complex, multi-purpose skills that are hard to debug and maintain.

Comprehensive Error Handling

Include retry logic, fallback strategies, and clear error messages. Plan for UI changes and network issues.

Variable Parameterization

Use variables for content, timing, and thresholds. This makes skills adaptable to different contexts and requirements.

Validate YAML Structure

Ensure proper YAML formatting and required fields. Invalid YAML will prevent skill execution.

Logical Workflow Sequences

Design workflows that follow natural user patterns. Consider dependencies between skills and optimal execution order.

Avoid Hardcoded Values

Don't embed specific content, usernames, or timestamps. Use variables and dynamic generation instead.

Skill Quality Checklist

Required Elements
  • ✓ YAML metadata block
  • ✓ Clear skill description
  • ✓ Numbered execution steps
  • ✓ UI element mappings
  • ✓ Error handling logic
Quality Indicators
  • ✓ Steps are actionable and specific
  • ✓ Variables are properly defined
  • ✓ Conditionals handle edge cases
  • ✓ Test mode is implemented
  • ✓ Success criteria are clear
Execute Phase Best Practices

Start with Test Mode

Always begin execution in test mode to validate skills without performing actual actions. Switch to live mode only after verification.

Maintain Detailed Logs

Log all actions, decisions, and errors with timestamps. This data is crucial for debugging and optimization.

Implement Circuit Breakers

Set limits on retry attempts, execution time, and error rates. Stop execution when thresholds are exceeded.

Monitor Platform Changes

Regularly check for UI updates that might break skills. Implement change detection and alerting mechanisms.

Respect Rate Limits

Implement appropriate delays between actions. Aggressive automation can trigger platform defenses or policy violations.

Never Ignore Errors

Every error should be logged, analyzed, and addressed. Silent failures can lead to unexpected behavior and data loss.

Security & Compliance

Platform Compliance

  • • Review and comply with platform Terms of Service
  • • Implement respectful automation practices
  • • Avoid actions that could be considered spam or abuse
  • • Include proper attribution and transparency
  • • Respect robots.txt and API rate limits

Data Protection

  • • Minimize data collection and storage
  • • Implement secure credential handling
  • • Use encrypted storage for sensitive data
  • • Provide clear consent mechanisms
  • • Enable user control and data deletion

Critical Security Considerations

  • • Never store credentials in SAP files or logs
  • • Implement proper authentication and authorization
  • • Validate all inputs to prevent injection attacks
  • • Use HTTPS for all communications
  • • Regularly audit and update security measures
Performance Optimization

Execution Efficiency

  • • Optimize selector strategies
  • • Minimize wait times
  • • Batch similar operations
  • • Cache frequently used data

Resource Management

  • • Monitor memory usage
  • • Clean up browser sessions
  • • Limit concurrent operations
  • • Implement proper timeouts

Scalability

  • • Design for horizontal scaling
  • • Implement load balancing
  • • Use distributed state management
  • • Plan for high availability
Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Over-Engineering Skills

Creating overly complex skills that try to handle every possible scenario. Keep skills focused and simple.

Ignoring Platform Updates

Failing to monitor and adapt to platform changes. Set up alerts for UI modifications and skill failures.

Insufficient Testing

Deploying skills without thorough testing in various conditions. Always test edge cases and error scenarios.

Poor Error Handling

Not planning for failures or implementing inadequate recovery mechanisms. Robust error handling is essential.

Measuring Success

Track these key performance indicators to ensure your SAP implementation is successful and continuously improving.

Operational Metrics

Task Completion Rate
Target: 85%+
Error Recovery Rate
Target: 90%+
Platform Compliance Score
Target: 100%

Quality Metrics

Skill Reliability
Target: 95%+
Documentation Coverage
Target: 90%+
User Satisfaction
Target: 4.5/5