Hello,
I think your question comes down to the interface provided by the component. Usually they come with a set of properties and methods which you can execute. Those setting properties and executing methods (which can take input variables) should be able to handle your desired functionality - whether the property or function you're looking for is already implemented is up to the developer of the component.
Does that make sense?
For example, if your component processes an excel spreadsheet, and you want to be able to pass a file name to it programmatically, it will have to have a property or method which allows you to do this.
I presume you are using LabVIEW. Keep in mind, LabVIEW reads the API as defined by the component - what properties and functions are available is not up to LabVIEW - those are decisions the component's developer made.
Best Regards,
JLS