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Version: 5.2.0.1

Timer

Description​

Timer is a process start activity that starts a process by specify time.

Purpose of object​

This event triggers process instances time controlled. It is possible to either define recurring events (e.g. every 10 minutes), as well as events that occur at specific times (e.g. every Monday at 7 o'clock)

Initiate as a separate start element​

  1. Click on the + icon on the edge between node element.

  2. Scroll to the right and click on Start Element to see its content.

  3. Click on the Start Element type you want to create.

  4. Click on the icon of the Start Element on the process model. The configuration panel will show up on the right side.

Icon​

start timer icon

Configuration​

There are two types of timers, periodical timers and absolute timers. Both are configured using the same dialog. In most cases a periodical timer is used which regularly creates a signal to invoke the start event.

Typically, the adapter searches its source for available data periodically:

start timer configuration

  • Description for the timer, e.g. polling timer

  • Valid from/to Here the user can state a time span where the timer is valid. Outside of this time span, the timer is invalid and doesn't create events.

  • Trigger type The user may restrict the timer to work only at certain days:

    • Daily Here the user may restrict the timer to fire events on certain days of the week

    trigger type daily

    • Monthly Here the user may restrict the timer to fire events at a particular day of the month

    trigger type monthly

  • Absolute If an absolute timer is configured, the user must enter a fixed time at which the timer raises an event. E.g. one could declare the timer to run every day at 6:00 in the morning.

  • Periodically If a Periodical timer is used the user has to configure the following properties:

    • Start/End time A time span of the day when the timer shall be active

    • Repeat count Here the user may restrict the timer to fire only a certain amount of events after start. E.g. one could declare the timer to start at 6:00 AM a fire exactly 2 times. The standard value is infinite, that means there is no restriction.

    • Repeat interval the time interval after which an event is fired periodically.