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Scheduler

Scheduler​

The Scheduler is used to execute recurring or one-time tasks in optiCLOUD on a scheduled basis. This allows processes to run automatically in the background without having to be started manually each time.

Typical use cases include:

  • Automatic generation of reports
  • Regular export of telemetry data
  • Time-controlled triggering of prepared Rulechains

A simple example is a daily CSV export: Instead of manually navigating to individual devices every day to start an export, the task can be scheduled once and then executed automatically.

Scheduler Overview​

Overview of the Scheduler section

In the default view, all scheduled tasks are displayed in a table.

The table shows, among other things:

ColumnMeaning
TypeType of scheduled task
NameName of the task
Project NameProject in which the task was created
Next Execution TimeNext scheduled execution time
EndsTime at which the task ends
Remaining ExecutionsNumber of remaining executions

In the top-left corner, you can switch between two views:

  • Table view for management and editing
  • Calendar view for scheduling planned executions

New tasks are created using Create.

Create a new task​

The scheduler guides you through a multi-step wizard.

First, you enter a name. Then you specify the type of task to be scheduled.

Select a new task type

The following options are available:

  • Execute RuleChain
  • Generate Report

Task Types​

Execute RuleChain​

With Execute RuleChain, a RuleChain prepared for this purpose can be triggered at fixed times. This RuleChain must be designed for a time-controlled call and must not be based exclusively on incoming telemetry data.

The exact business logic is defined in the respective RuleChain. The scheduler only handles the time-controlled start.

An example of such a rule can be found under RuleChains.

Generate Report​

With Generate Report, reports can be generated automatically. In the example shown, the Telemetry CSV report template is used.

Select report type Telemetry CSV

This example is well-suited for explaining the general functions of the scheduler.

Example: Schedule a Telemetry CSV Report​

Specify the time period​

For a Telemetry CSV report, you first define which time window should be exported.

Set the time window for the report

For example, if 1 hour is selected as the time window and the task is executed daily at 12:00 PM, then each generated report will contain data from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on the respective day.

Additionally, an Advanced button is available to configure the time period more precisely.

Select Devices​

In the next step, you specify which devices the task applies to.

Select devices for export

As in other areas of optiCLOUD, the selection can be made using various grouping types, for example:

  • Single device
  • Device list
  • Device name
  • Device type
  • Current project

Select Telemetry Channels​

Next, select the telemetry channels to be exported.

Select signals for export

You can select individual telemetry channels or all available telemetry channels.

Configure schedule​

In the Scheduling step, you specify when and how often the task is to be executed.

One-time execution​

For one-time tasks, only a Start time is set, and Do not repeat is selected as the repetition type.

Configure one-time execution

Repeated Execution​

If a task is to run regularly, a simple repetition pattern can be defined via Repeat.

Configure simple repetition

This determines:

  • When the task starts
  • At what interval it repeats, e.g., every hour or every day
  • Whether it never ends, ends after a certain number of runs, or ends on a specific date

Advanced Cron Definition​

For more complex schedules, an Advanced (Cron) definition can be used instead of the simple repeat pattern.

Advanced scheduling via Cron expression

This also allows you to define more specific execution times that go beyond the standard options.

info

There are many "Cron formatters" available online for creating Cron jobs, such as this one, which can help you create the exact function.

Summary and Saving​

Before saving, the wizard displays all settings in a summary.

Summary of the scheduled task

Clicking Confirm creates the scheduled event, which will then run automatically at the defined times.

Result in the table view​

After saving, the task appears in the task scheduling table.

Scheduled task in the scheduler table

There, the next execution time, the scheduled end time, and the remaining repetitions are immediately visible. Existing tasks can be edited or deleted via the Actions column.

Calendar view​

In addition, you can check the scheduled executions in the calendar view.

Scheduled executions in the calendar view

This view is particularly helpful when many tasks are scheduled at the same time and you need to quickly check the time windows in which executions will take place.

Results for Reports​

When a report task is executed, the result appears in the Reports section.

Automatically generated report in the Reports section

The generated report displays the following information, among other things:

In the case of a telemetry CSV export, the file can then be downloaded from there.

Summary​

Task scheduling is the central function for time-controlled automation in optiCLOUD.

It enables:

  • one-time tasks at a fixed time
  • recurring tasks with a simple interval
  • complex schedules via Cron expressions
  • automatic execution of reports and prepared rule chains

This allows manual routine tasks to be reliably shifted to the background.