How to Configure Schedule in iDempiere

Learn how the Schedule window in iDempiere lets you configure Frequency or Cron based timing to automate execution of background processes.

Introduction

The Schedule window in iDempiere defines reusable scheduling configurations that determine when a background process should run. Each Schedule specifies either a Frequency-based interval or a Cron Scheduling Pattern.

A Schedule does not run a process by itself. It is assigned to a Schedule Process, which uses the configuration to control execution timing for reports, maintenance jobs, and synchronization tasks.

Process Flow

Business Rules

• Tenant is mandatory; every Schedule belongs to a Tenant.
• Organization is mandatory and must be specified for each Schedule.
• A descriptive Name is required to identify the Schedule.
• Schedule Type determines whether Frequency or Cron Scheduling Pattern is used.
• Frequency Type and Frequency are both required for frequency-based scheduling.
• Cron Scheduling Pattern is validated on save; invalid patterns are rejected.
• An invalid Cron expression displays the error InvalidCronPattern.
• Only Active schedules are intended for use in scheduling processes.
• A single Schedule can be reused across multiple Schedule Process records.
• The Schedule itself does not execute a process; Schedule Process performs execution.
• Run only on IP accepts an IP address or hostname for scheduler evaluation.
• Ignore Processing Time is inherited by the associated Schedule Process.
• System Schedule is an optional configuration field on the Schedule record.

Prerequisites

• User must have System Administrator access or a role with rights to General Rules.
• A valid Tenant and Organization must already exist in the system.
• The Process intended for scheduling should be available for later assignment in Schedule Process.
• Basic familiarity with Cron expression syntax if Cron Scheduling Pattern will be used.

Configuration Steps

Step 1: Create a Schedule

This step is required to establish a new, reusable scheduling definition before it can be linked to any background process.

Open the Schedule window and create a new record. Enter the Tenant, Organization, and a descriptive Name, then select a Schedule Type of Frequency or Cron Scheduling Pattern.

Field	Sample Value	Description
Tenant	System	Identifies the tenant that owns the Schedule record
Organization	*	Organization associated with the Schedule
Name	30 Minute	Descriptive name identifying the Schedule
Schedule Type	Frequency	Determines whether Frequency or Cron Scheduling Pattern is used
Active	Checked	Controls whether the Schedule is available for use

Saving the record creates a new Schedule that can later be assigned to a Schedule Process.

Step 2: Configure a Frequency Schedule

This step is required when recurring execution should occur at a fixed, repeating interval such as every few minutes or hours.

Set Schedule Type to Frequency, then select a Frequency Type and enter a Frequency value representing the repeat interval.

Field	Sample Value	Description
Schedule Type	Frequency	Enables interval-based scheduling fields
Frequency Type	Minute	Unit of time used for the repeat interval
Frequency	30	Number of Frequency Type units between executions

With these values, the Schedule represents an execution interval of every two hours once assigned to a Schedule Process.

Step 3: Configure a Cron Schedule

This step is required for more complex or precise timing needs that a simple interval cannot express, such as running only on specific days or times.

Set Schedule Type to Cron Scheduling Pattern and enter a valid Cron expression. The pattern is validated when the record is saved.

Field	Sample Value	Description
Schedule Type	Cron Scheduling Pattern	Enables Cron-based scheduling
Cron Scheduling Pattern	Valid Cron expression	Defines the exact execution timing pattern

If an invalid value such as “abc” is entered, iDempiere displays the error InvalidCronPattern and prevents saving until a valid expression is provided. A valid pattern is saved and made available for assignment to a Schedule Process.

Step 4: Configure Optional Settings

These optional fields refine how and where the Schedule is applied once assigned to a Schedule Process.

Enter an IP address or hostname in Run only on IP if execution should be restricted to a specific scheduler node. Enable System Schedule or Ignore Processing Time as needed, and confirm the Active flag.

Field	Sample Value	Description
Run only on IP	192.168.0.53	IP address or hostname evaluated during scheduler registration
System Schedule	Unchecked	Optional flag identifying the record as a System Schedule
Ignore Processing Time	Unchecked	Optional setting inherited by the associated Schedule Process
Active	Checked	Determines whether the Schedule is available for use

Once saved, the Schedule is ready for selection in the Schedule Process window, where it controls the execution timing of the assigned process.

Common Issues and Resolutions

Issue	Cause	Resolution
InvalidCronPattern error	Invalid Cron Scheduling Pattern entered	Enter a valid Cron Scheduling Pattern before saving
Frequency fields unavailable	Schedule Type is set to Cron Scheduling Pattern	Change Schedule Type to Frequency
Cron Scheduling Pattern field unavailable	Schedule Type is set to Frequency	Change Schedule Type to Cron Scheduling Pattern
Schedule unavailable for selection	Schedule record is inactive	Activate the Schedule record
Run only on IP behavior differs from expectations	Runtime behavior depends on scheduler registration and environment	Verify scheduler configuration and environment settings
Schedule Process not executing as expected	Schedule not yet assigned to a Scheduler Process	Assign the Schedule within the Scheduler Process window

Next Steps

1. Open the Schedule Process window.
2. Create a new Schedule Process record.
3. Select the required Process to be automated.
4. Assign the previously created Schedule.
5. Configure process parameters if required.
6. Start the scheduler to enable automatic execution.