> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.flowx.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Scheduled processes

> Automate process instance creation on specific dates, times, or intervals using Start Timer Event nodes and predefined schedules.

## Overview

The **Scheduled Processes** feature automatically triggers process instances using Timer Start Events. In the **Runtime** tab, you can view scheduled processes and activate/deactivate timers without a redeployment. This feature is especially useful in upper environments, where you might need to pause or resume cron jobs without modifying the project build.

<Card title="Timer Start Event" href="../../building-blocks/node/timer-events/timer-start-event" icon="file">
  Check this section for more details about Timer Start Events and how to configure them.
</Card>

<Frame>
  ![](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/docx.flowx.ai/4.6/scheduled_processes.png)
</Frame>

## Key components

### 1. List of scheduled processes

The **Scheduled Processes** tab displays all timers that trigger process instances. Each row in the list shows:

* **Process Name:** The process linked to the timer.
* **Swimlane Name:** In multi-swimlane processes, each swimlane may have its own timer.
* **Timer Name:** The name of the timer node.
* **Timer Type:**
  * **Date-based:** Triggers at a specific date and time.
  * **Cycle-based:** Repeats at defined intervals (for example, every 10 seconds).
* **Location:** The execution environment (e.g., **Local**).

From this interface, you can view timer details or activate/deactivate timers as needed.

### 2. Timer Events schedule

To view a timer’s configuration, click the **View** icon next to the scheduled timer in the list.

<Frame>
  ![](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/docx.flowx.ai/4.6/timer_events_schedule.png)
</Frame>

### 3. Activating and deactivating timers

Manage timer activation directly from the UI:

<Frame>
  ![](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/docx.flowx.ai/4.6/activate_scheduled_processes.gif)
</Frame>

* **Activate:** Click the activate button in the Scheduled Processes tab.
* **Deactivate:** Click the same button to suspend the timer.

<Warning>
  You cannot edit timer configurations in the **Runtime** tab. To modify settings, update the process definition and redeploy.
</Warning>

***

## Use cases

<Steps>
  <Step title="Employee Onboarding reminder">
    A Timer Start Event can be scheduled to **automatically trigger** an onboarding process at a predefined time.

    **Example**: Process starts on **January 28, 2025, at 12:14 PM**, sending onboarding notifications.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Recurring Data processing jobs">
    A Cycle timer can execute a job **every 10 seconds for 60 repetitions**, ensuring periodic execution.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Scheduled Report generation">
    A cycle timer with a cron expression can generate a report at **1 AM every day**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Additional notes

* **Runtime Timer Control:**\
  Manage timers in the **Runtime** tab without changing the application build. Previously, timer activation was controlled by a checkbox in the **Start Timer node**, which is now read-only after deployment.

* **Timers in Multi-Swimlane Processes:**\
  Each swimlane can have its own timer. The **Scheduled Processes** tab displays each timer separately for clear management.

* **Exporting and Importing Builds:**\
  Timer activation settings are not editable during build export/import. All timer management occurs in the **Runtime** tab.