3.10. Asset Backup Scheduler — Configuring the Scheduler

Configuring the Scheduler

The Scheduler tab provides a calendar-based schedule management view where you define the backup jobs that run automatically. Scheduled backup tasks are persisted to a JSON file (AssetBackupSchedules.json) in the application data folder and are automatically reloaded each time Asset Backup Scheduler starts.

How Scheduling Works

Asset Backup Scheduler continuously monitors the schedule in the background. At each scheduled appointment's Start Time, the application automatically initiates a backup run — executing all enabled backup job types in sequence. The End Time of each appointment defines the maximum allowable duration for the entire backup run. If the backup run is still in progress when the End Time is reached, processing is gracefully canceled.

Up to six (6) backup job entries can be active in the schedule at one time. The schedule supports recurring appointments across selected days of the week.

Creating a Scheduled Backup Job

1. Navigate to the Scheduler tab in the main window.

2. Click an open time slot in the schedule calendar view, or use the Add Appointment control to open the appointment editor.

3. In the appointment editor, configure the following:

Subject / Job Name — A descriptive name for the scheduled backup (e.g., Nightly PCN Backup)
Start — The date and time at which the backup run should begin
End — The date and time by which the backup run must complete (defines the maximum allowed duration window)
Recurrence — Set a weekly recurrence pattern and select the days of the week on which the backup should execute

4. Save the appointment. The new schedule entry will appear in the calendar view and will be persisted automatically.

Note: The scheduler uses the host workstation's local system clock to determine when to initiate backup runs. Ensure the system clock is accurate and synchronized with your site's time server.

Editing a Scheduled Backup Job

1. Click on an existing appointment in the calendar view to select it.

2. Double-click or use the edit control to open the appointment editor.

3. Modify the desired fields (Start, End, Recurrence, Job Name).

4. Save the changes. The updated schedule is automatically persisted.

Deleting a Scheduled Backup Job

1. Click on the appointment in the calendar view to select it.

2. Press the Delete key or use the delete option in the context menu.

3. Confirm deletion when prompted. The schedule file is updated immediately.

Schedule Appointment Properties

Property	Description
Job Name (Subject)	A user-defined label for the scheduled backup run. Displayed in the calendar view and in the Job History log.
Start Time	The exact date and time at which the backup run will be automatically initiated. For recurring schedules, this defines the daily trigger time.
End Time (Duration Window)	The latest time by which the backup must complete. If the run is still executing at this time, it will be canceled. The default end duration offset is 12 hours from the start time, providing a generous completion window for large environments.
Recurrence / Days	Defines which days of the week the schedule repeats. A typical configuration might be Monday through Friday for daily business-hours backups, or every day for continuous overnight collection.
Last Execution Date	Tracked internally. Prevents the same scheduled appointment from being triggered more than once per calendar day.

Manual Backup Runs

You can initiate an immediate backup run at any time — independent of the schedule — by clicking the Start Backup Task button on the main view. This is useful for:

Testing the backup pipeline after initial configuration
Running an ad-hoc backup before a planned maintenance window
Re-running a backup after resolving a connection issue

Tip: Before relying on the automated schedule in a production environment, run at least one manual backup first to confirm all job types complete successfully with your current settings.

Canceling a Running Backup

If a backup run is in progress (whether scheduled or manual), click the Cancel Backup Task button to gracefully stop execution. The currently active job step will be allowed to finish its current operation before cancellation is applied. Any remaining job steps will be skipped. The run will be recorded in the Job History with a status of Canceled.

Important: Asset Backup Scheduler must remain running for scheduled backups to execute. If the application is closed, no scheduled runs will occur until the application is restarted. Consider configuring the application to launch on system startup in environments where unattended overnight operation is required.

See Also