To Link Tasks in a Chain

Linking tasks together is a two-step process: first normal 'data-update' tasks need to be set up to allow them to be included in a chain; then a chain task needs to be set up to link the data-update tasks together.

Example:  
You want to link a number of essential tasks together and run them overnight on the last working day of the month. You set up a Data Backup task, an Update Data Structures task and a Nominal Ledger Period End task. You then set up a Chain task to link the tasks together and schedule it to run on the last day of each month.

Step A: Setting Up Data Update Tasks

  1. Open the System folder and click Scheduling or click the Administration tab on the Ribbon Bar and then click System - Scheduling.

  2. Click Task Scheduler. The Task Schedule Editor form is displayed. Either click the New Task button or mouse-click to select New Task.

  3. In the Task Type list, select the task to include in the chain. Enter a task name and description, select the Windows user account and enter a password.

  4. In the Schedule Type list, select Can be included in Chains.

  5. Under Task Details, select the companies to run the task on and choose the necessary options.

  6. Click Save to save the task and close the form.

Step B: Linking tasks Together

  1. From the Task Schedule Editor form, open the New Task form.

  2. In the Task Type list, select Chain. Enter a task name and description, select the Windows user account and enter a password.

  3. In the Schedule Type list, select specific days of the week, specific days of the month or once on a specific date. The enter the date and time of day to run.

  4. In the Notification Type list, select Message only, Shutdown or Lockout only. If you select Shutdown to shut down Opera 3 before the task runs, you must also enter a number of hours or minutes in the Show for box plus a message. These details will be displayed for each Opera 3 user before the shutdown.

  5. Under Task Details, click the Add button and select the first task to include in the chain. Repeat for each required task in the chain.

  6. For each task in the chain, you can choose whether it will run if the previous task fails. By default the chain will stop if an error is found. Choose one of the following:

  1. Click Save to save the task and close the form.

  2. Click Close to close the Task Schedule Editor form.

Tip: After choosing the tasks to include in the chain, use the arrow buttons if you need to change the sequence of the tasks in the chain.