Using Scheduled Triggers
How this Helps
By selecting a scheduled trigger, users ensure that workflows execute automatically at the desired frequency without requiring manual intervention.
A scheduled trigger initiates a workflow at a time and recurrence based on your configurations. Workflows can run at fixed intervals (hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly) or on a custom schedule using for advanced flexibility. Scheduled triggers are essential for automating routine tasks, such as generating reports, performing system checks, or executing recurring processes.
Scheduling triggers are great for managing tasks during business hours or off-peak times.
Need help finding the right trigger type for your use case? See About Triggers.
Users can configure schedules using:
| Scheduling Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Fixed Intervals | Run workflows hourly, daily, weekly, or at custom time frames. |
| Cron Expressions | Specify complex scheduling patterns using standard cron syntax. |
How Scheduled Triggers Work
Scheduled triggers allow workflows to start automatically at predefined times or intervals, executing based on a fixed schedule. Scheduled triggers are ideal for routine automation tasks.
For example, IT admins can use scheduled triggers to automate daily system health checks, ensuring potential issues are identified and addressed promptly—without requiring manual intervention.
The following diagram illustrates how these triggers work:
A Scheduled Time Arrives
The trigger activates at the predefined time or interval, such as daily at 8 AM or every 15 minutes.
Trigger Conditions are Evaluated
If conditions are configured, Blink evaluates whether the conditions are met.
Trigger Fires & Passes Data
If the conditions are met, the trigger activates and passes relevant execution details, such as timestamps and scheduling metadata.
Workflow Executes
The associated workflow starts and runs the predefined automation tasks.
Configuring a Scheduled Trigger
-
Create a new workflow, and select Scheduled when prompted.
Once you click Create Workflow, the canvas loads with your initial configurations. The first part of the workflow is Trigger: Scheduled.
-
In the Trigger section, click Click to schedule a run.
The Trigger Setup popup opens.
-
Click Every time period and define when and how frequently the workflow should run.
Choose from:
- Hourly
- Daily
- Weekly
- Monthly
- Custom
If you choose Custom, use the built-in Cron Expression Picker, which follows the standard Cron syntax:
Symbol Description * any value , value list separator - range of values / step values - Default Interval: The default interval is every 5 minutes.
- Minimum Interval: The shortest allowed interval is every 1 minute.
- Resource Usage: Workflows running at very short intervals (e.g., every minute) should be optimized to prevent unnecessary system load.
- If an invalid Cron expression is entered, it appears in red.
Once you’ve configured the intervals, a preview of your schedule is displayed in the right panel, similar to the following:
-
Click Apply.
The selected interval is displayed in the canvas for the trigger.
Additionally, the corresponding Cron expression appears in the Workflow YAML.
See It In Action
Related Articles
About Triggers
Learn how triggers automate workflow execution.
Creating a New Workflow
Build and configure workflows from scratch.
Configuring Event-Based Triggers
Set up triggers that start workflows based on events.
On-Demand Triggers
Manually start workflows whenever needed.
Using Scheduled Triggers
How this Helps
By selecting a scheduled trigger, users ensure that workflows execute automatically at the desired frequency without requiring manual intervention.
A scheduled trigger initiates a workflow at a time and recurrence based on your configurations. Workflows can run at fixed intervals (hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly) or on a custom schedule using for advanced flexibility. Scheduled triggers are essential for automating routine tasks, such as generating reports, performing system checks, or executing recurring processes.
Scheduling triggers are great for managing tasks during business hours or off-peak times.
Need help finding the right trigger type for your use case? See About Triggers.
Users can configure schedules using:
| Scheduling Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Fixed Intervals | Run workflows hourly, daily, weekly, or at custom time frames. |
| Cron Expressions | Specify complex scheduling patterns using standard cron syntax. |
How Scheduled Triggers Work
Scheduled triggers allow workflows to start automatically at predefined times or intervals, executing based on a fixed schedule. Scheduled triggers are ideal for routine automation tasks.
For example, IT admins can use scheduled triggers to automate daily system health checks, ensuring potential issues are identified and addressed promptly—without requiring manual intervention.
The following diagram illustrates how these triggers work:
A Scheduled Time Arrives
The trigger activates at the predefined time or interval, such as daily at 8 AM or every 15 minutes.
Trigger Conditions are Evaluated
If conditions are configured, Blink evaluates whether the conditions are met.
Trigger Fires & Passes Data
If the conditions are met, the trigger activates and passes relevant execution details, such as timestamps and scheduling metadata.
Workflow Executes
The associated workflow starts and runs the predefined automation tasks.
Configuring a Scheduled Trigger
-
Create a new workflow, and select Scheduled when prompted.
Once you click Create Workflow, the canvas loads with your initial configurations. The first part of the workflow is Trigger: Scheduled.
-
In the Trigger section, click Click to schedule a run.
The Trigger Setup popup opens.
-
Click Every time period and define when and how frequently the workflow should run.
Choose from:
- Hourly
- Daily
- Weekly
- Monthly
- Custom
If you choose Custom, use the built-in Cron Expression Picker, which follows the standard Cron syntax:
Symbol Description * any value , value list separator - range of values / step values - Default Interval: The default interval is every 5 minutes.
- Minimum Interval: The shortest allowed interval is every 1 minute.
- Resource Usage: Workflows running at very short intervals (e.g., every minute) should be optimized to prevent unnecessary system load.
- If an invalid Cron expression is entered, it appears in red.
Once you’ve configured the intervals, a preview of your schedule is displayed in the right panel, similar to the following:
-
Click Apply.
The selected interval is displayed in the canvas for the trigger.
Additionally, the corresponding Cron expression appears in the Workflow YAML.
See It In Action
Related Articles
About Triggers
Learn how triggers automate workflow execution.
Creating a New Workflow
Build and configure workflows from scratch.
Configuring Event-Based Triggers
Set up triggers that start workflows based on events.
On-Demand Triggers
Manually start workflows whenever needed.