Inside Automation Engine > Executing Objects > Stage 2: Generation

Stage 2: Generation

The second stage is object generation. The specifications made in the object are now generated, and Sync objects or the maximum number of parallel running tasks are checked. Scripts are also processed in this stage.

The structure and start time of the generation stage depend on the setting "Generate at runtime" which is available in every executable object (Attributes tab). Depending on this setting, a script is processed either directly after the task's activation or just before its processing stage starts.

Object generation at runtime:
The script is processed before the processing stage starts.
Object generation not at runtime:
All script contents (except for Post Process, Child Post Process and !Process) are processed directly after activation.
Jobs: This means that the final JCL is being generated so that it is ready to run on the computer when it comes to the processing stage (it does not run on the computer now).

There is no remarkable difference between the above generation types when a task's activation stage is immediately followed by its start stage. But there can be a gap between them. As a matter of fact, the start time of the activated object is usually subject to superordinate objects such as a workflow or group.

Example:

A workflow contains several tasks. Activating this workflow means that its tasks are also activated. Object scripts are now processed provided that the setting "Generate at runtime" has not been activated. The individual workflow tasks start according to their position within the workflow order.

Advantage of object generation in the activation stage:

Large scripts are processed early.

Advantage of object generation directly before the processing stage:

The script accesses more recent data.

Status: Waiting for Predecessor

Status: Waiting for Start Time

Status: Registered

Generation

Steps	Description
Script (not "Generate at runtime")	The script is processed directly after the activation stage.

Manual release	In manual executions with options, you can select the option Wait for manual release. Tasks must be released in the Activity Window before their start can be initiated.

Sync verification	The system checks if the specified Sync objects are available.

Parallel running tasks	Use the Attributes tab to specify the maximum number of object executions which can run parallel.

Script ("Generate at runtime")	The script is processed just before the processing stage begins.

Script Processing in Detail

Not every script type is processed in the generation stage. !Process of Event objects and Child Post Processes are executed in the processing state. Post Processes are processed in the completion stage.

Steps	Description
Agent group resolution	The relevant agent is selected for tasks that are processed in an agent group. Subsequent changes are possible in the Process tab.

Object variables	The object variables of the task and its superordinate task are provided.

Pre-Process	Jobs: Pre-Process tab contents are processed.

Attribute dialog	The Attribute dialog is only displayed if the task is activated manually and NOT generated at runtime.

Header	Jobs: Header include and related user includes are processed.

Process	Process tab contents are processed.

Trailer	Jobs: Trailer include and related user includes are processed.

JCL generation	Jobs: JCL generation is possible after AE Script processing. JCL modifications are possible before the job starts on the destination computer.