Sync Page

As an object designer, you add the Sync (SYNC) object that you want to apply to an object on its Sync page. You also define the actions to be taken when the conditions they specify are met.

Sync objects synchronize tasks. They contain definitions on status, conditions and actions that are combined to specify the order in which tasks are executed. The dependencies defined in Sync objects can result in tasks not being processed because they are waiting for the conditions to be met.

When a task is processed, the system checks the Sync objects inserted on the Sync page one by one. The order in which you insert the Sync objects is important. The Automation Engine tries to apply the first Sync object in the list by calling its Start Action. If this is not possible (for example, because the current condition of the Sync object prevents it), the action that you select in the Else column applies.

The task itself starts after all Sync objects have been applied. Depending on the end status of the task, either an abend or an end action is processed.

You can add up to 500 Sync objects. All Sync objects assigned to an object can contain a maximum of 5000 rules. Rules are the actions that are specified in the Sync object.

Task processing is handled by Work Processes but only the primary work process can release a Sync object for the ended task. For this reason it might take several seconds to release a Sync object after the related task has ended. In this case, different end times will be displayed in the various execution reports.

Best practices

Sync objects are a powerful tool to automate task processing according to rules. However, applying many Sync objects and rules can result in complex task configuration that is difficult to maintain. Keep the number of Sync objects to a reasonable minimum, and consider using Schedules (JSCH) instead.

Defining the Sync Page

An object definition consists of several pages. The Sync page is available for all executable objects as a sub page of the General Page. To access the Sync page, Expand the General tab on the left pane of an object definition and click Sync.

To Access the Sync Page

  1. In the Process Assembly perspective, open the object.
  2. On the left navigation page, expand the General page.
  3. Click Sync.

To Add a Sync Action

  1. Click Add Row.

  2. Click a field in the row and select the values for a sync item:

    • Sync Object

      Object that is used for synchronizing the task.

    • Start Action/ Abend Action/End Action

      Actions that are executed when the task starts/aborts/ends successfully.
      The available actions depend on the configuration of the Sync object. For more information, see Sync (SYNC).

      If the Start Action fails, the Else condition is applied.

    • Else

      Defines what happens if the start action cannot be executed:

      • Wait: The task waits until the start action can be executed.
      • Abend: The task ends abnormally.
      • Skip: The task is skipped.

To Remove a Sync Item

Select the check box right to the element you want to remove and click Remove.

To Cut, Copy and Paste a Sync Element

  1. Select the check box right to the element you want to copy.
  2. Do one or more of the following:
    • Click Cut to remove the element from the list. The element is copied to the clipboard. Click Paste to add it at the end of the list.
    • Click Copy to duplicate this element. It is copied to the clipboard. Click Paste to add it at the end of the list