Scheduling DemandTools Jobs

Scheduling DemandTools Jobs

Utilizing Windows Scheduler allows saved scenarios from DemandTools to run on a scheduled basis. Scheduled jobs execute the changes to all records found; no manual/user interaction occurs. 
 

Notes: 

• Advanced DemandTools users should only run scheduled jobs and only once the job has been thoroughly tested manually. 
• Auto Login and Save Password must be checked on the DemandTools login page for a scheduled process to launch. 
• The Windows user MUST be a System Administrator on the designated PC to run the scheduler.
• When scheduling deduplication scenarios, all groups where a master record can be determined by applying a Master Rule will be merged, so only rigid scenarios should be scheduled. 
• All DemandTools jobs need to use the security option Run only when a user is logged on to execute. DemandTools is an interactive application that can only be run when the user is logged on. Users can "lock" their account vs. signing out, and the jobs will run in that case.
• For more information, please see: http://www.helpconsole.com/DemandTools/default.aspx#pageid=scheduled_processes

Automatic Creation of Tasks

Open Tasks will be created for all batch jobs assigned to the user id of the person who ran the scheduled job. When the user logs into DemandTools after completing a scheduled job, an open task with completion information will be shown in their list of open Tasks. There is an option in The DemandTools Options menu to turn off the creation of these tasks if desired.

Operating Systems

If running Windows 7 or 8, MULTIPLE DemandTools Scenarios can be scheduled in one job. The scenarios will be run sequentially.

Windows XP will require one scheduled job for EACH scenario.

.BAT File Option

DemandTools can also be run from a .bat file. The .bat file will contain the DemandTools.exe and arguments enclosed in double quotes (as per the detailed examples below). Then in the Windows Scheduled job, specify the .bat file fullpathname in the "Run" parameter (Windows XP), or the "Start a Program" parameter (Windows 7), or equivalent if using a third-party scheduler. MULTIPLE scenarios can be run in one .bat file simply by adding various line items, for example:

"C:\Program Files\DemandTools\DemandTools.exe" "C:\DTJobs\Account_State_ShortName.MIxml"
"C:\Program Files\DemandTools\DemandTools.exe" "C:\DTJobs\Account_Name_ProperCase.MIxml"
"C:\Program Files\DemandTools\DemandTools.exe" "C:\DTJobs\Contact_Name_ProperCase.MIxml"
"C:\Program Files\DemandTools\DemandTools.exe" "C:\DTJobs\Contact_State_ShortName.MIxml"

Scheduling the Task

1. Access the Windows Scheduled Task Option:
   1. Access the Control Panel.
   2. Double click the Scheduled Task icon.
   3. Double click Add Scheduled Task.
   4. The scheduled task wizard will launch.
2. Set up the scheduled task:
   1. Click Next.
   2. Select DemandTools as the program to run; click Browse and locate the DemandTools.exe in the C:\ProgramFiles\DemandTools folder.
   3. Name the task, choose the frequency for running the scheduled task, and click Next.
   4. The frequency selection will determine the options given on the next screen. Select additional frequency options as required.
   5. Click Next.
3. Complete the wizard:
   1. Enter the Windows username (if applicable).
   2. Enter the Windows password (if applicable).
   3. Confirm the Windows password.
   4. Click Next.
   5. Review the settings and if correct, click Finish.

Modifying the Task, Schedule, and Settings

1. Access the scheduled task for editing. There are two ways to do this:
   1. Check the Open advanced properties for this task when I click Finish Field on the final Scheduled Task Wizard page or 
   2. Access the Control Panel, then double-click the Scheduled Task icon. Locate the correct scheduled task and either double-click the task name or right-click it and go to Properties.
2. Update the run statement to include the full pathname of the scenario to be scheduled after the DemandTools.exe. 
3. When complete, click Apply and then click OK.

Parameter Syntax for the Type of Job Being Scheduled

1. The commands must always be listed one at a time, starting and ending with a double quote. The first set of commands in the "Run" statement for all scheduled jobs will start DemandTools:  "C:\Program Files\DemandTools\DemandTools.exe".
2. Next, provide the full path name of the scenario to be run (except for MassBackup), followed by additional parameters based on what operation is being scheduled (e.g., input or output filename, if applicable).