MultiTasks (Multiple AutoTasks)

This topic is intended for those using IFP 3.3.7 and later.

Overview

MultiTasks allow several AutoTasks to be run in one operation, meaning that several parts of a database can be updated at once with just a few clicks. Each AutoTask is run in sequence.

For MultiTasks that will make significant changes to the database, we recommend that the first AutoTask is always a Database Backup.

All of the following actions are undertaken in the AutoTask Manager (From IFP Home select Databases/Files > AutoTask Manager.)

Create a MultiTask

1. On the AutoTask Manager, press Add MultiTask....
2. Enter a relevant name and notes to explain the process.
3. Press the + button and select your first AutoTask from the selection. Repeat to add more AutoTasks.
4. Press Save and close.

An example sequence of these AutoTasks taking place would be:

• Database Backup
• Item codes Import
• Apply Data Model
• Data Import

The ordering of these is important as the MultiTask runs the AutoTasks from top to bottom, e.g. to ensure all data is imported from a source file, you might precede the Data File Import with an Item Codes Import.

Edit a MultiTask

In the AutoTask Manager right-click the MultiTask and select edit, or select it and click Properties on the toolbar. You should then select the MultiTask name and click either Edit on the toolbar or right-click and Edit. This will allow you to change the MultiTask name and notes and add/remove any AutoTasks from it.

Editing AutoTasks in a MultiTask

You can also edit a component AutoTask from the MultiTask Properties: select the AutoTask name and either click Edit on the toolbar or right-click and Edit. This will enable you to move through the AutoTask selections making any required changes before re-saving the AutoTask on the final step.

In the example below, different icons are displayed for any AutoTasks which have an error or warning . These issues must be resolved before being able to run the MultiTask. For information on the causes of these, please see AutoTask Errors and Warnings.

View Run History

You can also view the run history of the MultiTask i.e. details on whether each run was successful or not by clicking History on the toolbar.

Run a MultiTask

Be sure that you understand the changes that each AutoTask will make prior to running the MultiTask.

When running a MultiTask, you can monitor the progress for either the MultiTask itself or each individual AutoTask by clicking the relevant item in the navigation pane.

The MultiTask will provide information on the successful completion of each AutoTask and whether there were any associated warnings. Selecting an AutoTask will provide you with the information on the run so far (if selected while the AutoTask is running) or the output from the AutoTask (if this has been completed).

Add a MultiTask as a Starred Item

Select a MultiTask and click Add Star on the toolbar. The MultiTask will be added to IFP Home - clicking the link there will open the MultiTask’s Run screen.

Delete a MultiTask

Select a MultiTask and click Delete on the toolbar (note: there is no Undo for this).

Common MultiTask Issues

As with other AutoTasks, there are some common issues you should be aware of when running MultiTasks; these are shown below.

The Imported Data is Incomplete

This is most likely due to the sequence of the AutoTasks in the MultiTask. For example, Importing Actual Data before Importing New Item Codes, may result in some Actual Data being skipped or showing an error.

The MultiTask cannot be run

This is due to an error or warning on one or more of the AutoTasks. The AutoTask(s) with issues will display an error or warning  icon as appropriate. See the screenshot above for an example. For information on the causes of these please see AutoTask Errors and Warnings.