AutoTasks

What are AutoTasks?

AutoTasks allow you to save and execute frequently-used tasks, such as importing item codes into an IFP database. They save time against running tasks manually and ensure the correct selections for the task, thereby reducing the possibility of mistakes being made. 

Further information is also provided in the AutoTasks video overview.

Types of AutoTask

You can create the following types of AutoTask in IFP:

• Item Codes Import - allows you to import item codes into a database using an automated process.
• Data Import -  allows you to import data into a database using an automated process.
• Data Export - allows you to export data files from IFP.
• Package Export - allows you to export packages including using a custom format.
• Data File Copying - allows you to copy data from one file to another using an automated process.
• Project - allows you to build an IFP Project, to include all updated data in dashboards, reports and graphs.
• Apply Data Model - allows you to apply Classification Variable values to item codes using an automated process.
• Database Backup - allows you to create a database backup using a single click. 
• MultiTask - 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.

Using relative years with AutoTasks

Data File Copy, Import and Export AutoTasks can use fixed or relative years to identify their source or target file. A fixed year will always use the same file, e.g. 2018 Actual. A relative year will adjust the file it uses according to the Database Environment settings, e.g. Current Year (CY) Actual - which, with the database year set to 2019 will use the 2019 Actual file (and when the database is updated to 2020 will automatically use 2020 Actual, and so on). Using relative years is therefore a useful way of keeping your AutoTasks up to date automatically, as you change the database environment settings. See How to update an AutoTask to use relative years.