This topic applies only to the IBM Business Automation Workflow Advanced configuration.

Duration tab: Human Task editor

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This topic only applies to BAW, and is located in the BAW repository. Last updated on 2025-03-13 12:15
This topic includes a description of each of the fields on the Duration tab of the Properties view. This tab is available when you select the task itself.

Task level

Some of the functionality of the Duration tab is disabled for inline human tasks. The Duration until task expires and Duration until task is deleted are only appropriate for stand-alone tasks and are disabled for inline tasks. The Auto deletion mode is also disabled for inline tasks.
Calendar type
Use this field to specify a type of calendar that will measure the durations of this task.
You have the three following options:
  • Simple
  • This is, as the name suggests, a simple arithmetic calendar. Configure the time using the spinners that are enabled when you choose this option.
  • WebSphere® CRON
  • This is a built-in calendar that uses a list of term expressions representing elements of time to calculate the interval. Examples of this type of calendar can be found in the Related Information section below.
  • User-defined
  • Use this option to select a calendar other than those provided. When you select it, two new fields will appear that you can use to name the calendar, and point to a valid Java™ Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI) location.
  • Business calendar
  • There will be more than three options in the Calendar type field if a business calendar is available. A business calendar can be used to model duration values for time-sensitive aspects of your human task in order to account for such variables as regular working hours, weekends, and holidays. See Related Tasks for more information.
Duration until task is overdue
Use this field to set the period that will elapse between the time this task is started and the time that it is expected to be completed. The state of the task does not change when it is overdue.
You can enter a value that makes sense to the calendar you selected in the Calendar type field, or choose one of the following options:
  • Immediate
  • In this context, this setting means that the task will be considered due the moment it is assigned.
  • Never
  • In this context, this setting means that the task will not be given a due date.
  • Set a duration in days, hours, minutes and seconds.
  • In the Days, Hours, Minutes and Seconds fields use the arrows or type values for the length of time you want to elapse between the time the task is started and when it is expected to be completed.
Duration until task expires
Use this field to specify the amount of time that should pass before this task reaches an end state of Expired. Users cannot work on a task once it has expired.
You can enter a value that makes sense to the calendar you selected in the Calendar type field, or choose one of the following options:
  • Immediate
  • In this context, the task will be deleted the moment it expires.
  • Never
  • In this context, the task will not be removed from the system ever.
  • Set a duration in days, hours, minutes and seconds.
  • In the Days, Hours, Minutes and Seconds fields use the arrows or type values for the length of time you want to elapse before this task is moved to an end state of Expired.
Duration until task is deleted
Use this field to determine when the task will be removed from the system once it is complete.
You can select either of the following options:
  • Immediate
  • In this context, the task will be deleted immediately after it is completed.
  • Never
  • In this context, the task will not be removed from the system ever, and will never expire.
  • Set a duration in days, hours, minutes and seconds.
  • In the Days, Hours, Minutes and Seconds fields use the arrows or type values for the length of time you want to elapse between the time the task is completed and when it is removed from the system.
Auto deletion mode
This selection is not available if you choose Never on the Duration until task is deleted field. Use it to decide whether or not to delete the task based on its outcome.
You have the following options:
  • On completion
  • Choose this option to delete the task from the system once it is finished, whether or not it was successfully completed.
  • On successful completion
  • Choose this option to only delete the task when it has been successfully completed.
Calendar name
This field appears when you chose the User-defined option in the Calendar type field.
Use this field to enter a name for your custom calendar.
User calendar JNDI
This field appears when you choose the User-defined option in the Calendar type field.
Use this field to specify the Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI) location for your custom calendar.