Delay system function

Use the Delay system function to suspend the processing of a work item for a specified period of time. At the end of the time period, processing resumes with the next step on the workflow map. For example, in a claims processing scenario you can use Delay to suspend the processing of a claim for 10 days, while test results are verified.

To specify a Delay system function

  1. From the General System Palette, drag a Delay step onto the workflow map where you want to suspend processing.
  2. Enter an expression that indicates either the duration of the delay or a specific time. See Expressions for additional information.
    • For a duration, enter a valid time expression that returns the desired delay expiration time. The entry should include a time function. For example, to specify that the delay period should end 12 days after a specific time (represented by the Entry_time expression), enter the following expression.

      adddays(Entry_time, 12)

    • For a specific time when the delay period will expire, enter the time as a string expression that you convert to type time using either stringtotime or convert.

      For example, to specify an expiration time of 01/01/2001 12:00:00, enter either:

      • convert("01/01/2001 12:00:00",time) or
      • stringtotime("01/01/2001 12:00:00","mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss")

      TIP While you can enter seconds, the Delay system function has a granularity of approximately one minute.

TIP Entering a specific time is generally not recommended, because doing so can limit the reusability of the workflow definition. The delay period will end immediately if this system function executes after the specified time has already passed.

TIP Use the Delay system function only if you are sure you want to suspend processing for the entire specified time period.

To provide more flexibility, consider using a WaitForCondition system function instead. WaitForCondition suspends processing until a specific work item is created. If the event you are waiting for does not automatically generate a work item (for example, someone's return from vacation), you can manually create a work item to satisfy the WaitForCondition condition.