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
- From the General System Palette, drag a Delay step
onto the workflow map where you want to suspend processing.
- Enter an expression that indicates either the duration of the
delay or a specific time.
- 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.