Scheduling

Overview

Scheduling allows you to automatically run imports at regular intervals without manual intervention. This is perfect for keeping your store synchronized with supplier feeds, updating prices and inventory, or importing new products on a schedule.

PrimeLink uses WordPress cron to schedule imports. You can set up hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly schedules, or use custom cron expressions for more complex timing.

Enabling Scheduling

Step 1: Access Scheduling Options

In Step 6 (Options & Scheduling) of the import wizard:

1. Scroll to the Automatic Scheduling section
2. Check the Enable Background Import Schedule checkbox
3. The scheduling options will become available

Step 2: Configure Schedule Type

Choose how often the import should run:

Advanced Scheduling Options

Timezone Selection

Set the timezone for your schedule:

• Select your timezone from the dropdown
• All scheduled times will use this timezone
• Default: Uses WordPress timezone setting

Start Date and End Date

Control when the schedule starts and ends:

• Start Date: When to begin the scheduled imports (optional)
• End Date: When to stop the scheduled imports (optional)
• Leave empty for indefinite scheduling

Maximum Runs Limit

Limit how many times the import can run:

• Set a maximum number of runs
• Schedule will stop after reaching the limit
• Useful for one-time or limited-time promotions

Retry on Failure

Configure automatic retry behavior:

• Enable retry if import fails
• Set number of retry attempts
• Set delay between retries

Pause Schedule on Error

Automatically pause scheduling if errors occur:

• Enable to pause schedule after X consecutive failures
• Prevents repeated failed imports
• Requires manual intervention to resume

Email Notifications

Configure Notifications

Receive email notifications for scheduled imports:

• Custom notification email address
• Email on completion
• Email on errors
• Email template customization

Email Placeholders

Use placeholders in email templates:

Managing Scheduled Imports

Viewing Scheduled Imports

To view all scheduled imports:

1. Go to PrimeLink → Imports
2. Look for imports with a schedule indicator
3. View next run time and schedule details

Pausing Schedules

To temporarily pause a scheduled import:

1. Find the import in the list
2. Click Pause Schedule or edit the import
3. Uncheck "Enable Background Import Schedule"
4. Save the changes

Resuming Schedules

To resume a paused schedule:

1. Edit the import
2. Go to Step 6
3. Re-enable "Enable Background Import Schedule"
4. Save the changes

Editing Schedules

To modify a schedule:

1. Edit the import
2. Go to Step 6 (Options & Scheduling)
3. Modify the schedule settings
4. Save the changes
5. The new schedule will take effect on the next run

WordPress Cron vs External Cron

WordPress Cron (Default)

WordPress cron runs when someone visits your site:

• Triggers on page visits
• No server configuration needed
• May have slight delays if site has low traffic
• Best for most use cases

External Cron (Advanced)

For more reliable scheduling, use external cron:

• Configure a server cron job to hit WordPress cron endpoint
• More reliable timing
• Requires server access
• Best for high-traffic sites or critical imports

Cron Expression Reference

Format

Cron expressions use the format: minute hour day month weekday

Best Practices

Troubleshooting

Next Steps