OPX10 – Automic Priorities

This new OPX course focuses on priorities in Automic—more specifically, on task priority from the operator’s perspective. You’ll learn why a higher priority doesn’t make jobs run faster, but only affects which waiting task is started next. We’ll also show you how to change the priority of an active task in Process Monitoring at runtime. We’ll practice all of this in a small package center scenario with express, overnight, and standard packages.

Understanding Automic Priorities: What Starts First?

In Automic Automation, many jobs and workflows often run at the same time. Some tasks can start immediately, others must wait – for example, because only a limited queue capacity is available. This is exactly where priorities come into play. They help determine which waiting task will be started next.

This OPX course is about priority management in Automic from an operator's perspective. The focus is on the Task Priority, i.e. the priority that directly influences which task is preferred to start when multiple tasks are waiting for the same processing capacity.

Task Priority instead of the Turbo Button

A common misunderstanding: A higher priority does not make a job run faster. It does not make a script run shorter or speed up a workflow. The Task Priority only decides which waiting task will be next in line.

This behavior is demonstrated in the course using a simple parcel center scenario. Several parcels wait for the same sorting line, which can only process one parcel at a time. The priority determines which parcel is allowed onto the conveyor belt next. After that, even the most important parcel still has to be processed normally. 📦

What you will learn in this course

  • what types of priorities exist in Automic

  • that lower Priority values indicate a higher priority

  • how priorities influence the start order of waiting tasks

  • that priority has no influence on processing speed

  • what happens when multiple tasks have the same Priority

  • how you can change the Priority of an activated task at runtime in Process Monitoring

Changing Priority at runtime

Another focus is changing the Task Priority in Process Monitoring. You will see how an operator can adjust the priority of an already activated task at runtime and what effects this has on the further start order.

The course is particularly suitable for Automic operators who want to better understand why certain jobs or workflows start earlier than others – and why priority is important but not a magical speed-up button.

Learn Automic with PEM!

Would you like to learn more about Automic without having to travel across the country for workshops? At PEM, you decide when and how you want to continue your education! In interactive courses, tutorials and videos, you will learn everything you need to know about Automic – and more! And we are always there for you via comment function or email.

Does that sound interesting? Then get started today with PEM, Automic Training 2.0 and year-round Automic support!

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FAQ about Automic Training on PEM

PEM is the most innovative and fastest growing Automic learning platform. It offers PEM members a comprehensive range of online training courses that can be accessed 24/7 and from anywhere. The platform includes dozens of videos and interactive courses and is aimed at beginners and professionals alike.