Technology provides a massive helping hand when completing tasks. It is possible to schedule batch jobs that are automated and done at a set scheduled time. There are numerous task schedulers available for this task, with one of the most popular being the subject of this guide: Windows Task Scheduler. Below is a quick summary of what is Windows Task Scheduler, its pros and cons, and the alternative task schedulers available.

What is Windows Task Scheduler?

If your business works primarily with the Windows operating system, it’s natural to first opt for Task Scheduler as your batch job solution. Included with Windows, this tool supplies you with the option to execute predefined actions automatically when certain conditions are met. As an example, an email could be sent to your company’s appropriate employee whenever a specific system event happens. There are numerous ways to open up Task Scheduler, including via the Control Panel, within Computer Management, and by simply using the Search Box function.

The pros and cons of Windows Task Scheduler

Understandably, there are positives gained from employing Windows Task Scheduler. Yet it is not an entirely positive picture – there are drawbacks to using this tool.

The pros of Windows Task Scheduler

Productivity levels can be maximized when using Windows Task Scheduler. It is possible to manage and run a wide assortment of tasks, ensuring they stick to a set schedule and are completed automatically with no direct human involvement. Using Task Scheduler also lowers the possibility of errors occurring, assists with workflow hierarchy, improves data tracking, and more.

The cons of Windows Task Scheduler

For those that require complex jobs completing or customizable scheduling, Task Scheduler is often not up to the task. This tool has limited features for users, particularly when compared to another native solution like cron with Linux. Furthermore, Task Scheduler can place serious strain on systems that are outdated or not up to the job of handling numerous tasks at the same time. Your system could freeze, which can delay automated functions whenever you are doing interface-based work.

Windows Task Scheduler alternatives

Windows Task Scheduler has benefits. It is a suitable, convenient pick for organizations already using Windows. However, there are alternatives to Windows Task Scheduler that may be a better fit for your company. For instance, SQL Server Agent is another tool provided by Microsoft, and cron – while not the most user-friendly format – is often the choice for Linux users.

There are also other specialist platforms that have been designed for the job. Look into this alternative for Windows job scheduling. With JAMS, you gain added advantages than simply sticking with Windows Task Scheduler, cron, or SQL Server Agent. JAMS allows you to schedule and manage jobs across whatever operating system your business uses. Additionally, it provides extra features like the ability to oversee user privilege control and applying a single central console to access all job management information.

By looking further into the alternatives available, you can ultimately find the right task scheduler for your company’s needs.