--- title: "Boundary Timer Event" slug: "boundary-timer-event" updated: 2025-12-06T01:28:23Z published: 2025-12-06T01:28:23Z canonical: "docs.processmaker.com/boundary-timer-event" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.processmaker.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Boundary Timer Event A Boundary Timer Event object represents alternate workflow routing when a specified amount of time expires from the moment its associating object or connector triggers. The Boundary Timer Event object may associate with any of the following objects and connectors: - [Form Task](/v1/docs/form-task) object - [Script Task](/v1/docs/script-task#add-a-script-task-element) object - [Manual Task](/v1/docs/manual-task#add-a-manual-task-element) object - [Sub Process](/v1/docs/sub-process#add-a-sub-process-element) object - [Actions By Email](/v1/docs/actions-by-email-connector) connector - [Data Connector](/v1/docs/data-connector) connector - [DocuSign](/v1/docs/docusign-connector) connector - [IDP](/v1/docs/idp-connector) connector - [PDF Generator](/v1/docs/pdf-generator-connector) connector - [Send Email](/v1/docs/send-email-connector) connector The Boundary Timer Event object associates with an object or connector by attaching to it to that object or connector. Below a Boundary Timer Event object associates with a Form Task object. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/4c41fd98-ee0e-4b58-bc04-7e5a89a3b8af.png) Boundary Timer Event object associates with a Form Task object During an in-progress Request, if the object/connector to which the Boundary Timer Event associates has triggered but is not yet complete and the specified time expires for which the Boundary Timer Event object is set, then workflow routes through the Boundary Timer Event object. After the associating object/connector triggers, the Boundary Timer Event object starts the set timer but does not trigger. The Boundary Timer Event object triggers only after the set time expires and its associating object has not completed. Use an outgoing Sequence Flow object to indicate workflow routing from the Boundary Timer Event object if triggers. Use a Boundary Timer Event object to design business solutions when intended or best-case workflow in your Request does not occur in an expected period of time. Consider these examples: - **Escalate Task problems:** When a Task assignee does not complete a Task when it is due, escalate to that assignee's manager to ensure project tasks are completed on schedule. - **Script fail-safe:** If a Script does not complete in a period of time, route workflow to a system administrator to investigate why the Script provided no response. - **Escalate child sub-process problems:** If the Request for a child Sub Process does not complete in a required period of time, route workflow to a manager's Task in the parent Process's Request so that the child Request does not delay the parent Request. An object or connector associated with a Boundary Timer Event object may also associate with the following objects in the same object/connector: - [Boundary Error Event](/v1/docs/boundary-error-event) object - [Boundary Signal Event](/v1/docs/boundary-signal-event) object - [Boundary Conditional Event](/v1/docs/boundary-conditional-event) object A Sub Process object associated with a Boundary Timer Event may also associate with a [Boundary Message Event](/v1/docs/boundary-message-event) object. Configure whether a Boundary Timer Event object interrupts the best-case scenario workflow: - **Interrupting workflow:** When workflow routes through the Boundary Timer Event object, workflow is interrupted and does not route through the best-case scenario. As highlighted in the example below, workflow routes through the Boundary Timer Event object if the Manual Task object does not complete within 30 minutes. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/3f61054b-31df-47d3-a35d-037a2aa9212a.png) - **Non-interrupting workflow:** Workflow routes both through the Boundary Timer Event object and the best-case scenario, thereby creating parallel workflow in that Request. As highlighted in the example below, workflow routes through the Boundary Timer Event object if the Manual Task object does not complete within 30 minutes; however, workflow also routes through the best-case scenario when the Manual Task object completes. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/dcff0465-930f-4341-9f61-64e192deb8e7.png) Processes that use Boundary Timer Event objects can be complex. Therefore, use it to test workflow variations while designing such Processes. --- ## Add a Boundary Timer Event to the Process Model **Permissions** Your user account or group membership must have the following permissions to configure a Boundary Timer Event object in the Process model unless your user account has the **Make this user a Super Admin** setting selected: - Processes: Edit Processes - Processes: View Processes See the [Process](/v1/docs/permission-descriptions-for-users-and-groups#processes) permissions or ask your Administrator for assistance. Follow these steps to add a Boundary Timer Event object to the Process model: 1. Add one of the following Process model objects or connectors to your Process model in which to associate with the Boundary Timer Event object: - [Form Task](/v1/docs/form-task) - [Manual Task](/v1/docs/manual-task#add-a-manual-task-element) - [Script Task](/v1/docs/script-task#add-a-script-task-element) - [Sub Process](/v1/docs/sub-process#add-a-sub-process-element) - [Actions By Email](/v1/docs/actions-by-email-connector) connector - [Data Connector](/v1/docs/data-connector) connector - [DocuSign](/v1/docs/docusign-connector) connector - [IDP](/v1/docs/idp-connector) connector - [PDF Generator](/v1/docs/pdf-generator-connector) connector - [Send Email](/v1/docs/send-email-connector) connector 2. From the **Boundary Events** drop-down menu, select the **Boundary Timer Event** option. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/824acb35-6d9a-4511-b07e-a054598576f1.png)The Boundary Timer Event object displays on the top of its associating object/connector. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/38bdc9e6-b0d6-48a0-879b-f472eacc0e96.png) **Adjust location and appearance** - [Move a Process Model Object.](/v1/docs/process-modeler#move-process-model-objects) - [Connect Two Process Model Objects with a Sequence Flow Element.](/v1/docs/sequence-flow-element#connect-two-process-model-objects-with-a-sequence-flow-element) - [Customize the Appearance of a Process Model Object.](/v1/docs/customize-the-appearance-of-a-process-model-object) - [Copy Process Model Objects into the Clipboard.](/v1/docs/process-modeler#copy-process-model-objects-into-the-clipboard) - [Clone Process Model Objects Without the Clipboard.](/v1/docs/process-modeler#clone-process-model-objects) - [Delete Process Model Objects.](/v1/docs/process-modeler#delete-process-model-objects) --- ## Settings The Boundary Timer Event object has the following panels that contain settings: - [**Configuration**](/v1/docs/boundary-timer-event#configuration-panel-settings) panel - [**Timing Control**](/v1/docs/boundary-timer-event#timing-control-panel-settings) panel - [**Advanced**](/v1/docs/boundary-timer-event#advanced-panel-settings) panel - [**Documentation**](/v1/docs/boundary-timer-event#documentation-panel-settings) panel --- ### Configuration Panel Settings The Boundary Timer Event object has the following settings in the **Properties** panel: #### Edit the Object Name An object name is a human-readable reference for a Process object. Process Modeler automatically assigns the name of a Process object with its object type. However, an object's name can be changed. Follow these steps to edit the name for a Boundary Timer Event object: 1. Select the Boundary Timer Event object from the Process model in which to edit its name. 2. Ensure that the **Configuration** panel displays. If not, [show it](/v1/docs/show-configuration-settings-for-a-process-model-object). The **Name** setting displays. This is a required setting. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/6c2d3906-7f35-4491-9192-3ac31885b3fe.png) 3. In the **Name** setting, edit the selected object's name and then press **Enter**. #### Interrupt the Best-Case Scenario Workflow Indicate whether the Boundary Timer Event object interrupts the best-case scenario workflow: - **Interrupting workflow:** When workflow routes through the Boundary Timer Event object, workflow is interrupted and does not route through the best-case scenario. As highlighted in the example below, workflow routes through the Boundary Timer Event object if the Manual Task object does not complete within 30 minutes. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/image(108).png) - **Non-interrupting workflow:** Workflow routes both through the Boundary Timer Event object and the best-case scenario, thereby creating parallel workflow in that Request. As highlighted in the example below, workflow routes through the Boundary Timer Event object if the Manual Task object does not complete within 30 minutes; however, workflow also routes through the best-case scenario when that object completes. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/31b53566-23c7-4364-af22-fa5061a1fcaf.png) Follow these steps to indicate if this Boundary Timer Event object interrupts the best-case scenario workflow when it triggers: 1. Select the Boundary Timer Event object from the Process model in which to indicate if it interrupts the best-case scenario workflow. Panels to configure this object display. 2. Expand the **Configuration** panel if it is not presently expanded, and then locate the **Interrupting** setting. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/0e8f30c4-85db-4b6b-905f-3378e98eab29.png) 3. From the **Interrupting** checkbox, indicate whether this Boundary Timer Event object interrupts the best-case scenario workflow when it triggers. When the **Interrupting** checkbox is selected, which is the default setting, this object interrupts the best-case scenario workflow. 4. --- ### Timing Control Panel Settings When a Boundary Timer Event object is placed into a Process model, it is set to trigger in one (1) hour before workflow routes through it unless its associative object completes before then. If this is not the timing control setting you want, the Boundary Timer Event object must be configured. Set the timer controls for a Boundary Timer Event object using one of the following methods: - Set an interval in which to delay routing workflow through the Boundary Timer Event object in a specified number of days, weeks, months, or years (unless its associative object completes before the delay expires). - Set the date and hour when the Boundary Timer Event object routes workflow through it (unless its associative object completes before that date and hour arrives). #### Set the Timing Controls Follow these steps to set the timer controls for a Boundary Timer Event object: 1. Select the Boundary Timer Event object from the Process model in which to set its timer controls. 2. Ensure that the **Configuration** panel displays. If not, [show it](/v1/docs/show-configuration-settings-for-a-process-model-object). Panels to configure this object display. 3. Expand the **Timing Control** panel if it is not presently expanded. The **Type** setting displays. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/52e9e89d-2669-4a08-91ce-41b3eecf93ff.png) 4. Do one of the following to set the timer control: - **Set the timer when workflow routes through the Boundary Timer Event object:** From the **Type** drop-down menu, select the **Delay** option. **Delay** is the default setting. From the **Delay** setting, select the delay to route workflow through the Boundary Timer Event object unless its associative object completes. **1** **hour** is the default setting. Then select one of the following time periods for that object to trigger: - Minute - Hour (default setting) - Day - Month - **Set date and time when workflow routes through the Boundary Timer Event object:** From the **Type** drop-down menu, select the **Date/Time** option. The **Wait until specific date/time** setting displays. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/6b8e1a13-b2df-4257-9d98-a82cb5be7430.png) From the **Wait until specific date/time** setting, use the date control to select the date and time to route workflow through the Boundary Timer Event object unless its associative object completes. If this setting has not been previously set, the current date is the default. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/31d28ee8-6095-4aac-83c2-532261808d32.png) ### --- ### Advanced Panel Settings #### Edit the Node's Identifier Value Process Modeler automatically assigns a unique value to each Process node added to a Process model. However, a node's identifier value can be changed if it is unique to all other nodes in the Process model, including the Process model's identifier value. > [!NOTE] > All identifier values for all nodes in the Process model must be unique. Follow these steps to edit the identifier value for a Boundary Timer Event object: 1. Select the Boundary Timer Event object from the Process model in which to edit its identifier value. 2. Ensure that the **Configuration** panel displays. If not, [show it](/v1/docs/show-configuration-settings-for-a-process-model-object). Panels to configure this object display. 3. Expand the **Advanced** panel if it is not presently expanded. The **Node Identifier** setting displays. This is a required setting. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/0810c38b-4506-44eb-93e6-0f2a6bef671f.png) 4. In the **Node Identifier** setting, edit the Boundary Timer Event object's identifier to a unique value from all nodes in the Process model and then press **Enter**. --- ### Documentation Panel Settings Describe the object's purpose and how it functions in the Process. This description does not affect Requests for the Process, but may be useful for Process model maintenance such as how the object is configured. Edit information by using the What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get (WYSIWYG) rich text editor. A Process's entered documentation displays by selecting the [**View Documentation** icon for that Process](/v1/docs/view-documentation-for-a-process). #### Edit the Object's Description Displayed in Process Documentation Follow these steps to edit the description for an object: 1. Select the object from the Process model in which to edit its description. 2. Ensure that the **Configuration** panel displays. If not, [show it](/v1/docs/show-configuration-settings-for-a-process-model-object). Panels to configure this object display. 3. Expand the **Documentation** panel if it is not presently expanded. The **Description** setting displays. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/4bd0a69a-a8bf-4f8d-b164-9454adaa8e6e.png) 4. In the **Description** setting, edit the information to display when viewing documentation for this object and then press **Enter**. Alternatively, use the What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get (WYSIWYG) rich text editor to stylize your text by clicking the **More** icon![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/74b360ec-6134-4bf3-b9fa-d959a3ca04b2.png). ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/b78c6ee8-8a2e-4909-82ed-5a8d4ee0114d.png) Follow these guidelines to use the WYSIWYG rich text editor to stylize your text: - **Undo changes:** Click on the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/f6c093f8-41f0-4a1b-9fec-0e3fecd6e2f8.png)icon to undo the last action. - **Redo changes:** Click on the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/988be32c-6bcd-4468-a5e4-bc5f001046a6.png)icon to redo the last undone action. - **Insert/Edit Link**: Click on the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/fd46204e-10bc-44a5-b8fd-9f772c42577f.png)icon to convert the selected text into a hyperlink. Follow these steps to create a hyperlink: 1. Select the required text from the Rich Text control. 2. Click on the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/fd46204e-10bc-44a5-b8fd-9f772c42577f.png)icon. The **Insert/Edit Link** screen displays. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/3aea92e8-967c-4973-b281-c9ae5104d317.png) 3. In the **URL** setting, enter the destination URL. 4. In the **Text to display** setting, edit or enter the text displayed in the Rich Text control. 5. In the **Title** setting, enter the text to display when a user hovers over the displayed text. 6. From **Open link in…** drop-down menu, select one of these options: - **New window**: Select this option to open the destination page in a new browser window. - **Current window**: Select this option to open the destination page in the current browser window. - **Insert/Edit Image:** Click on the **Insert/Edit Image** icon![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/85a2e375-46d8-4e91-a1ee-3959e9ff5783.png)to insert an image. Follow these guidelines: 1. Click on the **Insert/Edit Image** icon![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/85a2e375-46d8-4e91-a1ee-3959e9ff5783.png). 2. The **Insert/Edit Image** screen displays: ![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/e24a4482-9c5d-4520-bec9-ff71f5b89935.png) 3. In the **Source** setting, enter a URL for the image. 4. In the **Alternative Description** setting, enter the text to display if the source URL of the image is not accessible. 5. In the **Width** setting, enter the maximum width for the image. 6. In the **Height** setting, enter the maximum height for the image. 7. Toggle the **Constrain Proportions** icon![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/5d358c3e-8e23-4ffa-9e21-48136e3b5791.png)to maintain the width-height ratio of the image to its original proportion. 8. Click **Save**. - **Insert Page Break for PDF:** Click on the **Insert Page Break for PDF** icon![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/3d15c38f-f839-4a98-b02a-135b6920bbbb.png)to insert a page break when a PDF document is created for this documentation if your browser supports this feature. - **Format text**: Follow these guidelines to format text: - **Headings**: From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select **Headings** and then select a heading size. - **Bold:** Do one of the following: - From the editor toolbar, select the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/674062aa-a60f-483b-937d-c56bbff2261b.png)icon. - From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select **Inline** and then **Bold**. - **Italics:** Do one of the following: - From the editor toolbar, select the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/07500111-ecb9-442a-bc53-fc0c30af25e2.png)icon. - From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select **Inline** and then **Italic**. - **Underline**: From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select **Inline** and then **Underline**. - **Strikethrough**: From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select **Inline** and then **Strikethrough**. - **Superscript**: From the **Paragraph/** **Formats** menu, select **Inline** and then **Superscript**. - **Subscript**: From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select **Inline** and then **Subscript**. - **Code**: From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select Inline and then **Code**. - **Paragraph**: From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select **Blocks** and then **Paragraph**. - **Blockquote**: From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select **Blocks** and then **Blockquote**. - **Division**: From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select **Blocks** and then **Div**. - **Preformatted**: From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select **Blocks** and then **Pre**. - **Change text color**: Use the **Text Color** drop-down to change text color. Click on the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/3f0d0a80-7fff-45be-b970-59f429f096af.png)icon. The color palette displays. Do one of the following: - Select one of the color swatches from the color palette. The selected text changes to that color. - Click the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/b6b0f2e3-31dd-4541-b423-88b4a95ddd89.png)icon to select a custom color from the **Color Picker**. - Click the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/75d04af8-110e-40f1-814b-bfdc4011d3b2.png)icon to reset the text to its default color. - **Align text**: Follow these guidelines to align text: - **Left align:** Do one of the following: - From the editor toolbar, use the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/f06f23bd-e5c0-45ef-974d-450590a89621.png)icon to left-align text. - From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select **Align** and then **Left**. - **Center align:** Do one of the following: - From the editor toolbar, use the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/dae5c39e-0f3c-4343-b597-524805ba41b7.png)icon to center-align text. - From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select **Align** and then **Center**. - **Right align**: Do one of the following: - From the editor toolbar, use the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/ff611269-ee8f-48b0-89a7-96675365ee7c.png)icon to right-align text. - From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select **Align** and then **Right**. - **Justify**: Do one of the following: - From the editor toolbar, use the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/14836941-1f26-4c88-9658-51d0b10c4a75.png)icon to justify text. - From the **Paragraph/Formats** menu, select **Align** and then **Justify**. - **Insert a bullet list**: Use the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/48bd59da-6c98-4214-ba21-e728cdb319bd.png)icon to format text as a bulleted list. - **Insert a numbered list:** Use the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/d9dc9b63-7a98-4a64-8721-ed5a42c86196.png)icon to format text as a numbered list. - **Indent text**: Click on the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/a32788a7-d9f2-49e9-a7dc-55081d4399ea.png)icon to increase text indenting. - **Outdent text:** Click on the![](https://cdn.document360.io/2d311614-fcb7-4424-8b4c-d4d3091eebeb/Images/Documentation/e640061c-0087-49dd-b722-d92e0bb45b48.png)icon to decrease text indenting.