Managing Background Tasks for Data Imports and Exports

Managing Background Tasks for Data Imports and Exports

1. Purpose


This article provides guidance on how to manage recurring data imports and exports using the Background Task Console within the system. This utility is essential for automating the transfer of various types of data into or out of the system, ensuring data currency and consistency.

2. Understanding the Background Task Console

The Background Task Console allows administrators to set up and manage automated tasks for importing and exporting data. Each task is defined by:


  1. Task Type: Specifies the type of data being imported or exported (e.g., user data, course completions).
  2. URL: Defines the source (for imports) or destination (for exports) of the data file.


2.1. Supported URL Schemes

The console supports the following URL schemes for data transfer:

  1. File: Data is written to (for export) or read from (for import) a file on the local file system where the application is running.
    1. Note for Imports: If the URL points to a directory when the 'file' scheme is used, the importer will scan that directory for all files that do not have the .imported file name extension. Every matching file will be processed, and then the .imported file extension will be added to the file name to prevent re-processing.
  2. FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Exported data is uploaded to a file on an FTP server.
  3. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): Exported data is submitted securely using an HTTPS POST request.

2.2. Task Schedules

Task schedules within the Background Task Console are saved as Outline Processor Markup Language (OPML) files.

3. Accessing the Background Task Console

To view and run scheduled import and export tasks in the Background Task Console, your system role must have unrestricted or read-only access to the System Administration feature. This permission is configured in System Roles via Manage Features > System Administration.


To open the Background Task Console:

  1. Go to Manage Center > System > System Utilities > Background Task Console.
  2. The Background Task Console page will open, listing any existing scheduled tasks.



4. Creating a Scheduled Import or Export Background Task

Administrators with the necessary access (unrestricted or read-only to System Administration) can create new scheduled import and export tasks.

To create a new scheduled import or export task:

  1. Navigate to the Background Task Console (as described in Section 3).
  2. Click the + Add Tasks button.
  3. From the Task drop-down list, select either Import or Export.
  4. Select the frequency at which the task will run (e.g., daily, weekly).
  5. Enter a descriptive title for the task.
  6. Enter the task type (e.g., UserImport, CompletionExport).
  7. Enter the URL for the imported or exported file, using one of the supported schemes (File, FTP, HTTPS).
  8. Enter an email address to receive notifications regarding the task's start and end status.
  9. Click Save.




Task Types 

The Background Task Console supports the following task types:

aiccPackage examSectionImports
autoEnrollment examSectionQuestionImports
certificationCsv externalTrainingCsv
completedTrainingRecordsXml getUsersCsv
courseCsv imsEnterprise
courses jobProfilesCsv
ekpXml mainExamImports
modules organizationsCsv
programCsv ServiceNowExamDataFeed
sfiaImport tncUsersCsv
trainingHistory trainingHistoryCsv
trainingHistoryXml turboTrainingHistory
userMergeXml users200510Xml
usersCsv  


The new task will be added to the list displayed on the Background Task Console page and will run according to its configured schedule.

This utility empowers administrators to automate crucial data management processes efficiently


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