The Best Windows Job Scheduler Tools

Scheduling tasks for out-of-hours processing is a no-brainer. There are so many admin tasks that can’t be performed while the system is busy working for its user community. Temporary files can’t be cleaned up while they are still open and issues such as registry management can’t be performed while users are launching processors on the server.

Apart from the problem of contention, job schedulers help spread the load on a server and on the network. If you are working tight budget constraints, the cheapest way to get top value out of your resources is to spread out non-interactive tasks so they are performed overnight while the users are out of the office.

Here is our list of the best Windows job scheduler tools:

1. ActiveBatch Workload Automation – EDITOR'S CHOICE A cloud-based scheduling system that supports the creation of batches. These scripts are created like a process flow diagram with each step represented by a different software package. Access a demo and then continue with a free trial.
2. Redwood Workload Automation – ACCESS FREE DEMO A SaaS system that enables job scheduling as part of a workflow management platform that has a graphics-based schedule assembly editor.
3. Tidal Workload Automation – ACCESS FREE DEMO This job scheduler enables you to create a process flow by stringing together different software packages, which you can then launch on a timer or on a triggering event.
4. Activeeon Workflow & Scheduling A cloud-based platform that includes a drag-and-drop workflow assembly system and the ability to launch and track both processes across many different operating systems.
5. Fortra's JAMS Scheduler An on-premises system for scheduling tasks that can be extended by integrations to reach out to other servers and services across a network. It installs on Windows Server.
6. Advanced Task Scheduler On-premises software – available in host-only or networked job scheduling capabilities. This software runs on Windows and Windows Server.
7. BMC Control-M A very high-end tool for DevOps environments that has a wide range of capabilities, such as system set up and verification as well as time-triggered batch job scheduling. It runs on Windows Server or Unix.
8. VisualCron A very easy-to-use job scheduler for Windows that can also send commands to other operating systems. It runs on Windows and Windows Server.

The case for job scheduling is so fundamental to system management that it really doesn’t have to be made in any great detail. You’re doing it already – but could it be done better?

Process automation

Process automation and automated workflows have become hot topics within the IT operations sector in recent years. Process automation is an advanced form of batch job scheduling.

So, when looking at Windows job scheduler tools, we are talking about process automation. Putting together a batch file is relatively simple and linking it to a timer function within the operating system for unattended processing is pretty straightforward. However, there are some very nice tools available right now that have easy-to-use graphical interfaces and that can perform a range of useful options, such as conditional branching which makes putting together a complicated workflow a lot easier.

You can challenge yourself on how to create a batch file that can do lots of fancy things but it is just quicker and cheaper to buy a tool to do that for you so you can free up time for all of those pending tasks in your digital inbox.

The best Windows job scheduler tools

When looking for the best tools for job scheduling tools for windows we focused on innovative utilities that can set up complicated workflows a lot quicker than you could sort out by yourself.

Although there are many job schedulers for Windows available right now, some of them are not as good as their sales descriptions make them out to be. There are some lesser-known tools that are just as good as the well-known schedulers and do all of the same work but cost a lot less. These are the types of tools we looked for – those that offer value for money.

We also took into account cross-platform job scheduling systems that could be used to schedule jobs on Windows servers and desktops even though they might not actually run on a Windows host. This configuration is particularly notable in cloud-based job scheduling services.

You can read more about each of these options in the following sections.

1. ActiveBatch Workload Automation – FREE DEMO

ActiveBatch Workload Automation has all of the features that we put on our wish list for an advanced job scheduler. The unexpected attribute of this system is that it doesn’t run on Windows. This is a cloud platform that is able to reach your system from its remote location. It does perform job scheduling on Windows hosts.

A big benefit of ActiveBatch’s off-site location is that it isn’t limited to managing activities on the computer that hosts it, like a typical Windows job scheduler. The removal of that on-board restriction really blows the walls off job scheduling. You can integrate a whole range of services and create a full orchestration system that moves data and launches updates as well as enabling you to perform unattended clean-up tasks.

The ActiveBatch service is very good for Managed File Transfers (MFT) as well as launching processes on Windows computers. The job scheduler can be applied to a range of tasks, such as bulk file transfers and, as all actions are logged, it helps you with audit trails and standards compliance. Other systems that can be automated by ActiveBatch workflows are email management, ERP processes, message queueing, and Web service management.

For a classic job scheduler, however, the main trigger to activity is the system clock and ActiveBatch includes the option of triggering workflows from the calendar. Thus, you can set a batch job (workflow) to start up at a specific time of each day, at a specific time on a specific day or days, or at a specific time on a particular day.

A Time-based scheduling system is a type of trigger-based scheduling – the system clock reaching a pre-defined moment kicks off the batch job. ActiveBatch is also able to manage Constraint-Based Scheduling (CBS). CBS operates like a decision tree or a workflow diagram, allowing interdependent process flows to operate in parallel, feeding inputs into each other and holding up one process until another has completed.

The types of applications that ActiveBatch can run as part of a workflow include databases, file handlers, system cleanup functions, access rights managers, ERPs, mail systems, report generators, and accounting services. The system can launch DOS-type batch files, PowerShell scripts, backup processes, and virtualization managers.

ActiveBatch isn’t available for a free trial and the company keeps its prices close to its chest. To start an inquiry into the suitability of this job scheduling system you should ask for a demo.

ActiveBatch is a great choice for a Windows job scheduler tool because it is a cross-platform service that is able to extend workflow management and job scheduling of Windows-based tasks beyond that operating system through to all other platforms. The service includes an easy-to-use drag-and-drop workflow assembler and is able to organize schedules that are triggered by events or time.

Get a free demo of ActiveBatch: advsyscon.com/en-us/demo/get-started

2. Redwood Workload Automation – FREE DEMO

Redwood offers a fully hosted workflow creator that integrates a scripting system. The workflow creation process is based on a graphics editor that enables you to create a chart for the processes that you want to implement and monitor. You then fill out the details for each process. It keeps a clean core by avoiding customization and integrate with S//HANA and other SAP platforms without special software or infrastructure

Process definition screens lead you through the creation of actions in a sequence that the system will then interpret into implementation scripts. Those scripts can include time-based launching mechanisms and hold-ups to wait for the completion of feeder processes.

Schedule sequencing can be time-based or event-based and either can also be set to run periodically. You can set completion goals and the system tracks the execution of each schedule. The Redwood platform will alert you if one step in a schedule fails or if goals, such as completion times are missed.

The Redwood service connects through to your servers in order to launch each step in a schedule. It is able to work with system services and software interfaces to automatically run and monitor the required systems for each step in a schedule.

Once a workflow ends, the system retains records of the run with completion statuses and times for each step in the schedule. You can query these logs to discover debug messages and processing volumes.

Redwood Workload Automation can slot into your current environment, coordinating with all of the software you already use. This system is based in the cloud, so you don’t have to host or maintain it. Workflow definition is very easy with this system because it works through a graph creation process that has a guided step definition section that will automatically generate scripts to coordinate batches when the workflow is executed. Trigger workflows by events or on a schedule.

The Redwood service is suitable for managing a DevOps pipeline, managing unattended maintenance tasks, or facilitating data flows. You can get a free demo of Redwood Workload Automation to assess its suitability for your organization.

Get a free demo of Redwood: https://www.redwood.com/lp/ex0/job-scheduling

Get FREE Demo!

3. Tidal Workload Automation – ACCESS FREE TRIAL

Tidal Workload Automation creates a workflow, which is a sophisticated form of batch job. With a batch script, you write each line as a utility that needs to launch and the script will move on to the next line once that utility finishes running. With Tidal, that script is represented by a visual flow chart and each element in the graphic represents a software package. You specify which outputs from one package feed into the next application in the chain when it launches.

Tidal can control each software package as it runs – a little like a macro, so it dictates the activity of the software and how it handles data. Sometimes, a unit can have several potential outcomes, and in those cases, you can choose different subsequent stages according to the results.

An example of this conditional branching lies with CI/CD pipeline management for software delivery in a DevOps environment. If a tester reveals problems, the program needs to be passed back for rework, if everything completes according to expectations, the package should be scheduled for release. Tidal can implement this type of activity.

Many customers of Tidal use the system to manage data exchanges between ERP packages and third-party software. The tool can remove the need for data entry and manual translation of data between systems. That reduces costs and speeds up processing and it also removes human error.

Tidal isn’t available for a free trial. However, you can assess the Tidal Workload Automation system by accessing a demo.

Get FREE Demo!

4. Activeeon Workflow & Scheduling

Activeeon Workflow & Scheduling is a close alternative to our top recommendation. This is also a cloud-based platform and is able to support the creations of job schedules that include actions on a range of operating systems and trigger processes in a list of applications.

The Activeeon environment is a Web-based dashboard that includes utilities to enable you to set up batches of tasks for automated execution and then decide on the triggers that will launch them. Calendar-based schedules are available and the system can run processes on Windows, Linux, macOS, and Unix. A workflow/batch can implement processes on combinations of environments. It is possible to run a process on one server, let it finish and report back, and then launch the next process on another server.

The ability to combine processing on several servers in one batch job makes this ideal for data transfers and processing. There is a managed file transfer system embedded in this tool. All process operations and completion statuses get logged. This makes it a great tool for those who need to provide audit trails for standards compliance.

The Activeeon system includes a system of alerts and notifications. Although you might not want the prospect of being pinged by overnight jobs while you are trying to sleep, sometimes, critical processes can’t be ignored. You get control over what jobs can notify you and what severity of a problem will trigger an alert.

Activeeon doesn’t publish its price list. However, you can get to know the system with a 10-day free trial. The sales team is on hand to answer your questions during your investigation of the service, so you can broach the topic of cost with them at that point.

5. Fortra's JAMS Scheduler

Fortra's JAMS Scheduler is a star of the job scheduling and workflow automation market and it gets great reviews from its user community. JAMS Scheduler is delivered as on-premises software that installs on Windows Server.

JAMS isn’t limited to job scheduling for its host computer. The system can execute a series of tasks in the same batch that run on different servers and even different operating systems. This tool is also useful for executing virtualization maintenance tasks and it can also reach out to cloud platforms, such as AWS. It can also safely run admin processes for ERPs and CRM systems, such as SAP, JD Edwards, Oracle ERP, and Peoplesoft.

All of the actions of each scheduled job are logged as they execute. The tool shows live statuses in the dashboard. So, if you are at work when a job runs, you can watch each step go through. However, the big advantage of job scheduling is that you can set a series of processes running while you and everyone else is out of the office.

JAMS integrates account security measures. Access to the console can be granted to multiple user accounts and you can set different levels of privileges for each account. Processes can be monitored by alerts for failure, execution problems, or resource bottlenecks.

Fortra offers a 14-day free trial of the JAMS Scheduler.

6. Advanced Task Scheduler

Advanced Task Scheduler is a straightforward job scheduler for Windows. This tool is available in three editions, all of which install on Windows and Windows Server.

The base edition is a straightforward graphical front end for a job scheduler. The Professional edition will handle more complex tasks and includes a Wake-on-LAN function. Both of these services can manage FTP transfers and both will log all actions. Use it for an FTPS or SFTP service and it can be used as a competent managed file transfer system.

The third version is the Networked edition and which has the ability to schedule tasks on other computers connected to the network or across the internet. This gives you the ability to create job batches that trigger actions on multiple computers. Such a scenario proves very useful for administrators who want to visit each endpoint on a network and perform the same maintenance tasks. Another use would be to transfer files to other computers and then activate software of those endpoints to process them.

The Advanced Task Scheduler is a relatively simple tool but it has a good combination of basic functions that can be built up into a system that manages complicated task automation.

This job scheduler is very good value for money. Its interface isn’t as glitzy as the more expensive tools on this list. However, it is a good workhorse that gets the job done. Advanced Task Scheduler is available for a 30-day free trial.

7. BMC Control-M

Control-M is an on-premises software package that can be installed on Windows Server or Unix. The system includes a client element, which is the GUI for the system, and a server, which does all of the processing, controlling, and logging of job schedules. The client can be installed on several servers, as can the server module. When the user starts up the client to gain access, it is necessary to select a server, which can be on a different host on the network or even on another site.

Control-M is more than a job scheduler because it is available for development and testing environments as well as for IT operations. It has a lot more user-commanded workflow capabilities than a standard job scheduler.

Traditionally, you would think of a job scheduler as a system that will run a batch file at a given time. The Control-M system includes that functionality, but it also has the ability to create packages, such as a setup package that replicates the required systems for a new piece of software. You could use this tool to set up software on endpoints as well as for maintenance tasks.

The actions of each workflow get logged and the scheduler is accessed by individual technician user accounts, which can be tied into a Single Sign-On system. This is probably the most complicated job scheduling tool on this list and it has a lot of capabilities that can take time to fully understand before you get the most out of this package.

The wide range of scenarios that this tool will cater to include managed file transfers, system clean-up, onboarding of endpoints, validation of test environments, system replication or migration, vitalization management, and system backup tasks.

You can take a look at BMC Control-M with a free trial.

8. VisualCron

VisualCron runs on-premises and installs on Windows and Windows Server. This job manager is mainly used for time-based scheduling but it can also serve requirements for other types of triggers.

The VisualCron system isn’t limited to scheduling tasks on its host—it is able to launch processes on other hosts and even on other operating systems. You can launch file transfer utilities with this tool as well as application processes, not just operating system tasks.

The batch job creation service is a drag-and-drop interface that includes options over what to do after each stage completes depending on its termination status. That means you can make decisions over what to do should a task fail. The actions you can command include an alert notification or batch termination.

VisualCron is available on a 45-day free trial.

Windows Job Scheduler Tools FAQs