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Wait

Pause rule execution for a specified duration or until a target date and time.

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Wait Action#

The Wait action pauses rule execution for a set duration or until a specific date/time, deferring remaining actions until the waiting period expires.

1. What is it?#

A Wait block creates a timed delay in your rule. When execution reaches a Wait node, the system pauses the rule and automatically resumes execution from the next action node when the time arrives.

Action A (Send Quote) ──→ Wait (48 Hours) ──→ Action B (Send Follow-up Email)

2. When to Use#

Use the Wait action when you need to:

  • Schedule delayed follow-ups (e.g., send a reminder email 3 days after a quote is created).
  • Pause until a document date (e.g., wait until the document’s Follow-up Date is reached).
  • Stagger background actions or rate-limit automated operations.

3. How to Configure#

  1. Add the Action: Add a Wait block to your visual canvas.
  2. Select Wait Mode:
    • Duration: Pause for a relative time offset (e.g., 2 Hours, 3 Days).
    • Until Date: Pause until an absolute date/time field or variable (e.g., @doc.follow_up_date).
  3. Configure Duration / Date Field:
    • For Duration: Enter the numeric value and select the time unit (Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Days).
    • For Until Date: Select the target date field using the Smart Value Selector.
  4. Connect Outbound Edge: Connect the Wait block’s outbound port to the action that should execute after the delay completes.

4. UI Configuration Options#

OptionDescription
Wait ModeChoose Duration (relative offset) or Until Date (absolute target timestamp).
Duration Value & UnitSet the number and select unit: Seconds, Minutes, Hours, or Days.
Target Date FieldSelect the document date field (@doc.due_date) using the Smart Value Selector when in Until Date mode.

5. Practical Example#

Scenario: Follow Up on Open Quotation After 48 Hours#

  1. Trigger: Set rule trigger to Quotation After Insert.
  2. Wait Block:
    • Mode: Duration
    • Value: 48
    • Unit: Hours
  3. Notify Block: Connect Wait block to a Notify action (Email quotation follow-up message to customer).

6. Common Mistakes#

  • Blocking Synchronous UI Threads: Placing long delays on web form events (like Before Save). Long delays work best with background or scheduled event rules.
  • Past Date Targets: Supplying an Until Date value that is already in the past, causing the wait step to complete immediately without pausing.
  • Notify: Frequently combined with Wait blocks for delayed follow-up notifications.
  • Rule Lifecycle: Learn how background execution works in FlexiRule.
Last updated Sep 27, 2026