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Cron automation with deployment parameters

  • December 16, 2025
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mmeyers
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I am just getting started with trying to use deployment parameters. When creating a scheduled automation, I thought I could use cron in a scheduled automation trigger but store the cron details in a deployment parameter. 

I took a working cron configuration and stored those details in a deployment parameter. Then when trying to enable the automation I got this error message in the debug log: Unable to assemble automation. Invalid Cron expression: {deployment.Trap_Daily_CRON}

I am selecting the deployment parameter from the menu when creating the cron configuration, not just typing this in so I had expectations that this would succeed.There doesn’t seem any way to get this working that I can see.

Is this something that is actually available?

This is on FME Flow Hosted 2025.1.3.

Best answer by david_r

If it doesn’t work then I’d call it a probable bug, as the interface clearly lets you assign a deployment parameter to the CRON expression.

Consider flagging it to Safe support: https://support.safe.com/hc/en-us/p/Support

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3 replies

j.botterill
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  • j.botterillInfluencer
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  • December 17, 2025

Is the deployment parameter type = text

FME Flow supports four types of deployment parameters: Text, Password, Web Connection, and Database Connection

Getting Started with Deployment Parameters – FME Support Center

You ‘could’ attempt it with a password type, to see if it enscapulates the Cron expression text slightly differently

With automations there is also the Debug mode for development and troubleshooting. You can access the Debug log directly from the automation canvas or the Automations menu

    david_r
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    • david_rCelebrity
    • Best Answer
    • December 17, 2025

    If it doesn’t work then I’d call it a probable bug, as the interface clearly lets you assign a deployment parameter to the CRON expression.

    Consider flagging it to Safe support: https://support.safe.com/hc/en-us/p/Support

      mmeyers
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      • mmeyersContributor
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      • December 17, 2025

      ​@j.botterill I had configured the parameter as “text” because that seemed like the only sensible option (out of text, password, web conn and DB conn). I had been aware of the debug capabilities as that was where I got the error message from but I will look at that again.

       

      ​@david_r  I think maybe you are right and I should raise this as support. It looks to me like I’m using it right and I can’t see any obvious way to mess it up.

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