> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fortifiedid.se/control/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fortifiedid.se/control/key-components/schedules.md).

# Schedules

The main building blocks used when Control runs recurring or background execution.

Schedules components are used when Control should execute work automatically over time instead of waiting for a user or an external HTTP caller.

## Main components

* **Scheduler module** loads and executes configured jobs.
* **Schedule job** defines when the work should run and what type of job it is.
* **Schedule expression** controls timing, either through a predefined interval or a Quartz cron expression.
* **Pipes** define the actual work performed by the job.
* **Run on start** allows the job to execute when the service starts.

## When to use Schedules components

These components are central when:

* recurring synchronization should run automatically
* background maintenance or cleanup jobs are needed
* periodic reconciliation or enforcement should happen without user interaction
* one or more pipes should be executed on a timed basis

## Related pages

* [Schedules module](/control/configuration-reference/modules/schedules.md)
* [Schedules properties](/control/configuration-reference/modules/schedules/properties.md)
* [External modules](/control/configuration-reference/modules/external-modules.md)