Enabling Windows Task Scheduler to Generate Automated Reports

Enabling Windows Task Scheduler to Generate Automated Reports

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Automatic report generation in Margill Loan Manager (MLM) relies on the use of Windows Task Scheduler, combined with the built-in application MLM_Overnight_tasks.exe. This setup allows reports to be generated automatically at predefined times, without any manual intervention.

Prerequisites

Before configuring a task in Windows, make sure that:

  • Automated reports are already configured in MLM.
  • You have Windows administrator rights.
  • The computer or server is powered on or in sleep mode at the scheduled execution time.
  • The report to be generated has a valid identifier (ID).

Step 1 — Enable Automated Tasks in MLM

Open MLM.

  • Go to Settings > System Settings (Administrator).
  • Click Automated and Overnight Tasks.
  • Check Automated Reports.
  • Save the settings.

This step is mandatory. Without this activation, the Windows task will not generate any reports.

See the article dedicated to Automated Reports here

Step 2 — Open Windows Task Scheduler

  1. Open the Windows Control Panel.
  2. Go to Administrative Tools.
  3. Click Task Scheduler.
  4. Select Create a Basic Task
    (recommended option for less experienced users)

Step 3 — Define the Task Schedule

  1. Enter a name and description for the task
    (e.g., Margill Automated Reports).
  2. Select the frequency
    o Daily is the most common choice.
  3. Choose the execution date and time
    o Typically outside business hours (e.g., 1:00 AM).

Step 4 — Link the Task to MLM

  1. At the Action step, select Start a program
  2. Click Browse.
  3. Select the file MLM_Overnight_tasks.exe, located in the Margill Loan Manager installation directory.
  4. Click Next

Step 5 — Add the Required Argument for Reports

To generate automated reports, the REPORTS argument is mandatory.
In the Arguments field, enter:
REPORTS=ID

Examples

  • Single report: REPORTS=5
  • Multiple reports:REPORTS=1;3;5

Without the REPORTS argument, the task will run, but no report will be generated.

Step 6 — Finalize the Task

Before clicking Finish, it is recommended to:

  • Check Open the Properties dialog for this task when I click Finish.
  • Verify, if needed with your IT department:
    • Run whether user is logged on or not
    • Run with highest privileges

The task is now active and will run automatically according to the defined schedule.

Best Practices

  • Always test your automated reports before moving them into production.
  • Periodically review the task logs.
  • Avoid scheduling too many resource-intensive tasks at the same time.