Configuring Schedules and Holidays

Schedules are defined timeframes that enable a function or access level to operate only within certain specified periods. They can be used to control when a user can gain access, unlock doors automatically, arm or disarm areas at certain times, turn devices on and off or change the way they behave at certain times of day. Schedules are central to automating access control and intrusion detection within the Protege system.

As schedules are commonly used to control access or secure areas it is a common requirement to have the schedule behave differently on a holiday. This is achieved by adding holiday groups which are then used to prevent (or allow) periods within a schedule to function during the holiday duration.

Once a schedule is programmed it will always be either valid or invalid. When it becomes valid, items that are programmed to depend on that schedule become active. For example:

• An access level will only grant access when its operating schedule is valid
• A door will unlock when its unlock schedule becomes valid
• An output will turn on when its activation schedule becomes valid

This section provides some useful programming tips for programming schedules effectively.