---
updatedAt: 2026-09-15T13:05:34.000Z
agentTools:
projectIndex: https://docs.quable.com/v5-EN/llms.txt
---
# Scheduling automatic data export with crontab
### Learning Objectives
* Understand recurring export scheduling.
* Configure a scheduled export.
* Manage and monitor the execution of exports.
***
# Overview
Scheduled exports allow you to automate the export of files at regular intervals. With Crontab scheduling, files are automatically generated and sent at a specific time to a designated location. Automated exports save time, ensure reliability, and provide optimal management of your data flows. They are particularly useful in the following cases:
1. **Updating product sheets across distribution channels**
* Regular synchronization of product sheets,
* Reduction of errors due to manual updates,
* Improved consistency of information between business tools.
2. **Data archiving and reporting**
* Creation of backup copies of exports,
* Prevention of data loss in case of an incident,
* Periodic extraction of data for reporting purposes.
3. **Synchronization with partners and suppliers**
* Automated sharing of stock and pricing data,
* Reduction of exchange times and improved collaboration.
Scheduled data exports ensure a regular, reliable, and automated process. This helps reduce manual interventions and ensures regular updates to your data.
### Good to know
You must have previously created export profiles for data flows before configuring automatic exports. See the [Export Profiles course](https://docs.quable.com/v5-EN/docs/mastering-export-and-import-profile-rules).
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# Create a Scheduled Export
## Access Scheduled Exports
* From the administration menu, go to the **Scheduled Exports** section.
* The recurring exports already scheduled will appear in the list. Click on **Schedule export** to create a new one.
## Define an Export Schedule
A form appears with four sections:
## Schedule Identity
* **Name** (mandatory): define a name to identify the export.
* **Description** (optional): add details about the export.
* **Active**: the export is active by default, but can be disabled.
## Select the Export Profile
* Choose an existing **export profile** or create a new one.
* An export profile is **required** to schedule an export.
## Set Recurrence (Crontab)
* **Crontab**: defines the execution frequency (e.g., every day at midnight).
* Use the **Crontab Generator** to create a valid expression.
* **Time zone**: select the appropriate time zone (e.g., Europe/Paris).
### Good to know
You don't need to master Crontab syntax to set the recurrence with the Crontab generator. Here is an example of **Crontab** syntax for a scheduled export **every Monday at midnight**: `0 0 ? * MON
0 0` → Executes the task at **00:00** (midnight).
`?` → Replaces an uncertain value for the day of the month
`*` → Every month.
`MON` → Executes only **on Monday**.
## File Destination
The generated export must be sent to a remote server. Configure the destination for the recurring export in this section:
* **Protocol** (mandatory): **FTP** or **SFTP** for file transfer.
* **Full directory path of the file destination** (mandatory): enter the full address of the exported file.
* **Connection login** and **Password** (if required): provide the credentials for the connection.
Once the form is completed, click **Create** to save the schedule.
***
# Manage Scheduled Exports
## **Edit an Export**
* Select an existing export and click **Edit**.
* All parameters are editable
* Click **Save** to apply the changes.
## **Delete an Export**
* Click the **Delete** icon from the exports list or the edit page.
* Deletion is permanent and cannot be recovered.
## **Monitor the Execution of Exports**
* Check the **activity reports** to view the status of exports and retrieve the generated files.
***
### In summary
Scheduled exports allow for the automation of file transfers at defined intervals, thus reducing the need for manual intervention.
**Configuring a Scheduled Export:**
* Access via the administration menu.
* Select an existing export profile or create a new one.
* Define the execution frequency using Crontab (e.g., every Monday at midnight).
* Set the destination (FTP/SFTP) with login credentials.
**Managing Exports:**
* Edits are possible (including the export profile selection).
* Deletion is permanent with no recovery possible.
* Track exports and retrieve files from the activity log.
***
# Next Chapter
Now that you know how to schedule automatic data exports with Crontab, let's explore how to [Import, Export, and Manage the PIM Data Model](https://docs.quable.com/v5-EN/docs/import-export-and-manage-the-pim-data-model).