> ### Working with job templates

> Fathom makes it possible to create and continuously reuse job templates. A template is a sample outline for a resource category that you create. It usually includes some instance data. Values you define in a job template can be reused to help create individual job instances. Job templates are also a time-saving tool to help you standardize the creation of job instances and ensure that they are exportable.

> In those situations where job instances require just a few unique values, you can define a job template from which you can create these individual jobs. To create a job template, you define common values for the template. Then, when you create a job instance from the template, you supply the unique values for the job, accepting appropriate default values from the template. This approach minimizes your data entry tasks and data entry errors.

> These common values typically include:

> - Commands such as executables or scripts.
> - Command arguments.
> - Job properties.
> - A default schedule.

> When you are ready to create instances from the template, you can access and reuse these values in job instances derived from the template.

> For example, in analyzing your current OpenEdge database maintenance practices, your company determines that productivity in your IT department could be greatly improved if database restructuring activities were performed on a regularly scheduled basis for all the databases. To help standardize these processes, and ensure that they are performed routinely for all databases, you can create a user-defined job template and associated schedule for each of these unique database activities.

> Using Fathom-supplied generic tools such as environment variables, you can tailor your job template to your specific needs. When you are ready to use this template, you associate the appropriate database resources with a job instance derived from the specific template.

> Note: When reviewing your current database maintenance practices, keep in mind the Fathom-supplied, specialized Database maintenance job templates from which you can create job instances to address fundamental OpenEdge database maintenance activities. Designing user-defined job templates can be extremely effective, but they can also require additional analysis and design time to effectively produce. In contrast, the Database maintenance job templates are already tailored to address specific database tasks. Consider all your template options as you analyze your database needs. It is possible that a combination of user-defined and Fathom-supplied Database maintenance job templates might be optimum for your company.

> For more information about these database maintenance jobs, see the appropriate section in the Database Management Guide.

> Keep in mind that templates can be imported or exported; for example, users at your company's satellite offices can use the identical templates that are employed at your corporate office, ensuring that your practices are standardized throughout your company. For details about import and export activities, see Chapter 9, "Exporting and Importing in Fathom."

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