Terminate process model after n- minutes

Question

Hi Team, 
 We have a scenario where Process Model 1 calls Sub‑Process Model 2 in synchronous mode. Sub‑Process Model 2 contains Process 2.1 and Process 2.2. Normally, these complete within expected time, but if Process Model 2 runs longer than 15 minutes, we want to: - Terminate Sub‑Process Model 2. - Mark it as completed so it doesn&rsquo;t remain in an in‑progress state. 
 Essentially: - Process Model 1 (synchronous) &rarr; Process Model 2.1 & 2.2. - If execution exceeds 15 minutes, enforce a timeout, terminate, and mark complete. 
 Question to the Community: - What is the recommended way to implement this timeout/termination logic in Appian? - Is there a best practice for handling long‑running synchronous sub‑processes (e.g., timers, escalation paths, or design patterns)? Error " The amount of time allocated for the completion of an unattended activity was insufficient to allow the activity to complete."

Mike Schmitt · Answer

purvajadurga-hzn said: Should this be handled with an “OR” condition 
 no. the AND gateway is intentional here. 
 purvajadurga-hzn said: how should we design the logic so that the system doesn’t remain blocked? 
 That's what the above diagram does. When the timer expires (whether or not the subprocesses are complete), the "subprocess 2" completes with a Terminate node and the parent ("Process Model 1") proceeds.

Shubham Aware · Answer

Use a timer-based timeout path or, preferably, redesign the child as an asynchronous process; avoid keeping the parent waiting synchronously beyond 15 minutes.

Mike Schmitt · Answer

In the "handler" subprocess ("Model 2" in your example from what I can tell), one of the easiest ways to do this will be to use an AND gateway to create a parallel secondary flow that rests on a timeout timer, and if that timer expires prior to the two (2.1 and 2.2) subprocesses completing normally, set an error condition and terminate, in which case the parent process can observe the value of the passed-back error variable (can just be text containing your error message, etc) and take action based on that. 
 e.g.

Shubham Aware · Answer

Add a Timer node for 15 minutes in the child process, then use a gateway so either the work finishes or the timer fires. If the timer wins, terminate the child and return a timeout status to the parent.

Mike Schmitt · Answer

purvajadurga-hzn said: This will help clarify how the sub‑process is managed when execution exceeds the defined threshold 
 The parent process terminates so the subprocesses are ended. If you need anything more detailed than that to happen, then the timers will need to be handled within the child processes will need to take specific action (with their own timer nodes) -- however, you're asking me to fill in details here when you didn't provide the specific requirements. What I've provided above therefore is the simplest normal execution, where the parent process timer simply causes any/all subprocesses to halt when the timer expires.

Terminate process model after n- minutes

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