Then close the event and the workflow should run every time the alarm alerts. In this dialogue box, select the saved workflow application, and then schedule it to run at '0' minutes before the event (at the time of the event). This will open a dialogue box which will have users select the file to open when the alarm sounds. From here, in the 'alarm' section of the event, select the 'open file' option as the alarm action and then select 'other' in the new menu that appears directly below the 'open file' text (NOTE: 'iCal' is the default selection for this so the program will open when the alarm alerts). With that calendar selected, create an event and schedule it to repeat at the desired rate (daily, weekly, monthly, etc) and time. Then in iCal create a new calendar and call it 'Scheduled Apps' or whatever may suit the situation. To use this, users should save their workflows as applications (available in the 'Save As' options in Automator) so they can be run as standalone processes. Use iCal scheduling to run tasks at regular intervals Using iCal is a convenient way to run scripts at a given time, since it supports opening applications and running applescripts as an action for alarms. In Mac OS X there are many ways to run programs and scripts according to a schedule, and while many involve knowledge of the terminal, here are a couple of simple options users can start with to get their scripts to run at the desired times. This is especially true for routine tasks such as synchronizing.

While Automator has the potential to bring otherwise complicated scripting to average users, and while users can just have the workflow sit in the dock to be clicked whenever it's desired, it can be frustrating for users who wish to not have to manually open the automator script. Since these actions are routine tasks, many users may wish to run Automator workflows on either a regular schedule or have them automatically start when conditions demand it. The Automator application in OS X is a feature that many people use to modify documents in a folder, or perform other routine actions such as synchronizing items in a folder with those in another location.

Best mac automator workflows