ArcPy script runs longer processing time in scheduled task than in ModelBuilder?

Question

I have a Python script that runs ArcPy and a model that is imported with a Toolbox.

When directly running the model on ArcMap, it takes 4 plus minutes. It takes about the same time if running in the Windows Command Prompt window. E.g.

Python.exe "{SCRIPT_PATH}"

However, if I run the script in a Windows Scheduled Task, it takes 8 minutes to complete.

One of the processes in the model that makes a big difference is "Tabulate Area". It takes 14 seconds in ArcMap while 44 seconds when run as Scheduled Task!

Running in command prompt and running the scheduled task are done on the same machine.

My environment: ArcMap 10.1, Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise, Python 2.7.2.

Why is there this performance difference?

Answer 1

That is normal, expected behavior. Task Scheduler by default runs tasks at a lower processing and memory priority than processes directly initiated by the user. These two answers should point you in the direction to get this fixed if you want to.

You should of course consider the implications - it could negatively affect other things, like the computer becoming slow when you're working on it, or other things timing out.

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/2427142/is-there-any-way-for-a-win2k8-scheduled-task-to-have-normal-priority-io gives these instructions:

1. Create the task
2. Right click on the task and "export" it
3. Edit the task.xml file that you just exported
4. You will find a line similar to <Priority>7</Priority>
5. Change the value to a normal priority (between 4-6). A table of the potential values: [TaskSettings.Priority property][1]
   • A value of 4 will have the same I/O and memory priority as an interactive process. Values of 5 and 6 will have lower memory priority
6. In the task scheduler, delete the task you initially created
7. In the task scheduler, in the actions area, import the task from the XML file

https://serverfault.com/questions/151824/process-runs-slower-as-a-scheduled-task-than-it-does-interactively This deals with memory priority, and is a bit wordy to just quote here, but worth a read.