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!

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

Anyone else has had the same issue and can tell why?