> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.bitbybit.studio/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Use time delay and schedule in automation

> Learn when to use Time delay and when to use Schedule in a bitCRM automation scenario.

Use this page when you need to delay the next step in a scenario or start a scenario from a schedule.

## Overview

The current builder separates these two controls:

* **Time delay** is a step inside the scenario.
* **Schedule** is a trigger source.

Use **Time delay** when the scenario already has a trigger and you want to wait before the next step runs.

Use **Schedule** when you want the automation to start from a date or repeating schedule.

## Before you start

* Open [Automation](https://app.bitbybit.studio/bitcrm/automation-new).
* Decide whether you need a delayed step or a scheduled trigger.

## Add a Time delay step

1. Open the scenario.
2. Click **+** where you want to add the next step.
3. Choose **Time delay**.
4. Enter the delay values the builder asks for.
5. Save the step.

## Set up a Schedule trigger

1. Click **Trigger** in a new scenario.
2. Choose **Schedule**.
3. Set the date and time values you need.
4. Choose the repeat pattern that matches your use case.
5. Save the trigger.

## Confirmed schedule labels

The current Schedule trigger includes these repeat labels:

* **Does not repeat**
* **Daily**
* **Weekly**
* **Monthly**
* **Annually**
* **Additional data**
* **Date of birth**

## Related

* [Get started with automation in bitCRM](/bitcrm/how-to-create-an-automation)
* [Set up a trigger in automation](/bitcrm/how-to-set-up-a-trigger)
* [Add steps to an automation](/bitcrm/how-to-add-steps-to-an-automation)