---
title: "Using Default Start Time and Order Duration Intervals (aka Order Privileges)"
canonical: "https://docs.rubiconwater.com/space/PNC/2294972417/Using%20Default%20Start%20Time%20and%20Order%20Duration%20Intervals%20(aka%20Order%20Privileges)"
format: markdown
---
> Macro (toc)

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Order duration intervals were previously called *Order Privileges*. Order duration intervals were previously restricted to durations in whole hours. This has now changed and you can set the duration interval in minutes.
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Use the [https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CFGNC/pages/2001405315](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CFGNC/pages/2001405315) if you need to configure the values this attribute can take. Note that, although the attribute value is in minutes, the description (label) can be whatever you prefer.
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ **If you have already set up duration intervals, you do not need to change anything. The values you have configured will continue to work as they did before.**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Note that the descriptions (labels) for the following attributes have changed to be more meaningful (but they will retain their existing values):
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ - Y - 1 Hour
> ℹ️ - N - 24 Hours

# What are default start times and order duration intervals?

Default start times and order duration intervals control when flows can change at a site.

> ℹ️ **Example**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ This may be necessary when there are restrictions on when or how often gates can open and close.

They are configured with the following attributes:

| **Attribute** | **Description** | **Available Scope** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Default Start Time for Order | A comma-separated list of the default times of day when a new order can start (whether or not this is enforced or just suggested depends on the value of the *Enforce Start Time* attribute).<br>> ℹ️ **Example**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Setting the attribute value to *8:30, 20:30 *means that orders can start at 8:30am or 8:30pm. | system, planning group, area, group |
| Enforce Start Time | - If this is set to *No* or not set (the default) the default start times are suggested to the irrigator but are not enforced.
- If this is set to *Yes*, the default start times are enforced. | system, planning group, area, group |
| Order Duration Interval | Specifies a block of time starting from the order start time. Orders can only change and finish at block boundaries.<br>The attribute value should be an *integer number of minutes* to set the size of a block in minutes. If the time is greater than 60 minutes then it must be in multiples of one hour. So you can set a interval length of 15 minutes, but not of 90 minutes.<br>> ℹ️ **Example**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ For example, if this value is set to 480 minutes (8 hours) and the start time is 6 am, the order can change or finish at 2 pm, or 10 pm. | system, area, group, outlet |

## Order Duration Interval Side Effects

If you set an Order Duration Interval then orders must be a whole multiple of that interval. In DMS or in the Irrigator Portal, it is not possible to enter order durations in minutes. Take care that your Order Duration Interval does not restrict users to inconvenient durations.

This is not an issue in CustomerConnect. Users will be able to enter durations in minutes if necessary.

> ℹ️ **Example**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ For example, if your Order Duration Interval is 45 minutes then users in DMS and the Irrigator Portal could not enter a duration of less than 3 hours because 1 and 2 hours are not whole multiples of 45 minutes.

# Applying start time and order duration intervals to flow restrictions

You can control the restriction of flow to conform to these block boundaries by ticking the **Restrict using Default Start Time and Order Duration Intervals** check box on the **Order Restriction Editor**. If this is set:

- If an order starts before the restriction period, the flow restriction for the order will begin at the closest block boundary for that order at or before the start of the restriction period.
- If the order extends beyond the end of the restriction period, the flow restriction for the order will end at the closest block boundary for that order at or after the end of the restriction period.

# Order Duration Intervals and Daylight Saving

If you place an order that overlaps a change in daylight savings the system will automatically adjust the duration of the order if necessary so that the start and finish times that you have entered are correct.