VDM Scheduler Setup and Configuration Guide

This guide explains how to configure the VDM Scheduler using a SQL database backend.

A SQL-backed Scheduler is the recommended configuration because it provides centralized Scheduler data, improved job management, and avoids the file-locking limitations associated with the legacy Calendar file.

Note: If you are using the legacy Calendar file Scheduler, the Calendar may appear read-only while the Scheduler Service is running because the Calendar file can be locked by the service.

Prerequisites

Before configuring the Scheduler, make sure you have:

• VDM installed.
• Access to Microsoft SQL Server.
• SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or another method of administering the SQL Server.
• A Windows account that the BridgeWorks VDM Scheduler Service can use to access required Views, folders, export locations, and other resources.

If SQL Server and SSMS are not already installed, see:

Microsoft SQL Server 2025 Express & SSMS Installation

Connect to SQL Server

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
2. Connect to the SQL Server instance that will host the Scheduler database.

Make note of the SQL Server and instance name.

For example:

MYSERVER\SQLEXPRESS

You will use this value later when creating the Scheduler profile in VDM.

Enable SQL Server authentication

VDM uses a SQL login for the Scheduler connection. Make sure the SQL Server instance allows SQL Server Authentication.

Open SQL Server Properties

1. In Object Explorer, right-click the SQL Server instance.
2. Select Properties.

Enable SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode

1. Select Security from the left panel.

2. Under Server authentication, select:

   SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode

3. Select OK.

Note: This setting allows both Windows Authentication and SQL Server Authentication.

Restart SQL Server

The SQL Server instance must be restarted before the authentication change takes effect.

1. Right-click the SQL Server instance.
2. Select Restart.
3. Confirm the restart if prompted.

After SQL Server restarts, reconnect in SSMS if necessary.

Create the Scheduler database

Create a new database

1. In SSMS, expand the SQL Server instance.
2. Right-click Databases.
3. Select New Database.

Enter a database name.

For example:

Scheduler

Select OK.

Make note of the database name because it will be used when configuring VDM.

Create the Scheduler SQL login

VDM uses a SQL login to connect to the Scheduler database.

Create a new login

1. In SSMS, expand Security.
2. Right-click Logins.
3. Select New Login.

Configure SQL Server authentication

1. Enter a login name.

   Example:

   SchedulerAccount

2. Select SQL Server authentication.
3. Enter and confirm a secure password.
4. Uncheck Enforce password expiration and User must change password at next login. 

Important: Store the login name and password securely. You will need both when creating the Scheduler profile in VDM.

Configure password policies according to your organization's SQL Server security requirements.

Map the SQL login to the Scheduler database

1. Select User Mapping.
2. Select the Scheduler database.
3. Grant the SQL login the database permissions required for VDM Scheduler operations.
   • db_datareader
   • db_datawriter
   • db_owner
   • db_securityadmin
   • public
4. Select OK.

Database permissions should follow your organization's SQL Server security policies while allowing VDM to create, read, update, and maintain Scheduler data.

Create the Scheduler profile in VDM

Open Scheduler Profiles

1. Open VDM.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select Profiles.
4. Select Scheduler.

Configure the Scheduler connection

Enter the SQL Server information created earlier:

• Server / Instance — SQL Server and instance name.
• Database — Scheduler database name.
• Username — Scheduler SQL login.
• Password — Password for the SQL login.

Select Test Connection.

If the connection is successful, select Save and give the profile a recognizable name.

For example:

Scheduler

Configure User Options

Open User Options and configure:

• Use SQL Database — True
• SQL Connection — Select the Scheduler profile.

Configure Global Options

Run VDM using Run as administrator, then open Global Options.

Configure:

• Use SQL Database — True
• SQL Connection — Select the Scheduler profile.

Configure Service Options

While VDM is running as an administrator, open Service Options.

Configure:

• Use SQL Database — True
• SQL Connection — Select the Scheduler profile.

Configure the BridgeWorks VDM Scheduler Service

The BridgeWorks VDM Scheduler Service runs scheduled appointments and Jobs without requiring VDM to remain open.

Open Windows Services

1. Open Services in Windows.
2. Locate BridgeWorks VDM Scheduler Service.

Configure the service account

1. Right-click BridgeWorks VDM Scheduler Service.
2. Select Properties.
3. Open the Log On tab.
4. Select This account.
5. Select Browse.

Select the Windows account the Scheduler Service will use.

The account should have access to any resources required by scheduled Jobs, including:

• VDM Views and configuration files
• Documents folders
• Export locations
• Network shares
• Database resources
• Other files or folders used by scheduled Jobs

Select Check Names, then select OK.

Enter the account password and select Apply.

For additional information about folder permissions, see:

View and Add Permissions – Effective Access for the Scheduler Service

Configure the service startup type

1. Open the properties for BridgeWorks VDM Scheduler Service.
2. Set Startup type to Automatic.
3. Select Apply.
4. Start the service.

Manage the Scheduler Service from VDM

After the Scheduler Service has been configured, administrators can manage it from within VDM.

Available controls can include:

• Start
• Stop
• Restart

For users who need to control the Scheduler Service without administrative privileges, see:

Controlling Scheduler Service Without Administrative Privileges

Verify the Scheduler setup

After completing the configuration:

1. Confirm the Scheduler profile successfully connects to SQL.
2. Confirm Use SQL Database is set to True in the required VDM options.
3. Confirm the correct SQL Connection is selected.
4. Confirm the BridgeWorks VDM Scheduler Service is running.
5. Open the Scheduler in VDM.
6. Create or review a Job.
7. Create a Scheduler appointment.
8. Allow the appointment to run.
9. Confirm the Job completes successfully.

If the Job uses exports, email delivery, network locations, or other external resources, verify that the Scheduler Service account has access to those resources.

Related articles

• Scheduling Jobs Using the VDM Scheduler
• Microsoft SQL Server 2025 Express & SSMS Installation
• View and Add Permissions – Effective Access for the Scheduler Service
• Controlling Scheduler Service Without Administrative Privileges